I has been discussed before, 2009 Ranger M5OD-R1HD, Ford specifies Mercon V, which dedicated manual transmission fluid should I be using in it?
Manual Trans. Spec'd for Mercon V, what to use?
- Thread starter Maritime Storm
- Start date
- Status
Use what Ford Specs. Castrol makes Mercon V, as well as several other companies. I've been using ATF in my M5OD tranny since 1987, no problems at all.
You can use Redline D4; website indicates it provides for GL4 level of protection. I'm thinking they are specifying a thin oil for a reason.
Mercon V
I had a 1989 F150 with the MOD5 tranny. I shifted fine with the factory Mercon. My 2002 F150 with the same tranny shifted horribly with Mercon. It was better with Schaeffer's 204 ATF, but not good. With both the shifting was ok in freezing temps until the fluid heated up. When warm it crunched & grinded, more so with the Mercon. I ended up trying RP Synchomax MT fluid. It's way better, not perfect but way better. From what I've read here and other sources a correct viscosity dedicated MT fluid is better for the manual tranny than ATF. It has the additives needed that ATF does not have for a manual tranny.
Whimsey
Whimsey
"I ended up trying RP Synchomax MT fluid. It's way better, not perfect but way better. From what I've read here and other sources a correct viscosity dedicated MT fluid is better for the manual tranny than ATF. It has the additives needed that ATF does not have for a manual tranny."
Whimsey speaketh the truth.
Try these ATF-thin (cSt 7.5 - 8.3) manual transmission fluids as direct replacement of ATF:
Royal Purple Syncromax
Honda MTF II
Torco MTF
Others such as the GM, Chrysler and Pennzoil syncromesh fluids may work as well ... but are a bit thicker (cSt 9.5 or so) with Red Line MTL and Amsoil MTF thicker still.
Whimsey speaketh the truth.
Try these ATF-thin (cSt 7.5 - 8.3) manual transmission fluids as direct replacement of ATF:
Royal Purple Syncromax
Honda MTF II
Torco MTF
Others such as the GM, Chrysler and Pennzoil syncromesh fluids may work as well ... but are a bit thicker (cSt 9.5 or so) with Red Line MTL and Amsoil MTF thicker still.
Others such as the GM, Chrysler and Pennzoil syncromesh fluids may work as well ... but are a bit thicker (cSt 9.5 or so) with Red Line MTL and Amsoil MTF thicker still.
This is what I'd use. I lean towards the full synth Redline and Amsoil, but he Penn Synch dino is very good.
This is what I'd use. I lean towards the full synth Redline and Amsoil, but he Penn Synch dino is very good.
I use mobil multi vehicle atf cause it is certified for mercon v and all older versions of mercon in my 94 with the mazda 5 speed. it calls for mercon so its good to go. Shifts really good with the fluid. a little firm when cold but not to bad.
Last edited:
MolaKule
Staff member
I would recommend a 50/50 mix of Redline Lightweight ATF with Redline MTL 70W80.
This mix will give you a MerconV viscosity with the added benefit of the special friction modifiers needed for smoother synchro assembly operation, and increased levels of anti-wear agents.
This mix will give you a MerconV viscosity with the added benefit of the special friction modifiers needed for smoother synchro assembly operation, and increased levels of anti-wear agents.
Last edited:
I tried the Mobil 1 ATF in mine and noticed no difference. I went with Amsiol MTF 5W30 and it still really did not feel a lot different till I had about 10,000mi. It seems to be loosening up now and not as notchy.(15,000mi.)
Had an interesting coversation with the local transmission rebuilder, he suggested a synthetic 5W30 motor oil. Mine shifts great when cold, but gets notchy to the point of annoying when warmed up. The rebuilder suggested 5W30 figuring the fluid may be too thin for the application. Thoughts? I have MerconV and 5W40 Syntec kicking around, would may'be going half & half be better?
Originally Posted By: MolaKule
I would recommend a 50/50 mix of Redline Lightweight ATF with Redline MTL 70W80.
This mix will give you a MerconV viscosity with the added benefit of the special friction modifiers needed for smoother synchro assembly operation, and increased levels of anti-wear agents.
Mola;
Would this work for a Tremec T56 which specs a Dex 3 type fluid as well, or should I mix their D4 with their MTL instead???
I would recommend a 50/50 mix of Redline Lightweight ATF with Redline MTL 70W80.
This mix will give you a MerconV viscosity with the added benefit of the special friction modifiers needed for smoother synchro assembly operation, and increased levels of anti-wear agents.
Mola;
Would this work for a Tremec T56 which specs a Dex 3 type fluid as well, or should I mix their D4 with their MTL instead???
I used a Mobil1 product that met Mercon V specs, I noticed no difference in shifting quality over factory fluid.
Honestly just stick with regular Mercon V. I was hoping for better shifting in the dead cold of winter until the gearbox warmed up, but not even Mobil 1 could help that.
Honestly just stick with regular Mercon V. I was hoping for better shifting in the dead cold of winter until the gearbox warmed up, but not even Mobil 1 could help that.
Originally Posted By: Bror Jace
Others such as the GM, Chrysler and Pennzoil syncromesh fluids may work as well ... but are a bit thicker (cSt 9.5 or so) with Red Line MTL and Amsoil MTF thicker still.
Except that the Amsoil MTF is actually thinner than the RL MTL (by exactly 1.0 cSt), and about even with (or slightly thinner than) everything else you've mentioned above, and only ~2.O CST thicker than most Dex 3 spec ATFs, both synthetic and mineral (one of the reasons I am trying it out straight, unmixed, my itself this winter season
).
It also has a VERY high VI compared to most else out there.
Others such as the GM, Chrysler and Pennzoil syncromesh fluids may work as well ... but are a bit thicker (cSt 9.5 or so) with Red Line MTL and Amsoil MTF thicker still.
Except that the Amsoil MTF is actually thinner than the RL MTL (by exactly 1.0 cSt), and about even with (or slightly thinner than) everything else you've mentioned above, and only ~2.O CST thicker than most Dex 3 spec ATFs, both synthetic and mineral (one of the reasons I am trying it out straight, unmixed, my itself this winter season
It also has a VERY high VI compared to most else out there.
I may just do that Justin. The truck is under warranty and I'd hate to get burned over something so simple.
Don't know if it's available in the US but Castrol Australia has a version of their Syntrans MTF that's 8.8cSt@100*C for the 6 speed T56 Tremec in the Falcon XR6 Turbo.
It's also recommend for the Tremec g/boxes used by Holden(GM)
http://www.tds.castrol.com.au/pdf%5C5707_SyntransB_117956_200703.pdf
It's also recommend for the Tremec g/boxes used by Holden(GM)
http://www.tds.castrol.com.au/pdf%5C5707_SyntransB_117956_200703.pdf
After a little experimenting on the weekend found out that the original specified fluid seems to shift best in this transmission, DexronIII/Mercon, go figure.
Amsoil MTF works great in mine, but I live in a desert.
- Status
Similar threads
