Synthetic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

[Mensaf]

Anyone prefer a brand? I'm going to do all my ish this weekend. Might as well make it count.

[DarknessofDeath]

i was going to try amsoil when i still had an svx ~

but i'm sure guys here should/might have a preferred brand though ..

[dromano]

I have been running Royal Purple ATF since 2001, 40,000 miles (does he drive much, NO) the fluid is bright pink, burnt odor free, my tranny has 117,xxx miles, it is the original, no rebuilds, just lucky I guess. I have a temp guage, keep a close eye on it. Also have a 30,000 GVW stack cooler and by passed the radiator cooler. Am in the process of adding an additional 30,000 GVW stack cooler, I'm in the desert, more cooling is good.

Synthetic ATF could cause leaks, the risk of leaks is worth the benifits of syn ATF. Do it, do it.

[Mensaf]

Think it'd be ok to add the Lucas Oil tranny additive to that?

[DarknessofDeath]

sure why not? it's an additive ~

[longassname]

Yes, Subaru. Buy a case of subaru atf for 1/6th the price. It's friction profile matches the 4eat better. It's almost closer to a highly friction modified fluid than a dexron. You will find the transmission runs cooler with it and it lasts a long time. Also if your pan gasket isn't leaking then don't drop the pan and replace the "filter." The filter is really only a screen not a real filter. It doesn't really catch anything that a non-screwed transmission produces. The magnet in the pan catches the metal particles and worn friction materials come out in the fluid.

Originally Posted by Omar

Anyone prefer a brand? I'm going to do all my ish this weekend. Might as well make it count.

[Schralper]

i'm a 100% synthetic fan, as it's greener than the alternative.
it's synthetic not petroleum based.
i've been using amsoil synth "super shift" for a couple tanks of gas.
mileage is still about the same.
you can feel the lack of slip, which amsoil advertises.
as the "super shift" is for hi HP vehicles, etc.
i wanted to try it, i'm gonna get some amsoil synth "torque drive" and see how it compares.
i want some slippage in this trans for when i'm in cruz control. cuz w/ the "super shift" you can feel it grab and release.

[dromano]

Originally Posted by Schralper

i'm a 100% synthetic fan, as it's greener than the alternative.
it's synthetic not petroleum based.
i've been using amsoil synth "super shift" for a couple tanks of gas.
mileage is still about the same.
you can feel the lack of slip, which amsoil advertises.
as the "super shift" is for hi HP vehicles, etc.
i wanted to try it, i'm gonna get some amsoil synth "torque drive" and see how it compares.
i want some slippage in this trans for when i'm in cruz control. cuz w/ the "super shift" you can feel it grab and release.

What is Amsoil synth made of? I use Royal Purple synthetic and it is petroleum based, the molecules of the oil have been modified to provide resistance to heat, provide higher lube characteristics and extend usage life.

I thought all synthetics were petroleum based.

[benebob]

Originally Posted by dromano

What is Amsoil synth made of? I use Royal Purple synthetic and it is petroleum based, the molecules of the oil have been modified to provide resistance to heat, provide higher lube characteristics and extend usage life.

I thought all synthetics were petroleum based.

All synthetics I've ever seen are petrolum based. I run and always will run the best indepenently verified synth. out there (Mobil One).

1. It is fully compatable with any other fluid.
2. It is independently verified to have the highest fire and flash points of any fluid on the market (others claim but a claim isn't verification in my book).
3. It is what my Subaru Service Manager recommended over Subaru ATF as he doesn't see as many issues with customers who use it vs. the normal Subaru ATF.
4. My tranny has always shifted flawlessly on the stuff and still shifts as if it was just rebuilt those 9 years ago now!

[kwren]

Originally Posted by benebob

All synthetics I've ever seen are petrolum based. I run and always will run the best indepenently verified synth. out there (Mobil One).

1. It is fully compatable with any other fluid.

Do I have to get all the fluid out of my transmission to use synthetic or just drain the pan??

I really want to get that done!

Thanks,
Keith

[Schralper]

Originally Posted by dromano

What is Amsoil synth made of? I use Royal Purple synthetic and it is petroleum based, the molecules of the oil have been modified to provide resistance to heat, provide higher lube characteristics and extend usage life.

I thought all synthetics were petroleum based.

No that's why they're SYNTHETIC, not petroleum/paraffin based oil.
Which is the reason they're more expensive.
But they don't breakdown like reg oil.
They still get contaminated from blowby, etc but you can just change the oil filter and not all the oil for 6000 miles on oil. Which I find amazing.
Amsoil sez way more but i'm conservative on mileage when it comes to changes. But it does need to be kept clean/well filtered. When switching to synths you'll notice that the oil will stay cleaner the more oil changes into using synth exclusively.
Royal Purp, Mobil 1, Amsoil they're my synths of choice.
i just get the amsoil cuz i get it shipped to my door.
This and other products i need for my gearhed lifestyle.
Like 2stoke oil for the sleds, etc.
Synth oil is TO slick for use during break in of any kind.
Engine, trans, diff. but after it's all broke in, you're golden.

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/sso.aspx

[svxfiles]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synthetic_oil

[Bobb]

Hi OMAR, Just a note on how much. You can't drain all the fluid out with the transmission in the car. The amount given in the owners manual is how much the transmission holds after its made/rebuilt. I think if you measure the fluid you take out and put in the same amount your okay. Also as opposed to the engine dipstick, check your transmission fluid level when its hot. Take care, BOBB

[Hondasucks]

If you want all the fluid changed, take it to a Subaru dealer or Subaru shop and have them flush it with a machine, it'll cost ~100-150 bucks, but it's worth it.

As for what fluid to run, I currently have Dexron III in my SVX but I plan on switching to a synthetic once I get an external filter fitted.

As for changing the front differential, it uses like 1.5 pints of 75W90 gear oil, I don't know the exact capacity since we have a bulk tank at work with a dial on it, with a notch on the dial for the front diff capacity, and I can't remember the exact number. Rear diff is pretty easy, take both plugs out, let fluid drain, clean lower plug off, reinstall lower plug, with car LEVEL, pour fluid into TOP hole until fluid is level with lower edge of upper hole, reinstall upper plug. They do not require any LSD additives since it is a viscous LSD.

To drain the front diff, remove the 22mm plug at the bottom of the front diff, it's the finned part of the transmission case, under where the front axles meet the case. There is a sealing washer on it, which you can get from the Subaru dealer for a dollar or so. Fill the front diff through the dipstick tube. (Passenger side of the transmission case) It's a short rod-type dipstick, should have "DIFF" cast into the handle.

[dromano]

Originally Posted by Hondasucks

If you want all the fluid changed, take it to a Subaru dealer or Subaru shop and have them flush it with a machine, it'll cost ~100-150 bucks, but it's worth it.

As for what fluid to run, I currently have Dexron III in my SVX but I plan on switching to a synthetic once I get an external filter fitted.

As for changing the front differential, it uses like 1.5 pints of 75W90 gear oil, I don't know the exact capacity since we have a bulk tank at work with a dial on it, with a notch on the dial for the front diff capacity, and I can't remember the exact number. Rear diff is pretty easy, take both plugs out, let fluid drain, clean lower plug off, reinstall lower plug, with car LEVEL, pour fluid into TOP hole until fluid is level with lower edge of upper hole, reinstall upper plug. They do not require any LSD additives since it is a viscous LSD.

To drain the front diff, remove the 22mm plug at the bottom of the front diff, it's the finned part of the transmission case, under where the front axles meet the case. There is a sealing washer on it, which you can get from the Subaru dealer for a dollar or so. Fill the front diff through the dipstick tube. (Passenger side of the transmission case) It's a short rod-type dipstick, should have "DIFF" cast into the handle.

Per the owners manual, page 10-5: front diff=1.3 qt, rear diff=.8 qt