Correct Fluid for T5

AZNEAL311

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Sep 1, 2006

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Phoenix

Sep 13, 2006

#1

• Sep 13, 2006

• #1

The Chilton i have says to use 85 90 gear oil, all Checker had was 80 90. However on another thread it says they say to use ATF. I live in Phoenix and it is very hot here. What should i use?

 

50FoxBodyGT

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Aug 24, 2006

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Memphis

Sep 13, 2006

#2

• Sep 13, 2006

• #2

Use the 80-90 gear lube not atf

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

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#3

• Sep 13, 2006

• #3

It depends upon the year of your car (the production date of the trans actually).

Starting in like what '85?, WC T5's came out and started using ATF. If you have an aero fox with the OEM trans, it will be ATF for sure (I just cant remember the cut-off date going backwards into the pre-aero's).

I also live in AZ and like Synthetic. I'd note that some folks on here dont like synthetics in their T5's. In this heat, I kinda like it.

Good luck Neal.

 

Busted07

I need my gorilla to be about an inch longer.

Nov 15, 2005

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Sep 13, 2006

#4

• Sep 13, 2006

• #4

Everyone i hang out with that has fox bodies has used either synthetic or GM Synchro-mesh. both seem to work fine. Im in the heat of louisiana. A different kinda heat (humidity) but hot all the same.

 

AZNEAL311

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#5

• Sep 13, 2006

• #5

I have an 88 w/ Borg Warner 5-speed
and thanks for the help

And this is to FarBeyondDriven, putting GM fluids in my Ford just doesnt sit well with me. P.S. R.I.P. DIMEBAG

 

D

Deleted member 87397

Sep 13, 2006

#6

• Sep 13, 2006

• #6

And this is to FarBeyondDriven, putting GM fluids in my Ford just doesnt sit well with me. P.S. R.I.P. DIMEBAG[/QUOTE]

Well don't ever get a TKO cuz they recommend GM Synchromesh for them.

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

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#7

• Sep 13, 2006

• #7

Synchromesh is actually a Pennzoil product as I recall.

With a lot of this stuff, the fluid requirements are similar and met with one product (I.e. The Mercon fluid used in a trans is the same as the Dexron for a GM).

I haven't used Synchromesh in a T5 though.

Good luck.

 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

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#8

• Sep 13, 2006

• #8

50FoxBodyGT said:

Use the 80-90 gear lube not atf

Click to expand...

Gear lube will destroy a World Class T-5.




use ATF...2.8 quarts

 

AZNEAL311

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#9

• Sep 13, 2006

• #9

i dont have a Wolrd Class T-5 i have a Borg Warner, and while i am at it, can anyone tell me the difference between the two

 

AZNEAL311

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#10

• Sep 13, 2006

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I am at a stand still, I have several people and a manual telling me 80-90 gear oil and other people telling gear oil will destroy my tranny and to use ATF or GM. Someone who knows for a fact what i should use and as soon as possible. And remember I am in a very warm climate. Phoenix reaches 120 degrees in the summer.

 

B

bronco4x4

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Sep 28, 2005

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fall river, ma

Sep 13, 2006

#11

• Sep 13, 2006

• #11

Atf is the proper fluid. If you dont believe anyone, go to your local ford dealership and ask them.

 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

Mod Dude

Feb 18, 2001

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#12

• Sep 13, 2006

• #12

AZNEAL311 said:

i dont have a Wolrd Class T-5 i have a Borg Warner, and while i am at it, can anyone tell me the difference between the two

Click to expand...

Borg Warner is the name of the company that makes the transmission. In 1997 they were bought by Tremec and all 97-later T-5's are sold under the Tremec name.

World Class and NON-World Class refer to the bearing setup and synchro design.


Have a read

http://www.allfordmustangs.com/Detailed/349.shtml


The only T-5's to take gear oil were the early 1983 and 1984 versions. They were non-World Class. In 1985 and all years after, the T-5 became world class and takes ATF

 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

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#13

• Sep 13, 2006

• #13

AZNEAL311 said:

I am at a stand still, I have several people and a manual telling me 80-90 gear oil and other people telling gear oil will destroy my tranny and to use ATF or GM. Someone who knows for a fact what i should use and as soon as possible. And remember I am in a very warm climate. Phoenix reaches 120 degrees in the summer.

Click to expand...

ATF. Dex/Mercon III to be more specific

 

Last edited: Apr 22, 2025

Reactions: Scrapla347

sirr0bin

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Winnipeg, Manitoba

Sep 13, 2006

#14

• Sep 13, 2006

• #14

Mustang5L5 said:

ATF...trust me Dex/Mercon III to be more specific

Click to expand...

Quoted for truth, only put ATF in your T5 or you're asking for trouble

 

AZNEAL311

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#15

• Sep 13, 2006

• #15

I love this site, I get a fast response every time i post. Nothing like Ford Drivers, best group of people you will ever meet. I am thankful for the info, i will have to call a few shops and dealers, seee what they say. thanks a lot guys.

 

Mustang78

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Sep 13, 2006

#16

• Sep 13, 2006

• #16

drain your old fluid, if it's red replace it with ATF...simple right?

~Mark~

 

AZNEAL311

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Sep 14, 2006

#17

• Sep 14, 2006

• #17

Note to self: its a good a idea not to read Chilton when extremely tired. I reread it and it says for T5OD use Mercon Or Dexron i cant believe i misread it. Thanks for the help. However it seems to be an issue that needs to be cleared up with other 5.0. owners. There was quite a few people that said to use gear oil.

 

50FoxBodyGT

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Aug 24, 2006

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Memphis

Sep 14, 2006

#18

• Sep 14, 2006

• #18

Changing mine out tonight...... good info guys, thanx!

 

Saleen0679

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Yakima, WA

Sep 14, 2006

#19

• Sep 14, 2006

• #19

AZNEAL311 said:

Note to self: its a good a idea not to read Chilton when extremely tired. I reread it and it says for T5OD use Mercon Or Dexron i cant believe i misread it. Thanks for the help. However it seems to be an issue that needs to be cleared up with other 5.0. owners. There was quite a few people that said to use gear oil.

Click to expand...

When in doubt refer to your owner's manual. You do still have your owner's manual don't you. I think a lot of owner's fail to realize that after you get past the section on 'how to fasten your seatbelt' the owner's manual has a wealth of information like a list of all the lubricants and their specifications and capacitites. Also contained in the manual is a list of bulbs, fuses, fusebox layout, and some useful general info.

 

JChalfan

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Nov 27, 2002

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Bellevue, WA

Sep 14, 2006

#20

• Sep 14, 2006

• #20

ATF is definitely the correct fluid for T5's, at least in the aero cars.

I was under the impression that they would not shift if filled with gear oil, but it sounds like some people here have actually run gear oil in them.

Interesting. But for the record, and to echo everyone else, use ATF.

Jeff