I have heard switching the trannie oil to synthetic improves the performance of the trans, is it worth it? in doing the switch is there any special problems you can run into (mixing the oil and such)?
No but it will get expensive with the flusihing of the fluid. Yes it is worth it even more so with how hot out transmissions can run. #1 reason why they break down.
Your probably going to open a can of worms with the one but i would agree. Synthetics just handle heat better. Synthetics are a higher refined oil. The number after the dextron mercon like III or IV is just a reference to the boiling point of the oil. dextron/merconIII is the highest boiling point with a standard oil. Synthetics are capable of higher temps because its a flat out better oil that costs much more. Transmission failure is most often caused by heat and the heat breaks down the oil causing improper lubrication, thus causing bearing or clutch failure. I would run it but i change my oil pretty often so its usually fresh oil and not broke down from heat.
just fyi, mine needs done, and i have read many threads on here that states not to flush the tranny just change the oil, and filter if needed. alot of people are loosing tranny's after they have one flushed. doesnt make sense to me but i dont think i'm going to risk it.
I changed my tranny to Amsoil Synthetic last summer.
Just put a tranny temp on, so don't know numbers yet.
Also have the 6.0 cooler upgrade, so things should be
good. Did this because I pull a 40' 13,000 toy hauler.
I will post numbers when I get some.
i called Brian at BTS and he recomended me to use regular dino oil not synthetic. He also said the Wal-Mart Super Tech brand is good just use mercon III
If your trans gets hot enough to need syn, then there are other problems. Also
at high temps the seals will go even if the syn fluid is OK. Get a temp gauge and
watch it, dont let it get hot.
I dont even have a 6.0 cooler and have no issues with heat (TX is flat). Only time
I had a heat issue was pulling from the west into Death Valley, that is one steep
hill.... Just pulled over and let it cool a few mins, 6.0 cooler would have helped
that one time. Keep the TC locked for trouble free towing, if you have 4x4 then
use the 2x4 low trick is really needed for backing or low speed towing.
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