Which fluid?

[baddog671]

I'm considering changing the fluid in the front diff. of my manual 95 metro since its still the same that came from the factory over 120,000 miles ago. Now, apparently with a manual transmission you can put either normal gear oil in it, or ATF fluid? What's the difference and what do you think I should use? It was quickly explained to me that you can use either or, but ATF fluid is thinner whereas gear oil is thicker? I think mine came from the factory with 75w90, can anyone confirm this?

I have access to acouple different weights of gear oil, regular ATF, and syntetic ATF at the price of cost at my work..

Nic

[VetteOwner]

look in your owners manual or get a haynes manual it will say. use what it says or you might be buying a new tranny.

[n0rt0npr0]

I cannot confirm your fluid type, but your very BEST bet is to call a Chevy Dealerships service department, and ask them.

[DracoFelis]

Originally Posted by n0rt0npr0

I cannot confirm your fluid type, but your very BEST bet is to call a Chevy Dealerships service department, and ask them.

Why would that be the "best bet"? Wouldn't they tend to follow the normal dealership approach of recommending the "official fluid" for the vehicle, even when some other fluid might work a lot better?

Personally, I think the proper place to ask about car fluids is the "Bob is the oil guy" forums:
http://theoildrop.server101.com/forums/ubbthreads.php

[n0rt0npr0]

Draco,

Thats the best bet because I percieved the author as not knowing what fluid was originally in his manual tranny. If he does know that, then he should take that knowledge over to BITOG where he can ask further recommendations.

[skewbe]

I've been considering atf for my metro, but may go with what the metro experts are using: GM Synchromesh, part # 12346190, 2.5 quarts.

Stay away from the 70/90 paste mentioned in the non-suzuki manual if you want decent mpg and happy shifting.

here a couple discussions about it on teamswift (metro clones):
http://www.teamswift.net/viewtopic.php?t=32690
http://www.teamswift.net/viewtopic.php?t=19392

[baddog671]

thanks all. I dont have a manual and I heard that the information in there regarding weight is incorrect anyways. I'll check those links out skewbe, thanks.

I'd like something thinner to decrease drag but not too thin..