Changing to Synth ATF on hi mile tranny- safe??

[Ross-N-Chicago]

I have been having fun with my X lately (BBK, MAF, Bilsteins after unimpressive Edelbrock IAS trial) and want to know if its safe to totally swap dino ATF for synthetic (Amsoil in particular) on a hi mileage tranny that doesn't slip or hiccup and has had regular fluid and filter changes? Or do I stick with regular and add an aux filter to the setup?

Also, am I OK with a rear diff swap to synthetic under the same premise as above? I would love to gain a little MPG and protection if I can as long as not at the expense of "shocking" either system with such an upgrade in fluid/oil. Opinions...?

 

[jimbo74]

swapping is fine... also, add that extra cooler too... it cant hurt.... the thing you must watch with the syn, is that it is "finer" and more pure... so your truck might leak.... if there is a current leak, the more pure oil may seep out of it as the dino oil may seal it up becuase it isnt so pure.....

 

[RFR2212]

Since we're on this high mile tranny topic... I've still got the orginal cooler from my 91. Can I add that to my 94? The 94 has the stock one still, but just add the other one, as another cooler up front? Just a thought, as I haven't tested it to see if I have room or not. Just might help the trans run cooler...
Thanks
Pete

Sorry for jumpin in on the thread

 

[james t]

i have swapped tranny fluid to synthetic in a high milage tranny with no ill effects.

and yea RFR2212, you could use that cooler to add on to your other rig. i added a big aftermarket cooler inline with my stocker. i assume it works great. no way to tell without a temp. guage.

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by jimabena74
. the thing you must watch with the syn, is that it is "finer" and more pure... ...

That is simply not true.

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by RFR2212
Since we're on this high mile tranny topic... I've still got the orginal cooler from my 91. Can I add that to my 94? The 94 has the stock one still, but just add the other one, as another cooler up front? Just a thought, as I haven't tested it to see if I have room or not. Just might help the trans run cooler

Sure you can do it but it is probably not needed,

I run just the factory cooler on mine and monitor tranny temp; never a worry even towing,

Good luck,

 

[aldive]

By all means do the change to synthetic in the rear when you do the tranny,

Further, you might want to consider adding an external tranny filter too. See Dead Link Removed

Good luck.....

 

[Ross-N-Chicago]

So would this be filtering the fluid before the cooler or after it? Not that it makes a difference, I just want to make sure I route my in/out hoses correctly on my 91.

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by Ross-N-Chicago
So would this be filtering the fluid before the cooler or after it? Not that it makes a difference, I just want to make sure I route my in/out hoses correctly on my 91.

It does not matter unless you add a tranny temp gauge ( recommended ); then you want the filter before the cooler since the temp sender is usually mounted to the filter adaptor.

Good luck.....