Suzuki Sidekick trans and transfer case fluid

[SuzukiGoat]

I'm currently installing s new motor in my sidekick, while I had the motor out I pulled the torque converter and drained it. I also drained the transmission overnight too. The filter in it has 3-4k miles with the fluid that just got drained out.

My first question pertains to what I should refill with the transmission with. Its an 03-72le Aisin unit.

It has 200k miles on it. No metal in the pan or on the magnets at last filter.change. has a built in trans cooker in the lower radiator. The original fill was Dex 2.


My second question: ID love to run transmission fluid in the transfer case for some extra MPG...but it specs 75w90 yellow metals safe gear oil. When I got the vehicle at 160k...I drained the fluid and it was filled with some transmission fluid of some sort. Can anyone recommend anything?

 

[The_Eric]

I can't see any benefit to refilling with non spec'ed fluids in your app. I certainly wouldn't deviate from the gear oil in the t-case.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

I would only run the specified fluid in the transfer case. Back when a lot of transfer cases went to ATF instead of gear oil, a lot of people blew up their transfer cases because ATF was "too thin".

The gear oil wouldn't pump.

What were you running in it before? I'd probably just get a cheap DexIII gallon from Walmart. Aisin transmissions are extremely reliable.

 

[IndyIan]

For my Tracker I think 75W85 was an option for the T-case.
I have a bunch of tractor hydraulic fluid and was considering running it as its free but its a GL-4 70W80 and I chickened out.
Also you run bigger tires too? I would just stick with a syn 75W90 and call it good. I think in your climate the difference in mileage won't be significant, but on the trail maybe the transmission fluid won't be so good in a high load situation.
I have 205/75R15's on so I have no real fear of over stressing anything but my wife often runs in 4wd on wet pavement with the odd patch of slush so having a proper gear oil probably isn't a bad idea anyway.
On a -20C morning, the drag of all the gear oils is very noticable for the first couple miles, but after that its not too bad. And in -5C and up I don't notice any extra drag at all.

 

[SuzukiGoat]

Thanks guys. I can't get dex3 locally. On Dex 5 and up.

Would supertech or castrol multi vehicle fulfill the spec?

Reliable is an understatement. This trans was used in the early tundras stateside and huge passenger vans overseas.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Originally Posted By: SuzukiGoat
So are non-condescending posts...

I was almost three a.m. and I was just walking inside from the shop.
He's right, need a better post title. #am is no excuse - unless you're sleep typing
I had a few zuks and liked em to some extent as tough critters - though I like the small 1.6L and lighter ones b4 GM turned them in to fat pigs. Iv havent found a good OTC gear oil for gl-4. Maybe a Honda or Mazda OEM 75w-85/90 or 80w-90 and subaru make a good lube for their MTs. Ive run Amalie cheaper multi rated stuff and that was just OK - not super syncro friendly but passable.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

You should be able to get DEXIII from Walmart

 

[The_Eric]

Originally Posted By: Miller88
You should be able to get DEXIII from Walmart


Agree. Will most likely appear as Dex/Merc on the shelf.