5-speed tranny fluid

i did a search not too long ago figuring out what tranny fluid to run, from what i gather, and ATF is what most of the guys here use, i have some Dextron III left over when i did the floor shifter conversion in my 3.8, so i planned on slapping that in there, untill my buddy suggested Synchromesh

i have no experience with it, and never heard anyone use it, i have a problem with the 1st to 2nd gear synchro when i bang second, so i figure ill try a fluid change and see what happens

anyone use Synchromesh? think itll help any?

------------------
www.foxthunderbirds.fast-go.com

www.dodge600se.fast-go.com

aka Tbird232ci

I did some searching here not too long ago and if I can remember correctly, I think Pete or someone advised against using anything except for Dexron III.

I had a grinding problem due to someone filling my T-5 with manual tranny fluid and after I flushed it with Dexron III twice (once to drain, once again after around 300 miles), the tranny noise and vibration went away and the grinding is still there however it doesn't grind as "hard" as it did before.

------------------
Ryan Harris

1988 TC, 5 speed, all options including sunroof

1987 3.8L V6, C4, 160K miles, no options (winter car, when it works)

RIP 1987 TC, "Built" A4LD, 119K miles, all options except sunroof

My Audio Mixes

I have a Pro 5.0 shifter coming and wanted to do the trans fluid at the same time. I too did a search and found a few answers, but only became confused. I think listening to Pete D sounds like a good idea, but should a synthetic ATF be used, or are dextron II/III's synthetic ?

read this post

Some very contradicting posts there.
EDIT: some newb messed up the link [Image: smile.gif]
------------------
Grey 88 5 Spd. 16" Cobra wheels, G3 130 AMP ALT. New Hella Fog lights, Gillis valve @ 15 PSI,6"Front mount K&N, PST front end kit, Performance Plus brakes..She is getting there [Image: smile.gif]

[This message has been edited by grey88smokin (edited 12-26-2004).]

I replaced my clutch about 2 yrs ago. At that time I drained and replaced the fluid with Mercon Five full synthetic. The tranny has shifted perfectly ever since and has over 170K miles on it.

I run Dextron III / Mercon. Might try some Mercon V next time I change it!

------------------
Jeff Korn

88 Turbo Coupe: Intake and exhaust mods, T3 turbo at 21 psi, forced air intercooler, water injection, bypass valve, Ranger roller cam, subframes, etc., etc.. // 86 Tbird 5.0 (original owner): intake, exhaust, valvetrain mods, 100 HP nitrous, ignition, gears, suspension, etc., etc.... // 91 Escort: Bone stock winter car // 04 Taurus Duratec (wifes car)

would any friction modifiers be worth looking into?

------------------
www.foxthunderbirds.fast-go.com

www.dodge600se.fast-go.com

aka Tbird232ci

Originally posted by V6TBird87:
would any friction modifiers be worth looking into?

IMO, No.

------------------
Jeff Korn

88 Turbo Coupe: Intake and exhaust mods, T3 turbo at 21 psi, forced air intercooler, water injection, bypass valve, Ranger roller cam, subframes, etc., etc.. // 86 Tbird 5.0 (original owner): intake, exhaust, valvetrain mods, 100 HP nitrous, ignition, gears, suspension, etc., etc.... // 91 Escort: Bone stock winter car // 04 Taurus Duratec (wifes car)

glad i asked, thanks guys

------------------
1987 Thunderbird 3.8
1987 Turbo Coupe, 5-speed

www.foxthunderbirds.fast-go.com

aka Tbird232ci

I've been running Castrol Dexron / Mercon V in mine since I did the T-5 swap without any ill effects. Once I got the clutch cable adjustment issues squared away, it has shifted fine.

------------------
87 TC, T-5 swap, billet quadrant / adj. cable, solid state IVR, fog light relay mod, PST suspension, KYB-AGX fronts, Gas-A-Just rears, K&N cone, billet alum BCV, med. red, 90's wing, polished snowflakes and centers, 195K+ Mi's., daily driver, feeding on ricers!

My father and brother have been discussing about auto trans fluisd , mostly about the mercon V sayign ti has no lubrication in it, its ment as a hydralic fliud, and more more "crisp" shifting int eh newer transmissions that ford is now has and that my brother cowrokers at ford advise not to use it in older auto trannys becuase of the non-lubrication it has.
thios is what ive heard lsitenignt o them, so wouldnt mercon 5 in a t5 eventually destroy it if it has no lubrication, well it doesnt have the ability just less of aabiltiy to lubricate.

am i hearing wrong?

------------------
Brian J Larkin
1988 Non-Turbo Turbo Coupe
new paint job as of 12/8
med gray met. raven/gray interior, fully loaded minus leather and sunroof!
converted to N/A 2.3l by previuos owner, but its a nice driver with working A/C!
sequentail turn signals, 3g alt,afpr, k&n, 2 1/2in cold air intake.
custom 2in dual exhuast with SN95 SS tips. Tripcomputer, a/f and vac guages. color coded wheels
1988 Turbo Coupe 5spd
dark blue metallic (the original Turbo!)
gillis boost valve, k&n cone,AFPR, 255lph, HP pump,3G 130amp alt, 3.73 gears,mild torquie cam, factory DP, 2003 mustang take off SS mufflers and custom BJL 2 1/4 tails.
(needs a front frame pull) DOH!!!!!