Topic: AX5 Oil

[SamsonJR]

Hey guys, it's been a wile since I've been on here, started a second job at a shop during the day, learning a lot! now I've read up on this, and have been told by a few different people what to use, just thought I'd ask here as well. I filled the AX5 with castrol 10w30. that's what my Mopar parts guy said to use. when I drained the tranny there was gear oil in it. my boss told me I should refill it with what was in it. My step Dad who owned a  tranny shop for years said to run ATF with a additive to protect the sycro's in it, and my Dad said the 10w30 would be fine, I could use redline if I wanted but it's not worth the money. So as you can see i'm being told a ton of different things from people who's advice I respect. I've had the 10w30 in it for 2 days and have been doing normal driving without any issues. I plan to drive to VT on Thursday, and the last thing I want is any tranny problems! Any Suggestions/ advice would be greatly appreciated! 

[Tr00b]

http://4bangerjp.com/forums/index.php/topic,10292.15.html

I use AMS Oil MTG. IMO it made a difference.

[SamsonJR]

hey tr00b, thanks, and thanks for the link, should have checked for that before

[Tr00b]

No problems man... it was on page 7 lol.

IMO as long as the fluid/oil you have in there is new you should be OK. In the Honda world they prefer Wal Mart Super tech 10 30 because the lack of detergents won't hurt the plastic bearing cages. With ax5 ax15 you don't want to hurt the brass synchros. IMO if the 10 dirty is shifting OK run it. I did the syn fluid to help cold shifts.

[Bounty Hunter]

Run Redline MT90 if you want smooth shifting when it's cold.  The Redline is also the best to make the soft brass synchronizers last a long time.

Whatever you do don't run a GL5 rated gear oil unless you're sure it's compatible with the AX5, the high sulfer rating of most GL5 gear oils is corrosive to the synchronizers.

If you have the slightest resistance when shifting (notchy shifting), go with the Redline soon.

[Jeffy]

GL5 is OK if  the label is followed by the markings MT-1.  Early GL-5 got a bad wrap because it wasn't MT-1 certified but was considered a replacement for GL-3/4, which is safe for yellow metals.  They quickly changed the formula and added the MT-1 to say it's OK now.

Here's some other brands which are good.  http://4bangerjp.com/forums/index.php/topic,422.html

[jfrabat]

I also recommend Redline MT-90.  I thought my syncros were shot, but I replaced the oil with MT90 and have not had issues since (this was some 5 or 6 years ago).

[DanMarino]

I have Redline Mt-90 and my first gear syncro is still acting up in cold weather. 

[jeepheap1492]

Penzoil syncromesh.

[dwtaylorpdx]

I use 20w50 synthetic, mine has been rebuilt without the bearing shrouds.... Or the factory stuff if I can find it..

FYI the Toyotas with their variant of the AX5 use motor-oil as well..

[Wrench]

I've been using AFT for the last 6 years/10k offroad miles beating her like a red headed step child and she just takes it...

I've always wondered why the AX5 has a reputation for a high failure rate.  The only real issue I've had was how poorly it shifted (like molasses) when it had gear oil in there.