Neat trick changin manual tranny fluid

KJ in CO · **Joined:** Thu Apr 09, 2009 4:06 pm **Posts:** 346

So, I just changed my tranny fluid to Amsoil synchromesh this afternoon

. As I was gettin started,I noticed that the drain plugs were some MONSTROUS size alan type screw which I have never used nore have the tool for. I didnt wanna buy the tool, I believe it would have to be special ordered anyways? :roll:

So, I called up a friend of mine and he gave me a tip. What I did is, I got a 17mm bolt about an inch long and got two 17mm nuts. Screwed the nuts down to the head of the bolt and used some loctite(superglue) to secure them in place. I am assuming if you have access to a welder, that would work a little bit better for a stronger hold... Insert the head of the bolt into the drain plug and use the 17mm socket to loosen and tighten!!

Only needs about 60lbs of torque, so the superglue held pretty well, even to loosen everything up.

Hopefully I wrote that out so it is comprehendable. Hopefully it helps someone else, dont know how many of us manual tranny guys are out there. I thought it was pretty nifty, I woulda not thought of it myself.

2006 KJ · **Posted:** Wed Sep 09, 2009 9:07 pm

you could've done it without superglue if you used 2 nuts on the bolt and tightened them together

good tip!

KJ in CO · **Joined:** Thu Apr 09, 2009 4:06 pm **Posts:** 346

2006 KJ wrote:

you could've done it without superglue if you used 2 nuts on the bolt and tightened them together

good tip!

Very true. I guess if the socket your using goes down further to cover both the nuts. I just feel good that I can share with the crowd. :wink:

Ms5490renegade · **Posted:** Wed Sep 09, 2009 9:20 pm

KJ in CO wrote:

2006 KJ wrote:

you could've done it without superglue if you used 2 nuts on the bolt and tightened them together

good tip!

Very true. I guess if the socket your using goes down further to cover both the nuts. I just feel good that I can share with the crowd. :wink:

i was wondering what that bolt thing was called

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Wed Sep 09, 2009 9:20 pm

I've used the same trick on other large allen head socket type fasteners. works like a charm

KJ in CO · **Joined:** Thu Apr 09, 2009 4:06 pm **Posts:** 346

Ms5490renegade wrote:

i was wondering what that bolt thing was called

The actual drainplug itself or the name for the special type socket that is supposed to be used for the drainplug? I only know its a 17mm and the 3/8" socket that I seen cost $35 for the individual tool!!! :evil:

Diggerfreek · **Posted:** Thu Sep 10, 2009 10:52 am

It's called a hex driver..... Harbor freight should have a cheap set of hex drivers that go up that big... also 35 bucks is nuts :shock:

I just had to buy a 7/8ths impact rated hex driver that is a 3/4 drive for work... only cost me 32 bucks

Khaki-KJ · **Posted:** Thu Sep 10, 2009 8:46 pm

You can get the hex head sockets from any Sears tool section as well. Check their website for the current prices.

Liberty for All · **Posted:** Fri Sep 11, 2009 12:32 am

My manual for my 05 says the six speed trans mine has does not need changing under normal conditions, just check it and top off.
I assume this is because it was filled at factory with synthetic fluid.
Any mechanics thoughts on this would be listened to with interest.

Khaki-KJ · **Posted:** Fri Sep 11, 2009 1:46 am

Liberty for All wrote:

My manual for my 05 says the six speed trans mine has does not need changing under normal conditions, just check it and top off.
I assume this is because it was filled at factory with synthetic fluid.
Any mechanics thoughts on this would be listened to with interest.

I changed my fluid after 12 months and I had metal shavings on the magnetic drain plug already. Nothing since then, so I am assuming that it was just from breaking in. I change transmission, transfer case and differetial fluids every 12 months. (Sorry, did not mean to threadjack)

infernicus · **Posted:** Fri Sep 11, 2009 5:09 am

Sorry if it is somewhere.. but is there a write up on changing the manual transmission fluid? Thanks.

hooperswish · **Posted:** Fri Sep 11, 2009 10:31 am

On mine the drain and fill plugs were different sizes!! Undo the fill plug first!!!
I got a combo 3 pack of the necessary sockets at autozone for 10 bucks.
The original factory fill is the same stuff as penzoil synchromesh, and it is not synthetic (although highly rated.) I would put in a good synthetic. Mine shifts smoother with the royal purple synchromax, but next time I will try amsoil.

Diggerfreek · **Posted:** Fri Sep 11, 2009 10:50 am

infernicus wrote:

Sorry if it is somewhere.. but is there a write up on changing the manual transmission fluid? Thanks.

There is a write up in the KK tech section... The 6 speed manual in the KK is the same as the KJ

Diggerfreek · **Posted:** Fri Sep 11, 2009 11:07 am

Liberty for All wrote:

My manual for my 05 says the six speed trans mine has does not need changing under normal conditions, just check it and top off.
I assume this is because it was filled at factory with synthetic fluid.
Any mechanics thoughts on this would be listened to with interest.

Hijack time :twisted:

OK, basically the synchromesh fluid in the trans is a 5w30 motor oil with a extra additive package in it..

There are many companies that make the synchromesh fluid such as, B&G, penzoil, RP, redline,and Amsoil.

Which fluid should you use? Any one that you feel like.

My personal experience has shown that the factory fill trans fluid is basically broken down by 30,000 miles. We have run RP in my dads 2500 ram diesel and after 30,000 also, you could tell a difference. Currently we are running amsoil in both the 2500 and my KK and really like it so far

Khaki-KJ · **Posted:** Mon Sep 21, 2009 6:52 pm

X2 for Amsoil. Shifting is a lot smoother than the factory fluid and when it gets cold, I am not fighting the transmission for gears until things warm up.

LibertyFever · **Posted:** Mon Sep 21, 2009 9:36 pm

Y'know that's actually a rather clever idea "KJ in CO"
The next time I can't find my Allen keys I'll use it.

infernicus · **Posted:** Wed Sep 23, 2009 6:12 am

Diggerfreek wrote:

infernicus wrote:

Sorry if it is somewhere.. but is there a write up on changing the manual transmission fluid? Thanks.

There is a write up in the KK tech section... The 6 speed manual in the KK is the same as the KJ

sweet thanks, amsoil here I come.

Neat trick changin manual tranny fluid

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