2002 NV3550 fluid recommendations

[Rygrego]

I have used the Mopar fluid, Pennzoil synchromesh (junk) and now the Royal Purple Synchromax in my 2002 NV3550 trans. So far the Royal Purple has been the best for smoothing out the shifting but I now have more gear noise in 1, 2 and reverse. I know RedLine MTL is basically the same viscosity as the Royal Purple (75W80), so I was wondering if very many people have tried the RedLine MT-90 in a NV3550 in an effort to quiet the gears? It would only be going to a 75W90 so it's not all that much thicker. I spend lots of time in the California and Arizona deserts in high heat so I can't see it hurting anything due to viscosity increase. Just thought I'd throw it out there and see what comes back. Thanks

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Other than the very small viscosity difference, Redline MTL and MT-90 are the exact same lubricant. My bet is your NV3550 would do fine on the MT-90, it wouldn't hurt to try it.

 

[Rygrego]

Other than the very small viscosity difference, Redline MTL and MT-90 are the exact same lubricant. My bet is your NV3550 would do fine on the MT-90, it wouldn't hurt to try it.

Thank you, I was hoping for a response from you.

 

[OldBuzzard]

I recently replaced whatever the PO was running in my NSG370 (6 speed) with RedLine MTL. This notoriously noisy tranny got even noisier.

How much difference in noise might be expected when switching from RedLine MTL to RedLine MT-90?

 

[Rygrego]

I recently replaced whatever the PO was running in my NSG370 (6 speed) with RedLine MTL. This notoriously noisy tranny got even noisier.

How much difference in noise might be expected when switching from RedLine MTL to RedLine MT-90?

The way I'm looking at it is a little thicker viscosity should give a little more film between gears and also the bearings. It's only 10 points higher in viscosity. MTL is 75W80 which is equivalent to a 10W30 motor oil and MT-90 is 75W90, about equal to a 10W40 motor oil, not a big difference, but a difference.

 

[Rygrego]

Update: I changed to the Red Line MT-90 and the NV3550 trans is substantially quieter and shifting is great. I'll see how it goes in the long run.

 

[OldBuzzard]

Looking forward to your next update. I might wait for it. I might not.

 

[kenb]

Does a synthetic transmission fluid have any tendency to cause seal leaks the way synthetic engine oil is reputed to?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Does a synthetic transmission fluid have any tendency to cause seal leaks the way synthetic engine oil is reputed to?

No. I'm not a fan of synthetic engine oil for most situations but synthetic is the way to go for a transmission. Especially for those who live where it gets uber cold.

 

[jinx]

Well , I also replaced my oem trans fluid with Redline MTL and eliminated the infamous 1-2 shift grind but I didn't notice any change with noise with clutch released . I have a 2000 tj with the 4.0

 

[Rygrego]

Update: I've had the RedLine MT-90 in my 2002 Sport now for 2 and half months and 3800 miles. I can say the transmission has never been better. I can recommend this without hesitation.

 

[Rygrego]

Last Update: It has now been around 12 months and 9000 miles and I will never be going back to the previous trans fluids recommended by the factory. The MT90 has been the best change as far as smoothness and the elimination of noises. I cannot recommend this application enough.

 

[Rygrego]

One more update: It has now been over two years and this fluid upgrade was a great decision. Have not encountered one downside. I can highly recommend the Redline MT90 as a replacement to the Synchromesh fluid. The trans is quieter and shifts smooth especially when being worked hard.

 

[Pantera99]

Hmmm interesting. Have been very pleased with the MTL. The Pennzoil brand was definitely crap. Maybe I'll try the MT90 next time.

 

[CreepinDeth]

My youngest kids Wrangler 4.0L manual is at 260K and I dont have the vehicle history of PMs.

Im going to swap the fluids to this just for preventative measures. Teaching my oldest now to drive stick. Thanks for the feedback