Fluid for 3 speed toploader
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Joined: Sep 2017
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Fluid for 3 speed toploader
Good afternoon gents, does anyone know the best fluid to use on a 3 speed top loader transmission. I’ve got a few different responses from various people in the neighborhood but wanted others opinions from the ford forum. Thanks Chris
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,132
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From: W (BY GOD) V
ATF??? ... 
-Gear Oil - 80W-90-
Any quality brand 80W-90
I haven't seen 50W used since the seventies and that was in a 10S ROAD-RANGER.
-Gear Oil - 80W-90-
Gear Oil
Brad Penn multipurpose Classic GL-4 gear oil is specially blended using high-quality Penn Grade mineral base stocks and select additive technologies. It is designed to be used with yellow metallurgy (brass, bronze, copper) and other soft metals used in synchronizers, bushings, thrust washers, and other components typically found in classic manual transmissions. In applications that require API GL-4 quality lubricants, use of API GL-5 lubricants with higher extreme pressure additive concentration can damage these soft metal components.
Brad Penn multipurpose Classic GL-4 gear oil is specially blended using high-quality Penn Grade mineral base stocks and select additive technologies. It is designed to be used with yellow metallurgy (brass, bronze, copper) and other soft metals used in synchronizers, bushings, thrust washers, and other components typically found in classic manual transmissions. In applications that require API GL-4 quality lubricants, use of API GL-5 lubricants with higher extreme pressure additive concentration can damage these soft metal components.
I haven't seen 50W used since the seventies and that was in a 10S ROAD-RANGER.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,522
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From: Townsend, MT
I use 80w-90 in all of my manual transmissions. Whenever I post that on here though, I get somebody that tries to inform me that these transmission were designed to use 30 to 50 weight oil and that 80W-90 results in impossible shifting, catastrophic failure, death, etc.
Personally I would fill it with 80W-90 GL5 and never look back. Heavier oil tends to make it shift better and it helps keep gear noise down.
Personally I would fill it with 80W-90 GL5 and never look back. Heavier oil tends to make it shift better and it helps keep gear noise down.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,132
Likes: 218
From: W (BY GOD) V
Well. I'll tell 'ya...
Lubes have changed so much since then that you have you use a LUBRICATION CHART, especially on EUROPEAN and ASIAN.
Rule of thumb was ATF in most anything with an aluminum case but you have to have the proper service literature or your paycheck may be lacking come Fri. afternoon (no Happy Hour)
Lubes have changed so much since then that you have you use a LUBRICATION CHART, especially on EUROPEAN and ASIAN.
Rule of thumb was ATF in most anything with an aluminum case but you have to have the proper service literature or your paycheck may be lacking come Fri. afternoon (no Happy Hour)
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
I've used 80/90 gear oil for 20 years. Supposedly the modern stuff trashes yellow metals (brass) synchros. If it does, it must take a while. But the manual calls for 50 wt, jus sayin'.
I expect the viscosity is similar to gear oil, I don't believe gear oil and motor oil is measured the same way or some such.
I expect the viscosity is similar to gear oil, I don't believe gear oil and motor oil is measured the same way or some such.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,831
Likes: 121
From: St Albert, Alberta
ATF??? ...
-Gear Oil - 80W-90-
Any quality brand 80W-90
I haven't seen 50W used since the seventies and that was in a 10S ROAD-RANGER.
-Gear Oil - 80W-90-
Any quality brand 80W-90
I haven't seen 50W used since the seventies and that was in a 10S ROAD-RANGER.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Synthetic...d-50W/38691721
Several newer heavy duty transmissions are using it.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,771
Likes: 80
From: tujunga, calif
I've used 80/90 gear oil for 20 years. Supposedly the modern stuff trashes yellow metals (brass) synchros. If it does, it must take a while. But the manual calls for 50 wt, jus sayin'.
I expect the viscosity is similar to gear oil, I don't believe gear oil and motor oil is measured the same way or some such.
I expect the viscosity is similar to gear oil, I don't believe gear oil and motor oil is measured the same way or some such.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,132
Likes: 218
From: W (BY GOD) V
...ok...
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Originally, it was 90 weight gear lube.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
How many manuals do you think there are, Gus?
The Ford Truck Shop Manual
Pg 21-1 SAE 50 above 10° SAE 30 below 10°
Alternate listing is 90 wt gear oil (No EP additives) above 10° 80 wt gear oil below 10°
The Ford Truck Shop Manual
Pg 21-1 SAE 50 above 10° SAE 30 below 10°
Alternate listing is 90 wt gear oil (No EP additives) above 10° 80 wt gear oil below 10°