I'm taking my truck up to my grandpa's to have him top off my fluid again, as well as to pay him this month's payment for the truck.

When I told him I had a friend who was going to change out the drain plugs that throw the oil, he had a fit telling me that it wasn't the plugs that were throwing it. He said that it was coming from further back on the transmission. Are there any other things further back on the M5OD transmission that throw fluid, or have a tendancy to leak?

Another question. I want to make the change to ATF fluid - but I have two misgivings about it. Number one - the ATF is going to be lighter than the 90W he has running in the transmission right now. If I drain the 90 and throw in ATF fluid, isn't the ATF going to leak and flow out the transmission faster than the 90W does? So wouldn't that defeat the purpose and make me have to top off the transmission more often? Lastly, the truck has 200,000 miles on it. The synchro's are bound to be worn with that mileage, even if it has been cared for? At this point, wouldn't heavier fluids be better to cushion things? I know that you all have your "swear by" and I just want to know what to do in my situation. I do know that The hard shifts are a pain in the *** in the mornings if I don't let it warm up for a long time. Thanks.

Btw, he told me that when he used the truck as daily transportation, he drop 80 miles a day 5 days a week back and forth and topped off the fluid every month to be safe, so I figure that that is a 1600 miles interval - which my lower 25-35 town speeds would mean I could go longer without worry, right?

 

Three plugs on the top rear of the trans. M5OD's are notable for that.

Read about it Here

 

So it is, then. He swore it wasn't the plugs, but if they are towards the rear, then it has to be. Plus, it only leaks as he says when its in motion - same as for the plug problem.

But beyond that, what should I do about fluids?

 

I have a '94 Ford Ranger. A few days ago, I noticed transmission drippings on my garage floor. I noticed that the fluid appeared to be coming from the top of my transmission and running down the side to where it formed a drip. From underneath, I can see three rubber plugs located at the top. I noticed that they will turn, and seem to be loose. I figured the fluid was coming from these, and I planned to replace them. However, from what you describe in replacing them, I'm wondering if you are talking about 3 different rubber plugs. I can replace these plugs from underneath, although it will be a tight working environment. Am I looking at the same 3 plugs you are talking about?

 

For the fliuds, i have had bad syncros at 75k(alot of hard driving) and i'm not sure what you mean about the 90w, i've always thought mine came with atf, but have put it in anyways, and have tried the thickening agents like lucas, and well i've had no luck. I would suggest B+M trick shift atf. You could say i "swear by it," It is much thinner than the rest, and for a while i thought like you that thicker cusions... but the B+M works like magic, no grinding, and no hard shifts in cold weather which i had with all the others. But then again not sure if it might leak out in your sitiuation.

Either way, good luck.

 

Here is some good info for you re: leaking plugs....Hope this helps!
https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles...5od_tranny.php

 

Same link I posted

Lot's of good articles there, more people should read them before posting.

 

I had already bookmarked that page in my favorites list. My grandpa still swears its some gasket back there, but there *isn't* and its coming from where the plugs are. He's old and dumb though so....

B&M Trick shift? Maybe once I get money I'll look into this...but I'm poor right now so I'll just keep goign up once a month and having him top it off =).

Morning starts are ok if I work the gears with the clutch in before going...and after a few shifts.

 

Dorman 5/8" steel plugs from a parts store are cheap, and appear to work well.