are new 'compatible' tranny fluids (manual tran) really compatible?

[normal]

I have a couple other threads asking about my tranny issues. In a nutshell, there were no none zero issues with my tranny. For routine maintenance I changed the tranny fluid. (note: i have a 94.5 PS 4wd with 5sp 4wd). Immediately after changing fluid - I experienced gear grinding from 2 to 3 (unless very slow/deliberate with cluth and shift) and it just doesn't 'feel right' in general. When I push clutch in (in any gear) and just start to shift out of gear it seems to want to pop out on its own moreso than it ever did before.

I've done a lot of reading on various threads and have gotten some indeas/theories etc on possible tranny probs/issues causing these symptoms.

BUT - I can't help but question the timing of the problem (right after fluid change). I used a the o'reily generic dex/merc 5 fluid that is supposedly backwards compatible with the earlier dex/merc fluids.

I'm have never jumped on the synthetic fluid wagon - but may try.

questions:

- anyone think this may be a fluid issue?
- If so, would changing fluids to something different bring back the normal / proper tranny operation - or is some sort of damage done
- and if so, what fluid should i try and is it important to have same in tranny and in transfer case?

THANKS

[ryandamo]

if the problem started when you changed the fluid to a different brand or synthetic.