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Transmission/transfer Case Fluid

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by FlyinCJ5, Sep 27, 2021.

  1. Sep 27, 2021
    FlyinCJ5

    FlyinCJ5 New Member

    California
    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2021
    Messages:
    2
    I just got a '59 CJ5 and I've begun checking fluids throughout. Most haven't been change/serviced in decades so I'm refilling or changing as needed. I bought SAE 90 Gear oil per specs but when I was ready to drain I noticed that the transmission is dripping a red fluid. I've asked but no ones seems to know of a red gear oil so I'm inclined to believe the PO used atf instead. I asked him and he assured me its gear oil but I'm really not sure.

    Do I need to flush the transmission / transfer case in any way before adding gear oil, or should I try to stick with the atf? I'm not sure what type was used before. Thanks!
     
  2. Sep 27, 2021
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    Some synthetic gear oils are red (RedLine?). Unlikely it's ATF. Synthetics are not good for these transmissions.

    There's lots of discussion of this topic in old posts. Consensus is you should use 85W90 GL-4. Stalube is the most common choice.
    https://www.amazon.com/CRC-Sta-Lube...0M8RYMC/ref=pd_lpo_1?pd_rd_i=B000M8RYMC&psc=1

    This is a popular topic. LOTS of discussion in old posts: site:earlycj5.com GL-4 - Bing

    If it's clean and not full of water, I'd just drain it well and put in the GL-4. Even if it's ATF, that's just oil and a lot of detergents. Should be 100% miscible. Realize that the transmission and transfer case share oil slowly, so whatever you put in need to be in both.

    First post! Welcome from Boston.
     
    Last edited: Sep 27, 2021
    Downs likes this.
  3. Sep 27, 2021
    FlyinCJ5

    FlyinCJ5 New Member

    California
    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2021
    Messages:
    2
    Thank You! Ill look at those older posts and get me some GL-4!
     
    Glenn likes this.
  4. Sep 27, 2021
    CHUGALUG

    CHUGALUG Member

    Silverton, OR
    Joined:
    May 11, 2019
    Messages:
    238
    A tip buy a small garden sprayer remove the plastic wand replace it with 2ft of 1/4ID rubber hose and use that to put your gear oil in. Pump it up and while it will be slow its a lot better then those stupid little pumps. Label it for your GL-4 Also have a container to put the hose in when done as it will drip out until the hose past the valve is empty.
     
  5. Sep 27, 2021
    Jeepenstein

    Jeepenstein Me like Jeep..

    North Central FL
    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2003
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    2,132
    Egads man, that's brilliant..
     
  6. Sep 27, 2021
    Walt Couch

    Walt Couch sidehill Cordele, Ga. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    cordele, Ga.
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    Mar 29, 2007
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    FlyinCj5 welcome.
     
  7. Sep 27, 2021
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
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    Apr 4, 2010
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    I learned a new word today!

    Screenshot_20210927-211935_Chrome.jpg
     
  8. Sep 28, 2021
    TommyMac

    TommyMac Member

    Woodstock GA
    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2016
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    52
    FlyinCJ5 likes this.
  9. Sep 28, 2021
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Aug 3, 2003
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    My usual disclaimer - when you go to buy GL-4, don't believe the counter guys who tell you "This GL-5 is just the same..."

    I buy it on Amazon.
     
    kenb, Downs, dnb71R2 and 3 others like this.
  10. Sep 28, 2021
    Rust Ranger

    Rust Ranger Custom Made Antiques Tomorrow

    Oriental,NC
    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2020
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    And the Amazon price is pretty responsible. One of the few correct spec oil to be found these days.
     
    Downs likes this.
  11. Sep 29, 2021
    Bob

    Bob Member

    Northern California
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    435
    I recently changed my trans and t-case oil with the Sta-Lube GL-4. Got it off Amazon.
     
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