I tried replying to my original thread but that option wasn't available, guess it was too long ago. anywhoo, changed it out sunday and MAN what a difference!!!! major pain in the neck to change it out though, I'm thinking of inventing some sort of tool to make it easier (has one already been made?). no more labor going into first, no more grinding going into 6th, smooth-smooth. thanks to all who chimed in, I appreciate the advice and I'm glad I didn't blow $750 at the transmission place. special thanks to robin for his part--redline is what I used and I'd recommend it! :D

 

Missed your original post and corresponding replies. Would like to hear what you did. My 1st gear never feels like I think it should, and sometimes grinds into sixth. Thanks.

 

mine (97 6spd) had difficulty going into 1st--you really had to jam it in there (2 bumps as you put it in 1st). if you didn't, it would spit it back out into neutral and if your hand was on the shifter it would grind loudly. also, downshifting was a pain and grinded into 3rd and 2nd sometimes. 5th to 6th always grinded unless I went from 5th to neutral and shook the shifter then eeeeeased her into 6th. NO MORE!!! we changed out the fluid (I used RedLine) and she shifts great now! I'm so happy about it--I don't doubt the synchronizers may be off a bit, but in order to correct that, a tranny specialist has to take her apart-->$750 just for finding out what the problem is. the actual process of changing the fluid was a major pain in the neck though. we had to boo-rig this squirt bottle with a long hose, we put a hole in the bottle to blow in air from the compressor (to force the fluid up into the tranny)--it worked but we spilled quite a bit in the process. I don't know that they fluid had ever been changed prior to me buying her last august.

 

Now I can't wait to change mine! I went to Pep Boys and bought a Gear Oil Pump. I think that will greatly ease the process of getting the fluid in the tranny.

 

It's alot easier to refill the tranny if you pick up a $10 fluid pump from Kmart or any auto parts store. I put redline in my 2000 and could definitely tell a difference in the smoothness and ease of changing gears with the ripper shifter.

 

Is Redline D4ATF what you used?

 

I used Amsoil, frankly I think either Redline of Ansoil are about the same. Went with Amsoil because it is certified by the petrolium institute and figured if a warranty issue came up maybe it might be the edge needed. But who knows?

Anyway go to Home Depot, get 5 feet of 1/2 plastic tubing for $1 or less, have someone hold the tubing out near the gas door while you hold the other end in the tranny and pour in the oil.

For the rear end I used an inexpensive oil squirt can.

Can't understand the first post, this job is easy, just need some decent ramps. Use some 2x8s cut at 45 degree angles and stacked one on the other.

 

At what time (miles) does this need to be done?
Thanks

 

I change mine along with the diff oil every third oil change (about 18-20,000 miles). I use Mobil 1 ATF and 75W90 because they are easy to get. I notice a real improvement each time I change it. I can't believe the the manual says it does not ever need to be changed. :eek:


[Modified by adamsocb, 8:16 PM 2/20/2002]

 

I recently changed both the differential and tranny to Redline. Shifts better (I think) and as close as the exhaust runs to the tranny, I want the best protection against heat and wear I can find for the tranny.

:cheers:

 

Have been running http://www.redlineoil.com in my transmission and rear end for over 20,000 miles. Nothing but smooth shifting, with no rear end noise :cheers:

 

Who has the details on exactly how to change the fluid on a M6? How much fluid is required?

 

For the 6-speed tranny: Redline D4ATF (4 qts)
For the differential: Redline 75W90 (2 qts)

Go to Home Depot and get a drill pump, fittings and 5/8" ID clear hose. Here is a pic:




[Modified by gmblack3, 2:55 AM 2/21/2002]


[Modified by gmblack3, 3:03 AM 2/21/2002]

 

For those of you who used Amsoil:

Did you use the Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid from amsoil for the gearbox?

Did you use the Series 2000 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube or the SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube for the Diff?

I was trying to get some redline in the Altanta area for the w/e. Nobody has it in stock for both the gearbox and diff.

I would think that I could get some Amsoil from one of the distributors, I hope.

 

Have you tried Barnett Performance on Memorial Drive? Ask for Joe Hinds-----bought some D4ATF from him today.

 

I used Amsoil synthetic ATF in the 6 speed and the series 2000 synthetic gear lube in the rear(already has the friction modifier in it).Good stuff :yesnod:

 

Yes I did, they had the D4ATF but not the Diff fluid. I found a guy at work who sells Amsoil. He will bring what I need tomorrow (friday) into work so that I can get it done on Saturday.

 

Lubricant Change
Draining Procedure

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
Clean any dirt from around the differential drain plug.
Remove the drain plug and washer from the differential.
Drain the fluid.
Filling Procedure

Notice
Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

Important
Do not operate the vehicle at wide open throttle for a minimum of 480 km (300 miles) after refilling the differential with lubricant and friction modifier. Scoring of the ring and pinion gears may result, leading to differential noise.


Install the drain plug and washer to the differential. Tighten
Tighten the differential drain plug to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).





Clean any dirt from around the differential fill plug.
Remove the fill plug, lubricant tag, and washer from the differential.
Fill the differential with fluid:
Fill with approximately 1.6 L (1.69 qt) synthetic axle lubricant GM P/N 12378261 or equivalent
Add approximately 118 ml (4.0 oz) limited-slip differential lubricant additive GM P/N 1052358 or equivalent
Check the fluid level to ensure it is even with the bottom of the fill plug hole to no lower than 6 mm (0.25 in) below the opening.
Install the fill plug, lubricant tag, and washer to the differential. Tighten
Tighten the differential fill plug to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).

Lower the vehicle.

 

Transmission Oil Drain and Fill Domestic
Draining Procedure

Raise and suitably support the vehicle; ensure that the vehicle is level. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
Clean away all dirt and debris from the transmission fluid drain plug area.
Remove the drain plug.
Allow the system to drain.

Filling Procedure

Notice
Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.


Install the transmission fluid drain plug. Tighten
Tighten the transmission fluid drain plug to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

Clean away all dirt and debris from the transmission fluid fill plug area.
Remove the fill plug.
Fill the transmission with DEXRON®-III transmission fluid, until even with the bottom of the fill plug hole.
Install the transmission fluid fill plug. Tighten
Tighten the transmission fluid fill plug to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

Lower the vehicle.



[Modified by gmblack3, 10:27 AM 2/22/2002]

 

Does anybody remember the size of the allen wrench required for the drain and fill plugs on the gearbox and on the diff?