Dexron VI Question

[cchase]

Isn't the service interval for fluid changes on these transmissions "technically" 100k miles anyway?

Point being that if you're under warranty, you may be better off not changing the fluid than using non-warranty approved fluid.

It seems pretty easy to me to stick with a name-brand Dex VI fluid, not worth losing sleep over.

 

[PDX2500HD]

Originally Posted By: Matchlight
Have there been any tests done of the different brands of Dexron VI available on the market? Is there a best or are they all pretty much the same? I have an '08 Chevy K2500HD with the 6-speed AOD that I am going to start plowing snow with, is there a brand of D6 that is going to be better for that application?

Thanks,

Adam.



Adam,

I too plan to tow and plow with my new 2500HD, and I asked the same question. I went on several truck forums as well as asked face to face and via telephone.

After a lengthy amount of research on this, chatting with Chevrolet's service people, Allison's people as well as two transmission service/overhaul specialists, I came to the conclusion that BY FAR, the best oil for the Allison 1000 series is the oil that was deigned for it.. TranSynd. Dex VI is not a heavy duty oil, and was designed to work in ALL GM products... from the 4 cylinder econobox and V6 Minivan to the 2500/3500HD's with Allison... What does that tell you? It tells me that one vehicle is getting away with using either over kill oil, or oil that's on the margin's..

TranSynd mets all the GM Spec's but more importantly it meets all the Allison Specs.. This is afterall an Allison 1000 built in a GM factory. TranSynd is made by Castrol for Allison, and is not as easy to find as other Dex VI compatible fluids, but you can always get it at an Allison service center or via on-line sources. It's not cheap, but it's also better fluid according to all the experts I chatted with.

 

[Matchlight]

Originally Posted By: cchase
Isn't the service interval for fluid changes on these transmissions "technically" 100k miles anyway?

Point being that if you're under warranty, you may be better off not changing the fluid than using non-warranty approved fluid.

It seems pretty easy to me to stick with a name-brand Dex VI fluid, not worth losing sleep over.

There is probably no service more severe to a transmission than plowing snow. I don't hear of automatic transmissions just up and failing unless the fluid and filter have never been changed, the exception to that rule seems to plowing snow. Transmission failure in that business is common place and because of this you really need to be dogmatic about flushing the fluid and changing the filter or you will kill the transmission. You may not kill it today or even tomorrow, but you will eventually. The severe service change interval is 50K miles, but snow plowing is not listed under severe service conditions in the owners manual, which is a clue that you may need to setp up the service intervals if you want the transmission to live in that servie. Just my opinion.