Synthetic Oil

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Dennis - 17 Sep 2005 01:29 GMT

Is there an benefit to using synthetic oil in a Dodge truck transmission? I
have a 97 Dodge Diesel 2500 Automatic.

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RamMan@dodgecity.cc - 17 Sep 2005 01:54 GMT

If you haven't up till now, I cannot imagine what possible benefit there
would be of starting now. In fact I don't think anyone has ever been able
to build a convincing case to ever use synthetic -anything- in any motor
vehicle where it wasn't expressly called for by manufacturer
recommendations.

>Is there an benefit to using synthetic oil in a Dodge truck transmission? I
>have a 97 Dodge Diesel 2500 Automatic.

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Dennis - 17 Sep 2005 02:36 GMT

Thanks for the response. I'm going to purchase a 26.5 ft 5th wheel and
wondered if the synthetic stuff would increase the life of the transmission.
I'd heard that it doesn't heat up as fast as the regular oil.

> If you haven't up till now, I cannot imagine what possible benefit there
> would be of starting now. In fact I don't think anyone has ever been able
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>>I
>>have a 97 Dodge Diesel 2500 Automatic.

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Tom Lawrence - 17 Sep 2005 04:10 GMT

> wondered if the synthetic stuff would increase the life of the
> transmission. I'd heard that it doesn't heat up as fast as the regular
> oil.

It heats up just as quickly... the difference is it doesn't break down (as
much) in the presence of that heat as a dino oil would. That said, the
whole idea is to keep the heat out of the transmission in the first place.
Change the fluid/filter on a regular basis (as per the maintenance schedule
for HD or severe service) using Mopar 7176 fluid (or compatible - ATF+3 is
widely available. Do NOT use Dexron of any type) - keep the fins on the
transmission cooler free of debris - and above all, lock out overdrive when
pulling hills and the transmission is hunting between 3rd and 4th. You
should consider installing a transmission temperature gauge, so you know
exactly what's happening to your fluid, and can either back off the
throttle, or manually downshift in order to mitigate the heat.

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Dennis - 17 Sep 2005 04:45 GMT

Thanks, Tom.

Dennis

>> wondered if the synthetic stuff would increase the life of the
>> transmission. I'd heard that it doesn't heat up as fast as the regular
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> so you know exactly what's happening to your fluid, and can either back
> off the throttle, or manually downshift in order to mitigate the heat.

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SnoMan - 19 Sep 2005 06:35 GMT

>> wondered if the synthetic stuff would increase the life of the
>> transmission. I’d heard that it doesn’t heat up as
[quoted text clipped - 22 lines]
>the
>throttle, or manually downshift in order to mitigate the heat.

Good advise Tom! SYN fluid can take more temp BUT the tranny seals
cannot so best thing to do is to keep it cooled and the fluid and
filter fresh.

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