Hey all,
I've read tons of info about drain & fill vs. flush and trans filter changes on this forum, but realize most of the info is typically catered to the Auto transmissions. I have a 96 with a manual trans, 150k miles and no maintenance history so I want to tend to the transmision.

Do I use Dexron ATF like the Auto tranny's take (My Ranger took ATF even though it was a stick)?
Do I worry about flushing vs. draining and filling as discussed multiple times on this forum (for Auto tranny's)?
DO I have and need to replace the tranny filter?
Anyone have a write up on this?

Thanks for the help in advance,
s

 

If you're going to be wrenching on your Jeep you really should invest $10 or $15 on a manual. A crappy Haynes will suffice. From this, you'll be able to gather fluid types and amounts that you'll need for basic maintenance.

Your Jeep will take gear oil and not ATF fluid, but I don't know what type right off hand. A Haynes will tell you this. A drain and fill will be fine. I like to drive them for a bit to warm things up. This especially helps with gear oil and will let it drain faster if it's a bit warm. There's no tranny filter.

There's a write up here on adding fluid:

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/howto-add-transmission-fluid-manual-5-speed-6703/

He shows 80w100+ weight oil.

 

I have one, thanks. Besides, looking at that write up you referenced appears proof enough why I would consult the forum in addition to using the manual. Great detail and personal experience. Plus, I've found additional tidbits and reminders to be very beneficial for these kinds of projects. For instance, hubbazoot modified a tool to be more functional in the space he was working in. Where would that be found in a manual?

s

 

An AX-15 5-speed manual takes 75W-90 gear oil.

 

X2 on the 75w-90; Transmission fluid goes in the Transfer Case

I heard alot about the sulfur in alot of the GL5 gear lubes eating soft yellow metals (syncros) in transmissions. I ended up calling the Jeep dealer and then still not satisfied so I called Valvoline directly (the maker of the lube i was using) and they informed me that they use a "non-activated sulfur" which does not cause problems.

 

So the sulfer stuff is got me a bit concerned since not all gear oils are created equal. What it the exact gear oil you use that you've researched? Valvoline what? Also, transfer cases take gear oil too? EVery post I've read says they take ATF? Now I'm confused.

s

 

the transfer case should take ATF+4 and as far as the transmision fluid ive read several different opinions Royal Purple's MT-90 is one that is not sulfurbased but very expensive let alone hard to find stick with the valvoline i use that in my 97 tj wich i believe is the same transmision you have( Ax-15 ) with no problems

 

Valvoline is what I like to use, and the 72w-90 is what I strictly use in all my rigs for the weight, it keeps it simple and they are all old so they dont care. I do know however you can mix the two, BUT not much ATF to Gear Oil ratio. I only put about 1/2 to 1 quart of ATF to a manual tranny in the event that its shifting hard from years and years of abuse to get you buy. Otherwise a straight gear oil is first and best. Also a drain after you have warmed it up will work much better. No filter like said above.

 

Your jeep pics have Oregon plates. Where are you located? I used to live about 40 minutes West of Portland on Hwy 99.