1998 Ranger 4X4 Mazda M05OD

[NarNar]

I have a 1998 Ford Ranger 4X4 with 134,00 mi, Mazda M50D-R1 Manual Transmission.

I currently have Royal Purple Synchromax in the transmission that has been in there for about 3 yrs & less than 30,000 mi.
The transfer case lube has not been changed.

The transmission has become hard to shift over the last few weeks.

I am aware of clutch related problems associated with this type of truck/engine/transmission combination but the clutch doesn't seem to be the problem.
The transfer case and 4X4 mechanisms could be part of the problem.

I intend to change the fluids in both the transmission and transfer case. I may use Royal Purple again, although I would like to know if anyone has any experience with lubricants for this tranny.

My questions with Royal Purple are:
Should I use Max ATF or Synchromax in the transmission?
Should I use Max ATF or Synchromax in the transfer case?
Should I consider an additive of some type to compensate for an aging, poorly engineered and executed transmission?
What might that additive be?

Thank You!

 

[travlnman]

Redline MTL. In the transmission.

 

[Bluestream]

How long do you plan to keep it?

Redline or Amsoil MTL for Transmission. Mobil 1 ATF or other synthetic ATF for Transfer case.

 

[Jason2007]

When I had my Thunderbird SC which uses the same tranny I ran M1 Syn ATF and it shifted like butter. I would use that in the Tcase too.

 

[exranger06]

Originally Posted By: NarNar

Should I consider an additive of some type to compensate for an aging, poorly engineered and executed transmission?

The M5OD is hardly a poorly engineered trans. It is the best trans to ever come stock in a Ranger, and it shouldn't be hard to get 300k miles out of it. I don't know how well Synchromax works in these trannies. I would just use a real ATF.

 

[Bluestream]

I had the M5OD in my 91 Explorer. I was a good tranny in my opinion. The rubber plugs on the side shrank from the heat, and all my fluid leaked out and wrecked my gears and bearings. Cost my $1800, but other than that it was fine...

 

[unDummy]

Its time to change the fluid.
No need to switch brands or fluid types. If you were happy with the synchromax, continue to use it.

When you drain the transmission, measure what comes out and compare to refill amount. Hopefully, you didn't run it low.

No additives are needed.

 

[EricF]

in my 93 Ranger, same tranny I just use regular valvoline dexiii.
I used to run durablend dexiii, didn't notice anything, ran Redline D4, noticed nothing unusual. Just went back to regular valvoline dexiii. It's been a solid tranny at 212k.

 

[DOk]

I had this tranny in my 2000 F150. I used M1 ATF, and was happy with it. It is a good tranny, the clutch has some issues with the slave and the rubber plugs on the top of the tranny do shrink over time. They can be changed and should be checked.