Im getting ready to change my transmission fluid and was wondering what type and brand would be the best to use for my truck and what I do w/ it. The truck is a 97psd ZF-5speed w/ 4.10gearratio and it gets worked hard at least 2-7x's a week (pulls a 30ft horsetrailer w/ as many as 4 horses a 1time). I may be asking too much of one particular fluid, but I would first and foremost want maximum protection/lubrication for my 5spd tranny, during both the cold winter months and the hot summer months(I live in N. Virginia). Also, particularly in the winter when my tranny is cold after sitting overnight, I would like a fluid that would provide better lubrication for better cold shifts(when the transmission has been sitting a while in cold, winter temperatures It is very rough and hard to shift until it warms up.--All I know about the fluid in my transmission now is that it is the factory recommended type---Any and all replies are welcome, Drew

 

Believe it not your supposed to use automatic transmission fluid. All my trucks get worked hard, one never leaves home without a trailer and a bobcat. The other is always hauling concerte liners. I haven't had any problems yet that are fluid related.

 

I recommend Redline MTL gear oil. It's a little thicker than the recommended ATF, but not so much that it will make the syncros grind. I use it in mine and you will definatly feel a difference when shifting. Like butter. www.redlineoil.com (One of this site's sponsors BTW.)

 

And here's a link:
http://www.redlineoil.com/products_g...sp?subcatID=18

 

thanks for the responses you guys!--Drew Stuart

 

run either mercon v (as per ford)
full synthetic ATF like amsoil or the redline atf (as per ZF)

i personally run amsoil atf in my trucks and wont run anything else.