what and how much fluid goes in to my 6 speed trans, heard it was some special ford stuff, any help is appreciated thanks

 

It calls for mercon atf in the manual, but I did a search for ZF 6 speed and their web site says use synthetic Atf. Capaicty I think is about 5 quarts.

 

synthetic atf is correct.

i use royal purple synchromax in my zf5.

 

ZF on their website pretty much approves a giant list of approved fluids, but Ford specifies mercon. So I just use Mobil 1 ATF. It made such a huge difference in shifting and noise seemed to be less as well. I changed the Mobil 1 out at 60k and the fluid was still very new looking compared to when I drained the factory fill. I will not be changing the fluid out anymore based on that last drain unless something feels or sounds wrong.

 

The synthetic fluid does make a big difference. I currently have Amsoil in mine, but will most likely switch to Royal Purple when it's next due (~5,000 miles) because it's more readily available.

If you get the tranny cooler fully drained the system will hold just a hair over 6 quarts. Plus 2 more quarts for the transfer case if your trucks a 4x4.

 

So manual 6spd xmissions have tranny coolers?

 

Yes, they have coolers if you have 2 hard lines going from your trans to your rad. Very easy to tell when under the truck.

Question for you guys using the synthetic. Did you find it shifted better after draining out the regular atf and adding the synthetic? I bought my truck used and someone filled my ZF with gear oil so it was a bear shifting in the winter. I changed it out asap and put in standard atf. I'm thinking of changing it again to synthetic atf and was wondering if it is worth the extra $$$.

Thanks

 

Yes, and it seems to operate quieter.

I can't answer that for you. For me, yes it is worth it.

 

It was worth it for me, since it shifts so much smoother into 2nd and 3rd in the winter. Plus, I don't think I'll change it again since it was so clean the last time I drained it out, or at least I'll double the drain interval.

 

just finished the tranny reinstall,, took just 6 quarts and i used mobil 1 synthetic atf all looks good,,

 

Mine shifts way better with synthetic. 2nd and 4th gears were getting noisy and the new fluid quieted them right down.

 

Oh noes! Where's the damn fill hole? I'm transmissionless! Just bought 5 quarts of mobile one atf,... guess i need a ride back for the 6th quart, as i do have a tranny cooler.

 

Left side of the tranny, about 1/4 of the way up. Same type of plug as the drain hole underneath.

If you need to you can remove the shifter and pour it in from the top.

 

found it... shifts soooo much better. Thanks to this site everything is sleazy easy.