Nv 3550 transmission fluid -type??? Need advice

[bowhunter]

Hey fellas,

Just finished my install and just performing final touches.....the instructions state dodge dealer trans fluid only and I'm calling BS on that!

What fluid are you guys running in your NV3550's?

Thanks

 

[DirtDonk]

In the case of the NV transmissions, that was originally true. For awhile, I think the Dodge dealers were the only source.
It's still true though, that you have to use a very specific fluid to keep it happy.
Companies like Redline, Amsoil, and just a few others, make the specific synthetic fluid approved for use in the NV transmissions. And I'm pretty sure that the 3550 and the 4500 both use different types!
Still, none of them is as expensive as the Chrysler fluid, if I'm not mistaken, so pop down to your local oil merchant and see if they've got the Amsoil, or one of the others specifically called for.

If yours is a new tranny, you HAVE to use that fluid to keep it under warranty. If it's used, you aren't required by law to do it, but it's a good idea, as I've heard the horror stories.

Paul

 

[73stallion]

it's either a 5w30 or 10w30 synchromesh gear oil, and the AMSoil brand is close to the same price as the chrysler oil. mine made noises with the AMSoil though, so i went back to the chrysler brand and put some LUCAS oil stabilizer in mine, not a sound since!

 

[bowhunter]

Alright thanks fellas. It is a new trans so I'll see if I can find some at oreily's. If not, I'll just wait till Monday and go to the local dodge dealer.

 

[Dbteak]

I have a TKO 5 speed in my mustang and I first used Red Line fluid that Red Line said was the compatible fluid. It shifted very rough and I replaced it with the GM syncromesh that was recommended and wow what a difference in shifting. I also have a Dodge diesel with a NV 4500. I searched a lot of forums to find a fluid that was comparable to the Castrol Syntorq but cheaper. A lot of people used the Amsoil and didn't seem to have too many problems. Anything else that was used it seems people had trouble. It cost $100 to change the oil in the NV 4500 using the Castrol. That is not much for 100,000 miles. I too am doing a conversion to the NV 3550 and I plan on using the recommended Dodge fluid no matter what the cost. It beats having to replace the sycros in the tranny because a salesman said their fluid will work.

Doug

 

[bronc50]

I run ROYAL PURPLE SYCROMAX

 

[2monkeyboys]

Nv 3550 transmission fluid

I running ROYAL PURPLE SYCROMAX too napa sells it its about half the of the dealer

 

[904Bronco]

I am using the Fluid from the Dealer... I knew somebody back then which eased the pain...

 

[brocken]

I posted in your build thread but also chimed in here for people searching this later.

Penzoil Syncromesh is about $8 a quart and available at most autoparts stores (I found it at Vatozone).
It's certified for the Chrysler transmissions and meets the specs.
I'm running it in mine and don't have any noise or rough shifting.
I would buy the Amsoil before spending the same amount on the dealer fluid.

 

[badmuttstang]

I have the same trans have yet to install it though and was wondering the the same thing for those using the royal purple have you had any noise or problems this is what I would like to use as I use royal purple for every thing else. Thanks.

 

[lonicus]

The issue with the oils is the additives found in most of the MTF fluids contain Sulfur. Since the NV3550 uses bronze syncros these won't work due to the sulfur reacting with the syncros causing them to break down. This causes hard shifting in the NV3550 (just do a Google search).

I am using Redline MTL - only been running a few thousand miles but the transmission is running perfectly.

for reference most MTF fluids are GL-5 spec, which is not good to use. You need a GL-2, GL-3 or GL-4 fluid

 

[bowhunter]

I bit the bullet and bought the fluid from the Dodge dealer for $20 a quart!