gear oil for 5MT?

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Fugazi
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gear oil for 5MT?

Post by Fugazi »

I hate to clog up the forum with stupid newby questions like this, but I'm not as good with cars as I am with computers :)

A tranny oil change is in order and I'm wondering if I can use some 80w90 GL5 gear oil I have sitting around. I was told by a friend that it should work, but I'm a little worried because its limited slip. Should I go out and get something else? If so, what kind?



"Carquest premium 80W 90 Gear Oil"
"limited slip for top-off only, API service GL-5. GL-4, GL-3"
1993 Legacy L AWD, 5 speed, 201k miles
KYB GR-2, K&N, snorkusectomy
entirelyturbo
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Post by entirelyturbo »

You have no limited slip. Your transmission has an open front diff, a viscous and sealed center diff, and an open rear diff.

Yes you can use plain old GL5 80W90, in fact I recommend it. Read my stickied thread about grinding synchros and you'll understand why.
"Der Wahnsinn ist nur eine schmale Brücke/die Ufer sind Vernunft und Trieb"

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Fugazi
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Post by Fugazi »

So can I use this stuff I have right now, even though it says its for limited slip? Thats what I'm concerned about, I have no idea if it could cause problems.
1993 Legacy L AWD, 5 speed, 201k miles
KYB GR-2, K&N, snorkusectomy
Bubba-Ugly
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Post by Bubba-Ugly »

I would use a 90W-140 gear oil in the differentials and transmission. You may need the protection from heat because of the desert and mountain roads in your area. (Bend, OR) I once tried AMSOIL synthetic gear oil in my transmission and differential, but it would not cling to the synchros in the gear box, and cause terrific gear clash. I had to go back to a regular gear oil to get the transmission to quiet down.
Legacy777
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Post by Legacy777 »

That's way too thick oil to run in these trannies.

75w90 is what the manufacturer calls for, however 80w90 will be fine.
Josh

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greg donovan
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Post by greg donovan »

mine has GM syncromesh in it. i believe it is 75/90. not sure as the previous owner put it in. i think it feels very good. felt nice in the cold weather today.
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BAC5.2
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Post by BAC5.2 »

Redline 75W90NS. AMAZING stuff.
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