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Manual transmission fluid ?

185K views 76 replies 21 participants last post by  Jerry Bransford 
#1 ·
Dose any one no what type of manual transmission fluid to put in a 2000 tj. 4.0
in the owners manual it says 75w-90 for the 2.5L but the 4.0 says you can only use mopar manual tranny fluid. what would be the equevalent you could buy at the average parts store?
 
#2 · (Edited)
Your 2000 TJ 4.0L has the NV3550 transmission which is fairly fussy about what it uses. For a non-synthetic, you can use GM Synchromesh, Pennzoil Synchromesh, or Quaker State Synchromesh. For a synthetic, Royal Purple Synchromax would be a good choice. :)

Edit I changed my opinion on this years ago, I would now run Redline MTL in either the NV3550 or NSG370. In the years since posting the above I read way too many complaints about Synchromesh from GM or Pennzoil. @Jhew1733
 
#12 ·
The manual says....

Your 2000 TJ 4.0L has the NV3550 transmission which is fairly fussy about what it uses. For a non-synthetic, you can use GM Synchromesh, Pennzoil Synchromesh, or Quaker State Synchromesh. For a synthetic, Royal Purple Synchromax would be a good choice. :)
Jerry, I am in a pickle once again.. How funny; it usually begins and ends with the local Jeep dealer...

Anyway, I was reading over my FSM with the intention of tackling my first Transmission and Transfer case fluid change.. I will be doing differentials soon, but the lockers have to be installed first... 4 Wheel Parts IS REALLY DRAGGING THEIR FEETGETTING ALL OF THE PARTS IN!!!!!! :banghead:I will vent more on that later.. Ok, you mention that the NV3550 is a little fussy about what oil she wants.. The dealer told me that I have to use a specific Mopar part number (4874464) and the Factory Service Manual goes out of its way to state "USE only Mopar Part Number 4761542..." I am a little frustrated here as two Jeep dealers in my area want $20 per quart and as I am sure you are aware; they do not sell it by the pint, so I will be looking at a $60 fluid change for my transmission only..

I want only the best for my Billy Goat, but really do not want to spend $60 for a change w/ a half quart left over.. Heck, I just spent $3500 for lockers, an Axle, and gears, so I suppose I should stop complaining and just follow the advise of the Dealer/FSM.. Right??

As always, many thanks sir!

Timber
 
#9 · (Edited)
Dd you miss the info in post #2 above by any chance? "For a synthetic, Royal Purple Synchromax would be a good choice. " :wavey:

Edit I changed my opinion on this years ago, I would now run Redline MTL in either the NV3550 or NSG370. In the years since posting the above I read way too many complaints about Synchromesh from GM or Pennzoil.
 
#11 · (Edited)
Since you live where it gets uber-cold during the winter, I'd run a synthetic gear lube in your tranny and Royal Purple Synchromax would be a good choice. That synthetic lubricants work and flow better in transmissions and engines when it gets extremely cold is my reasoning for that recommendation. And by no means am I a fan of synthetics for all situations. I don't run synthetic engine oil (it doesn't get cold enough where I live) and I'm about to convert my axle gear lubes from a synthetic to a conventional gear lube. :)

Edit I changed my opinion on this years ago, I would now run Redline MTL in either the NV3550 or NSG370. In the years since posting the above I read way too many complaints about Synchromesh from GM or Pennzoil.
 
#13 · (Edited)
I'd go with Royal Purple Synchromax if you can find it Timberman, that's a synthetic that works really well in the NV3550. If you can't, GM and Pennzoil both make Synchromesh which is fully compatible too but neither are a synthetic. If you live in an uber-cold climate, you want to stick with a synthetic like the RP Synchromax. If you live in a temperate climate, Synchromesh from GM or Pennzoil (they are identical) will be fine. :)

Edit I changed my opinion on this years ago, I would now run Redline MTL in either the NV3550 or NSG370. In the years since posting the above I read way too many complaints about Synchromesh from GM or Pennzoil.
 
#15 ·
I'd go with Royal Purple Synchromax if you can find it Timberman, that's a synthetic that works really well in the NV3550. If you can't, GM and Pennzoil both make Synchromesh which is fully compatible too but neither are a synthetic. If you live in an uber-cold climate, you want to stick with a synthetic like the RP Synchromax. If you live in a temperate climate, Synchromesh from GM or Pennzoil (they are identical) will be fine. :)
Is there a particular part number i should reference for the Royal Purple Synchromax.. Also, have you ever used it in the NV3550? I am just a little nervous about going against the manual.. Most of us Rookies are!! :)
 
#19 ·
Timberman, Synthetic is great in colder climates. I am in Central Oregon myself and i have same transmission, NV3550. I use the royal purple, it works great! No special part number just the synchromax! I get mine at Baxter Auto parts, might be only here in central Oregon tho. Cheers!
 
#21 · (Edited)
To be sure Timberman, RP's Synchromax is not only excellent in uber-cold conditions, it will be fine in the heat during the summer too. :)

Edit I changed my opinion on this years ago, I would now run Redline MTL in either the NV3550 or NSG370. In the years since posting the above I read way too many complaints about Synchromesh from GM or Pennzoil.
 
#22 ·
I am on the West Side of the Cascades..

I live on the west side of the cascades, so we are more of a temperate zone (with the exception of the past two weeks). Our Temps are rather moderate where the will dip down into the 30s in the winter and sometimes hit 100 in the summer.. Will I still be ok using Royal Purple Synchromax?

I have been on the phone with a list of dealers but none have it in stock in my area.. If you need RP Max Gear By Chance fellas, come to my neck of the woods as they have it in bountiful supply!
 
#25 ·
Many thanks guys!!!

DING, DING, DING!!!! We have a winner.. I was able to locate it about 18 miles from where I live and I was able to get it for $9.79 per quart..

So, any of you guys had experience with Royal Purple Max Gear?

Before I get out of your hair; the Tranny Fluid Change seems very simple.. Is it really as easy as draining the fluid and replacing with a pump-type system?

Thanks again Guys!
 
#26 · (Edited)
In the axles, I would stick with a conventional non-synthetic gear lube. It has been found recently by several axle manufacturers that non-synthetic gear lubes help the gears to run cooler as a conventional gear lube draws the heat out of the gears better than synthetic gear lubes do. In fact, Currie recently began requiring their customers to only use conventional gear lubes in their axles to maintain the axle warranty. Currie will void the warranty of a failed axle if they find it was loaded with synthetic. Personally, I'm switching my axle lubes from synthetic to Valvoline non-synthetic gear lube at my next axle gear lube change. :)
 
#27 ·
I will do the same then.. Thanks Jerry! They Guys at 4 wheel parts told me that I will have to change the gear oil after 500 miles (that is when they finally get the work done). Is it difficult to change the differential Fluid? 4 wheel parts is throwing in an ARB D44 Diff cover for the rear and I was told that they make it a little easier to change the fluid.. I sure don't know as I have never done it!!
 
#30 ·
4x4xplor.com is a very good site. The only extra emphasis on a "hint" to keep in mind when popping your diff cover to drain it is to keep one diff cover bolt loosely threaded in at the top. That will prevent the cover from falling off and landing in the catch basin when it breaks free, splashing smelly gear lube everywhere. :eek: :)
 
#32 ·
That ARB cover they are tossing in should have a drain plug if I remember right. My OX diff covers for my D44's have drains, so I don't have to pop off the entire cover every time I change the fluid.

If so, buy a second for the front and have em hang it when they do the gears. Makes for an easy change!
 
#34 ·
Done!

Well Guys, I drove over the hills and far away, but was able to locate the Royal Purple Transmission Fluid and the change went off without a hitch.. It was a little messier than I had anticipated, but it was my first transmission fluid change, so the next one should be a little easier.. :D

Really, the hardest part was trying to find a zip tie which would hold the plastic pump on to the RP bottle after I promptly broke it... I mean real prompt... As in, before I even pumped an ounce of fluid into her. The metal shavings connected to the drain plug we a little tougher to clean that what I initially thought, but oh well.

I followed the exact instructions as indicated on 4x4xplor.com (w/ the exception of the mopar fluid) and after my test drive I found that she shifts a little nicer... Pretty proud of myself over here for being a ROOK!! Heck, that was my first time using a Torque wrench.. Oh! I am now the proud owner of my very first "Creeper." :punk:

Thanks for all the help guys I really appreciate it!

Timber
 
#35 ·
Good job man. But, heh, now starts your never ending journey buying more and more tools. I never pass through my Sears tool department without finding a new tool that I must have. My small fishing tackle size tool box of 35 years ago is now up to a triple-high rolling tool box that is so heavy and full of tools I can barely move it out of the way to get to the cabinets behind it. :D
 
#36 ·
Thanks Jerry!

Yeah, i find myself with a ton more tools that I had before I bought this Jeep.... IN AUGUST!!!

I am also due for a Roller chest.. I am sick and tired of digging through that bucket that is my rubbermaid tool box for a 19mm socket!:D

Next stop; Differential fluid change!
 
#39 ·
Changing my tranny fluid??

Hi guys,
My 2000 wrangler has a 4.0 in it, with almost 100k on it. How ofter are you supposed to change the tranny fluid? I'd like to switch to synthetic, RP Synchromax, but I've heard people say to not change the fluid if it's not low or dirty?? Is there any truth to this, OR, can I just change it?? Thanks!:rolleyes:
 
#40 ·
Hi guys,
My 2000 wrangler has a 4.0 in it, with almost 100k on it. How ofter are you supposed to change the tranny fluid? I'd like to switch to synthetic, RP Synchromax, but I've heard people say to not change the fluid if it's not low or dirty?? Is there any truth to this, OR, can I just change it?? Thanks!:rolleyes:
Welcome to the forum.

What trans do you have??? auto or manual?

If you have never had it changed....YES!!!! change it, you don't know how the last person drove it or if it has ever been changed.

Good advice for every used auto is to have ALL fluids changed after purchase so YOU know it's good.
 
#46 · (Edited)
Just because it can get cold there I would run a synthetic like Royal Purple Synchromax or whatever Amsoil's equivilent is. Pennzoil's Synchromesh is not a synthetic, it is a mineral-based gear lube. The right synthetic gear lube can help a transmission shift a little better in extremely cold weather. :)

Edit I changed my opinion on this years ago, I would now run Redline MTL in either the NV3550 or NSG370. In the years since posting the above I read way too many complaints about Synchromesh from GM or Pennzoil.
 
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