6 Speed Trans Maintenance

[OldBlue61]

I've read a bunch of different posts on transmission issues and the like, but I'm simply looking to do a fluid and filter change.  My truck is a 2015, 5.3, 6 speed - I'm assuming it's the 6L80, is that right?  I know it takes Dex VI, just not sure how much.  75k, and it's not been changed yet.  Plan on doing both diffs, transfer case, and transmission.

 

I've got Mobil 1 75/90 for both diffs.  I know I need 2 qts of Dex VI for the transfer case, just not sure how much for a fluid/filter change for the transmission.  I'm assuming synthetic is preferred for the transmission and transfer case?

Edited June 22, 2019 by OldBlue61

[diyer2]

6 quarts with filter and pan drop for trans.

Fluid is personal choice.

Synthetic is better.

I use Castrol Transmax.

 

[CamGTP]

Dex6 is already a synthetic fluid.

 

This is straight from the Valvoline data sheet.

 

Quote

Valvoline DEXRON^™-VI ATF is formulated with premium synthetic base stocks and advanced additive technology, meeting and exceeding the requirements of the General Motors' DEXRON^™-VI specification, and is officially licensed and approved by GM.

 

[Black02Silverado]

2 hours ago, OldBlue61 said:

I've read a bunch of different posts on transmission issues and the like, but I'm simply looking to do a fluid and filter change.  My truck is a 2015, 5.3, 6 speed - I'm assuming it's the 6L80, is that right?  I know it takes Dex VI, just not sure how much.  75k, and it's not been changed yet.  Plan on doing both diffs, transfer case, and transmission.

 

I've got Mobil 1 75/90 for both diffs.  I know I need 2 qts of Dex VI for the transfer case, just not sure how much for a fluid/filter change for the transmission.  I'm assuming synthetic is preferred for the transmission and transfer case?

That covers it well.  6qts will do the transmission if all you are doing is the pan drop and filter change.  If you were going to exchange the fluid via the cooler line then you would need 16qts to get it all changed over.  

[Grumpy Bear]

7 minutes ago, CamGTP said:

Dex6 is already a synthetic fluid.

 

This is straight from the Valvoline data sheet.

 

 

What that Valvoline quote says is THIER D6 is a synthetic. Not that all D6 SPEC ATF's are synthetics. It also doesn't say if the synthetic fluids used are 'real' (science defined) synthetics OR "marketing" (legal defined) synthetics. Lawyer-ease. Write allot and say nothing.  Very close to Poly-Ticks. 

 

That said, about half my D6 fleet is using Valvoline. The other half Red Line D6. Personal choices both. I'm old. Have allot of miles. Tired allot of things. Valvoline is one that has never let me down. It's a solid choice. 

 

(Not picking on you CamGTP. Picking on the Valvoline marketing and legal staff. They write to deceive and are good at it.)

 

OldBlue61: Given the number of miles without a service I would do multiple changes on that transmission. That first one pan off, filter changed, but after than you can draw via the dipstick (dad does this) 4 to 6 measured quarts at a time a few hundred miles apart and do this until the fluid looks like a fresh quart. Save ya some money and aggravation.  

[PPK]

I changed the rear last week in my GMC. Terribly thin OEM. Not sure you can tow a lawn mower with the factory fill.

[jherrera]

I'm kind of in the same boat but would prefer a shop to service my diff's and transfer case I just had my transmission replaced in January of 2019, should I take it to a dealer ship or a transmission shop? 

[Black02Silverado]

1 hour ago, jherrera said:

I'm kind of in the same boat but would prefer a shop to service my diff's and transfer case I just had my transmission replaced in January of 2019, should I take it to a dealer ship or a transmission shop? 

They are really easy to service. The front diff has a drain and fill plug.  Just pull the fill plug to make sure you can get it off, then pull the drain plug.  Once it is done, put the plug back in and then fill it back up until it starts to come out the fill plug hole. Should take just about 2qts 75w-90

 

Same with the transfer case, again you will need 2 qts.  ATF  dexron VI fluid

 

Rear differential is easy, no drain plug but just pull the cover off, clean off the magnet and put back on. The gasket is reusable.  Then fill back up with 75w-90. Some say until it starts to come out like the front and some will say until it is about a half inch from the fill opening.  You can measure with an allen wrench. Basically before you drain the rear diff, take the fill plug out and measure how high the fluid is. 

 

AMSOIL's sqeeze packs makes changing out the diff's and T case easy.  No mess and no pumping out of a qt bottle.

 

 

[jherrera]

On ‎6‎/‎26‎/‎2019 at 5:21 AM, Black02Silverado said:

They are really easy to service. The front diff has a drain and fill plug.  Just pull the fill plug to make sure you can get it off, then pull the drain plug.  Once it is done, put the plug back in and then fill it back up until it starts to come out the fill plug hole. Should take just about 2qts 75w-90

 

Same with the transfer case, again you will need 2 qts.  ATF  dexron VI fluid

 

Rear differential is easy, no drain plug but just pull the cover off, clean off the magnet and put back on. The gasket is reusable.  Then fill back up with 75w-90. Some say until it starts to come out like the front and some will say until it is about a half inch from the fill opening.  You can measure with an allen wrench. Basically before you drain the rear diff, take the fill plug out and measure how high the fluid is. 

 

AMSOIL's sqeeze packs makes changing out the diff's and T case easy.  No mess and no pumping out of a qt bottle.

 

 

thanks man will do! can I do this while the truck is on the ground or will I be struggling all to hell and better off raising the truck on some jack stands or ramps? 

[Black02Silverado]

thanks man will do! can I do this while the truck is on the ground or will I be struggling all to hell and better off raising the truck on some jack stands or ramps? 

Yes. I can do it on my 2002. Sitting on a level surface. If you do it up on jack stands just make sure it is level.


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[davester]

A pump like this one makes it easy to get the fluid in the diffs and transfer case and they aren't that expensive: https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/1-litre-bottle-pump/A-p8629826e

 

The end of the plastic tube has a curved metal tube that you put in the fill hole, and you just pump away.