Toploader oil debate???

RICK LAKE · #1 (**permalink**) 11-21-2011, 04:00 AM

davids2toys Dave if the trans was rebuilt and all new parts in it, I would just run a normal run of the mill gear lube through the trans for about 300 miles. This will wash out any metal partials and help breakin the syncro's of the trans. After this is choice. If you are just street driving and cruising, any semi syn oil will be fine. If you are going racing that another story and would run a different oil. 75/90w gear lube will work fine. Racing trans will run a lighter fluid like autotrans mission stuff. Looking for less drag and quicker shifting. Don't get crazy. I race and run 75/90 valvoline and change it every year. Check for metal on the drain plug, and install new fluid. The color is fine after 10-15 events. Biggest pain is installing the new fluid, need a pump or remove the tunnel of the car to fill. Rick L. Ps Dave I think the stuff you are looking for is old school of about 30 years ago. Try Dave Kee who rebuilds Toploader trannies.

davids2toys · #2 (**permalink**) 11-21-2011, 06:33 PM

I think regular non syn oil of 80w-90 weight should be fine, still have the GL-4/GL-5 issue though.
My tranny is 18 years old with 17K on it. I have no idea what it has in there for lube...works real good though!

RICK LAKE · #3 (**permalink**) 11-22-2011, 04:13 AM

davids2toys If you have no leaks, the trans is full to the plug hole, shifting is fine, put the plug back in the trans and go for a cruise. Bottom line, leave sleeping dogs lay. Don't start a problem where there is none at this time. Years are just numbers for time. I have 34 year rods, motor,crank, and t-15 trans in my jeep that I have not done anything too. It gets used for the bad snow storms. Add gas and drive. You are good. Rick L.

davids2toys · #4 (**permalink**) 11-22-2011, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RICK LAKE

davids2toys If you have no leaks, the trans is full to the plug hole, shifting is fine, put the plug back in the trans and go for a cruise. Bottom line, leave sleeping dogs lay. Don't start a problem where there is none at this time. Years are just numbers for time. I have 34 year rods, motor,crank, and t-15 trans in my jeep that I have not done anything too. It gets used for the bad snow storms. Add gas and drive. You are good. Rick L.

Understood, and I am of the same school up to a point. This trans does have a leak so it at least needs to be topped off anyway...so, back to the problem, even at a minimum of topping of, it is not a good idea to mix lubricants especially since have NO idea of what is in there at present. My thought is to just start off fresh!

RICK LAKE · #5 (**permalink**) 11-23-2011, 03:51 AM

davids2toys Dave you said nothing about a leak??? Where is the leak? This will also tell us if we are pulling the trans for a repair. Rear yoke seal can be done in the car. If this is it check out the tailshaft bushing for play. Might need to replace that too. Top cover is a gasket, rtv will work fine if the surfaces are clean and the area gets a 24 hour total cure time. The rtv need to be at a min temp also. Might have to heat the garage to get a good cure. Shift fork seals are easy. The only seals left are the front input housing seal or tail shaft gasket. Would be easier to do on a bench. As far as the oil, recover it and save it after repairs. Run it through a strainer for any partials. As far as finding GL-4 gear lube. The only other place mighht be at a truck stop. The small amount of mixing fluids is not going to kill the trans. Rick L. Ps Dave happy holidays.

davids2toys · #6 (**permalink**) 11-23-2011, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RICK LAKE

davids2toys Dave you said nothing about a leak??? Where is the leak? This will also tell us if we are pulling the trans for a repair. Rear yoke seal can be done in the car. If this is it check out the tailshaft bushing for play. Might need to replace that too. Top cover is a gasket, rtv will work fine if the surfaces are clean and the area gets a 24 hour total cure time. The rtv need to be at a min temp also. Might have to heat the garage to get a good cure. Shift fork seals are easy. The only seals left are the front input housing seal or tail shaft gasket. Would be easier to do on a bench. As far as the oil, recover it and save it after repairs. Run it through a strainer for any partials. As far as finding GL-4 gear lube. The only other place mighht be at a truck stop. The small amount of mixing fluids is not going to kill the trans. Rick L. Ps Dave happy holidays.

Rick, thanks for all the info...I think it is the tail shaft gasket, the part held to the main body by approximately 6 bolts. This is not a huge leak and I have no interest in fixing it at the moment. I figured one day I will have to pull the tranny and I would address it then. It is only a few drops after sitting for a day or two. The tranny operates perfectly at this time!
As I said, the oil is 18 years old with 18,000 miles on it, I want to change it.
Same for the rear for that matter.
Dave