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are diff and trans on different fluids?

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Old May 3, 2014 | 04:25 PM
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Default are diff and trans on different fluids?

So I got the oil changed today and considered changing the diff and trans fluids. Now with it being a rear trans car, are there separate transmission fluid and differential fluids? I looked at the trans today while it was on the lift and I noticed a fill plug in the middle on what would on a normal rear end be a differential cover and then another drain plug on the bottom towards the back of the case. I didnt see anymore drain or fill plugs and Im sure that I havent seen any trans dipsticks on this car. IF the trans has a separate fluid, where would the plugs be? or is this done only ata dealer with a special machine?

Dumb question to some I'm sure and yes I tried search. NO I did not check the manual first and If I had, there probably wouldnt be a need for a tech forum....

Thanks for the education in advance.
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Old May 3, 2014 | 05:09 PM
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Yes. D4 in the trans and gear lube in the diff. They are separate units, it is not a transaxle.
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Old May 3, 2014 | 05:58 PM
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Originally Posted by timd38
Yes. D4 in the trans and gear lube in the diff. They are separate units, it is not a transaxle.
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Old May 3, 2014 | 06:21 PM
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Very different.
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Old May 3, 2014 | 06:30 PM
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Originally Posted by timd38
Yes. D4 in the trans and gear lube in the diff. They are separate units, it is not a transaxle.


Somebody needs to tell GM and most publications. Many of the articles written about Corvettes mention a transaxle.

Dictionary says a transaxle is one unit containing both the transmission and the differential. One unit means only one case or housing and since it's all one case it must be only one fluid.

Most front drive vehicles have transaxles that use ATF only.
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Old May 3, 2014 | 06:59 PM
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Thanks gang, anyone got pics of the location of the trans plugs and maybe a "How to"?

or maybe the plugs I saw today are for the trans and Im missing the diff plugs?
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Old May 3, 2014 | 07:18 PM
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Maybe I missed it but did you tell us what trans you have? The fluids will be very different.
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Old May 3, 2014 | 07:57 PM
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Originally Posted by cclive
Maybe I missed it but did you tell us what trans you have? The fluids will be very different.
go to redlineoil.com and look it up. Auto and manual used the same fluid in 2006.
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Old May 3, 2014 | 08:23 PM
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My understanding is that the six speed auto uses Dexron VI, like the rest of GM automatics but the manual uses Dexron III and specifically says not to use Dexron VI. This is why they put a label right at the drain plug that says Dexron III only.
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Old May 3, 2014 | 08:36 PM
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Originally Posted by cclive
Maybe I missed it but did you tell us what trans you have? The fluids will be very different.
No you didnt miss it, I went brain dead and didnt give all of the pertinent information.

2005 LS2 Automatic 4 speed Z51 package.

Wish I had waited a year and gotten the 06 A6 Z51 w/paddle shifters. duh! But hey the deal I got on this one made up for it.
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Old May 3, 2014 | 08:48 PM
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Well, the owners manual says Dexron III but I think that when they came out with Dexron VI, they said it could be used in previous autos that used Dex III, but I'm not absolutely sure. I know Dex VI is absolutely not recommended for the manual...Dex III only. Many people like the 4 speed auto better than the six, so don't feel like you are missing out.
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Old May 3, 2014 | 09:00 PM
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VI is lighter weight to get better mileage, but it will change the stall speed on the converter.
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Old May 4, 2014 | 10:54 AM
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The last I read was my 2005 MZ6 should use GM part number 88861800. Is that still good and what is it?
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Old May 4, 2014 | 11:13 AM
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This off the Red Line website. I change my 06 to Red Line in 2006 at about 1,000 miles. We took my diff out last year and there was no carbon buildup at all inside the case. You also don't need add the clutch additive.

I put D4 in my wife's car and she asked what I did to her car because it shifted smoother.

I am so sold on the product, that when I retired, I went to work for them.

D4 ATF - quart

For use as power steering fluid in this vehicle
For use in 6 speed manual transmission
For use in automatic transmission

75W90 GL-5 Gear Oil - quart

For use in rear differential
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Old May 4, 2014 | 09:40 PM
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Originally Posted by 360Rocket
Thanks gang, anyone got pics of the location of the trans plugs and maybe a "How to"? or maybe the plugs I saw today are for the trans and Im missing the diff plugs?
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