• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

Syncromesh in a T-5??

  • Thread starter Thread starter Stang8URMPRT
  • Start date Start date May 7, 2004
  • 1
  • 2
Next
1 of 2 Next Last

Stang8URMPRT

Active Member
Dec 28, 2003
1,100
1
38
Daytona Beach, FL
May 7, 2004
#1
  • May 7, 2004
  • #1
I know they call for 2.8 quarts of ATF in a T-5, but I was wondering if any of you have put anything else in it? Like syncromesh or a synthetic? I know gear lube is a no no, but just wondering. If so, did you notice any better lube, i.e., easier shifting, more noise, or less noise? Thanks

Nick
 

Mustang John

Founding Member
Aug 12, 2000
481
0
16
Cleveland, Ohio
May 7, 2004
#2
  • May 7, 2004
  • #2
We have an old seasoned builder that builds T-5s for our shop in exchange for cores, and he swears by 10w40 motor oil, and that is all he wants in his transmissions. They shift way smooth.

We've used ATF in T-5 with brass blockers, although a lot of people here berate me for our use of it.

In later model units, I believe you have to use synchromesh, as (I believe) ATF deteriorates the composite bonded blockers in them. Not sure about the powdered metal ones, but they probably don't like it either.

We used synthetic, and people said they felt notchy, and went back to motor oil. Sychromesh was fine as well.
 

Gearbanger 101

Straight Outta Locash
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 10, 2002
9,457
1,377
234
Ontario, Canada
May 7, 2004
#3
  • May 7, 2004
  • #3
Regular ATF to break it in (if it's new) and Mobile 1synthetic or GM Syncromesh after that. Actually, most guys I know run Synchromesh in theirs. GM finally did something right.
 
8

87'GTstang

New Member
Feb 16, 2004
1,025
0
0
May 7, 2004
#4
  • May 7, 2004
  • #4
Stang8URMPRT said:
I know gear lube is a no no, but just wondering. If so, did you notice any better lube, i.e., easier shifting, more noise, or less noise? Thanks

Nick
Click to expand...

Not entirely, the 83½' and 84' T5 uses between 70 and 80 weight gear oil. The 85' and up would probably benefit from using it because it offers more protection than the finicky ATF consistency. Due to the fiber-lined blocker/synchro rings and the tiny roller bearings used in them, it's a no no because gear oil cannot flow in to those tiny places fast enough.

FYI: Synthetic is almost always better than conventional.
 

mustang88GT

New Member
Jun 1, 2003
186
0
0
Charlotte, North Carolina
May 7, 2004
#5
  • May 7, 2004
  • #5
i use moible 1 synthetic... so much quiter. my dad runs it in his 91 vette too
 

Starscream88

New Member
Mar 8, 2003
1,277
1
0
Park Ridge NJ
May 7, 2004
#6
  • May 7, 2004
  • #6
Another vote here for Mobil 1 Synthetic

Just finished putting some in actually lol

and seriosly I felt a huge difference in shifting when I changed my Tranny Fluid in Dec,

No noise, or rattles. Smoooooth shifts,

Worth the money,

And I havent used Syncromesh yet, I might try it next time
 

Michael Yount

Mustang Master
Apr 10, 2002
9,039
6
79
Charlotte, NC
May 7, 2004
#7
  • May 7, 2004
  • #7
Amsoil syn atf in my world class T-5; flawless performance for the last 20k miles.
 
M

mcvey90

Founding Member
Jan 24, 2002
950
0
16
B TOWN
May 7, 2004
#8
  • May 7, 2004
  • #8
2.8qts??

I thought it was closer to like 4 or 5 quarts of tranny fluid.

2.8 seems awfully low if I remember correctly. can anyone confirm this???
 

mustang88GT

New Member
Jun 1, 2003
186
0
0
Charlotte, North Carolina
May 7, 2004
#9
  • May 7, 2004
  • #9
yeah i believe it is a lil more cause i bought 3 quarts last time and it was not enough...
 

Michael Yount

Mustang Master
Apr 10, 2002
9,039
6
79
Charlotte, NC
May 7, 2004
#10
  • May 7, 2004
  • #10
2.8 is right. Just fill til it starts to ooze out the fill hole. Let it stop 'oozing', then plug it up. It'll take about 2 3/4 qts.
 

mustang88GT

New Member
Jun 1, 2003
186
0
0
Charlotte, North Carolina
May 7, 2004
#11
  • May 7, 2004
  • #11
mine was completely dry and it took more...
 

Stang8URMPRT

Active Member
Dec 28, 2003
1,100
1
38
Daytona Beach, FL
May 7, 2004
#12
  • May 7, 2004
  • #12
You guys are awesome. And yes, it takes 2.8 quarts. It's in any service manual and you can call any parts store or Ford directly and they say 2.8 quarts if bone dry.

Also, you all are saying Mobile 1 Syn.... Is that Mobile 1 Syn ATF or Mobile 1 10W 40 Syn? Thanks guys

Nick
 

maverick0716

Founding Member
Jan 12, 2002
3,924
0
56
Chilliwack, BC, Canada
May 8, 2004
#13
  • May 8, 2004
  • #13
Stang8URMPRT said:
Also, you all are saying Mobile 1 Syn.... Is that Mobile 1 Syn ATF or Mobile 1 10W 40 Syn? Thanks guys

Nick
Click to expand...

ATF
 

Gearbanger 101

Straight Outta Locash
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 10, 2002
9,457
1,377
234
Ontario, Canada
May 8, 2004
#14
  • May 8, 2004
  • #14
Stang8URMPRT said:
You guys are awesome. And yes, it takes 2.8 quarts. It's in any service manual and you can call any parts store or Ford directly and they say 2.8 quarts if bone dry.

Also, you all are saying Mobile 1 Syn.... Is that Mobile 1 Syn ATF or Mobile 1 10W 40 Syn? Thanks guys

Nick
Click to expand...
10W40 is engine oil dude....the ATF is what you want.
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
33
129
May 8, 2004
#15
  • May 8, 2004
  • #15
Gearbanger 101 said:
10W40 is engine oil dude....the ATF is what you want.
Click to expand...
earlier in the thread, the use of motor oil was spoken of, and i think that is why he asked.

Mustang John, as i recall, 90MustangGT also runs motor oil in his (my vague recollection). ive read about it elsewhere and some like it (so i dont think you are off base with that one).

as far as ATF, i like Redline D4 (im not a big fan of products that meet the specs of many different types of that product. i like something more specifically designed to replace that particlular fluid).
my two cents worth.
 

mustang88GT

New Member
Jun 1, 2003
186
0
0
Charlotte, North Carolina
May 8, 2004
#16
  • May 8, 2004
  • #16
i run 10w 40 Mobil 1 synthetic MOTOR Oil, i have heard on a few Vette forums and that is what a few autocross vettes are using...every service manual i have looked in does say 2.8liter but i can garuntee you that mine took more... it took all three quarts and just a little more...
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,178
17,880
224
Massachusetts
May 8, 2004
#17
  • May 8, 2004
  • #17
just do til it oozes out of the top fill hole. It should be around 2.8 quarts but the top fill hole is the level where you want it to be
 

04sleeper

Founding Member
Jun 22, 2002
2,674
14
89
Dallas, TX
May 8, 2004
#18
  • May 8, 2004
  • #18
It is 2.8 quarts like Mustang5L5 and Michael Yount have said. Make sure the car is level when you fill it.
 
M

mcvey90

Founding Member
Jan 24, 2002
950
0
16
B TOWN
May 8, 2004
#19
  • May 8, 2004
  • #19
confused

okay, I am a pinch confused now, cuz I just put 4 1/2 quarts in mine and nothing ever oozed out anywhere, but its now not going in anymore either. the fluid level is almost flush with the shifter housing. what the hell am I to do now?

just crack the drain plug and let a bit out or what.

thanks for the help
 

Gearbanger 101

Straight Outta Locash
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 10, 2002
9,457
1,377
234
Ontario, Canada
May 8, 2004
#20
  • May 8, 2004
  • #20
There's an inspection plug just above the bottom drain plug (about 3-4 inches above). You're suppose to fill it flush with that. Filling it too the top is only going to cause a lot of drag and make a big mess.
 
  • 1
  • 2
Next
1 of 2 Next Last
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

B
Engine Strange Noise
  • burntokita
  • May 8, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
8
Views
339
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 11, 2026
keel
C
Drivetrain T-5 transmission issue
  • Ch3No2
  • Jul 11, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
3
Views
348
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jul 18, 2025
2000xp8
B
2001 roush stage 3 - sat for 5 years
  • Brando_05
  • Aug 26, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
0
Views
230
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Aug 26, 2025
Brando_05
B
F
5 lug disc brake pad help
  • Foxrider714
  • Nov 14, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
3
Views
219
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Nov 17, 2025
KRUISR
A
2001 Mustang GT, scorched metal smell and noise from trans/diff?
  • AndyE2255
  • Dec 1, 2025
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Replies
4
Views
414
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech Dec 28, 2025
gkomo
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?