Anyone have any recommendations on manual tranny fluid?
I'm hoping to improve shifting smoothness,and I would appreciate any input from people who have used Redline or Amsoil fluids in their manual transmissions.

 

Mercon atf. Synthetics are always a plus...for SD

What truck?year?

 

2000 F-250 5.4L 5-spd.man.

 

Both of your choices are tops

Oh and welcome to the forum!!

 

I have the ZF S6-650 (6-speed) not the 5 speed ZF S547 like you have but its probably close enough. I did replace the fluid with Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF and it did improve shifting speed and smoothness quite a bit especially in 2nd and 3rd gear although it did not reduce the noise when cold.

 

I used Redline MTL Synthetic in my 2001 5-speed. Also used it in my previous truck (88 F-250) Seemed to shift a little easier and it quieted down the '88 tranny, which was a bit noisy. Its not a huge difference, but was noticable and worth the extra $ to me.
mike

 

How long do you leave the OEM fluid in before switching to synthetic? Is it like the engine, where you are supposed to let things break-in before switching to the slippery stuff?

 

i switched to Mobil 1 synthetic at 4400 mi. in my '03 6-spd it made a noticeable diference in shifting, well worth the $$$$.
as soon as i figure out how best to do it, i'm going to shorten my shifter by 1-2". anyone out there with any experience w/this.

 

I'm glad to hear that the slow shifting can be improved with synthetic oil...I wanted a manual over the auto and ended up getting it, but during the test drives, I didn't really like the way it shifted...I figured it would just be something I'd learn to live with

Diddlehopper -- are you talking about shortening the shift lever inside the cab, or some other part of the shifting linkage? I would think you could simply unscrew the ****. take a hacksaw to the lever, and re-cut the threads...but I'm not sure how much would really be gained by that process. What you make up for in shorter shifts would have to be made up for with longer arms!

 

>but during the test drives, I didn't really like the way it shifted...I figured it would just be something I'd learn to live with

i thought that too and am really glad that it loosened up so nicely.


>are you talking about shortening the shift lever inside the cab,

yup, it's puzzling. short of using channel locks i've not been able to get the **** loose. it may be molded to the lever, i don't want to putz that up. reaching the shifter is no problem for me. i have a 29" inseam and almost sit on top of it. LOL

 

"almost sit on top of it"

Ummm, maybe the troubles your having with the tranny is more in your shifting techniques?

 

>"almost sit on top of it"
Ummm, maybe the troubles your having with the tranny is more in your shifting techniques?

LOL! my legs are so short that they barely touch the ground. i'm one of a few who wish for Fords adjustable pedal option on a truck! (919s are sweet)

 

hee, hee.

Actually Ford does have the adjustable pedals, but you have to go with the Auto to get them

I'm kind of in the opposite boat...I have a 32" inseam but only stand 5'9". So, it's always a fine line between being comfortable with my legs stretched out and being able to reach the steering wheel.

My Passat has a telescoping steering wheel, so it helps.

btw, I absolutely love my 919. It is so hard to put it down for the winter

Are you in one of those awesome parts of the country where you can ride year round?

One of the purposes of my new truck is to allow me to trailer my bike south during the winter months, to various HSTA events that go on year round.

 

btw, I absolutely love my 919. It is so hard to put it down for the winter

>Are you in one of those awesome parts of the country where you can ride year round?

nope, but wish i was. i'm in Pickerington Oh. about 2 mi from the AMA museum where are you?

>One of the purposes of my new truck is to allow me to trailer my bike south during the winter months, to various HSTA events that go on year round.

well, i'll be dayumed, you're a member of the Honda Sport Trailering Assoc. LOL. me too, absolutely the best group that i've been associated with. are you on the HSTA list?

 

I'm in Madison, WI. Last summer's TwiSTAR was my first event. Haven't done any others yet because it's kind of hard for me to ride 1k or more to an event & then expect to actually enjoy the twisty stuff the next day...that will change next year, that's for sure! My bro-in-law (rides a 97 TL-S, in MN) is also in HSTA & we plan to hit more of the events next year

What HSTA list? Is there a listserve subscription? (If so, please post the address)

I think I'm in the book, but I don't know of any other lists.