NV4500 oil

I posted in the 4th gen forum, then realized NV4500's were a second gen trans. I have a NV4500 in my Jeep and want to change the trans oil. In researching the net, it seems it takes a special oil. Castrol no longer make it and Redline MT-85 seems to be the recommended replacement. I don't have a Redline dealer close and the local Dodge dealer told me there was a TSB to use ATF+4 instead. Anyone tried this? Did it work? I do know the synchro rings on the NV4500 have a friction material on them that is picky about lubricant. I don't want to destroy my trans with the wrong oil. In the past, the TDR has been the best place to get info, even if it's a Dodge trans in a Jeep. Thanks in advance.

 

Dealerships are putting ATF +4 in all the manual transmissions now, but I wouldn't do it.

You want a GL-4 75w-90 fluid for the NV4500, but not a GL-5 fluid. Amsoil MTG is also a good choice for the NV4500.

 

OK, thanks, that's what I thought I wonder if there are any customer complaints after having their transmission serviced at a dealership. Maybe those trucks are old enough for owners to do their own maintenance.

 

I used both Redline and Amsoil in my '96 since it was new. Other than losing 5th gear, I never had any issues with the trans.

 

Yes they do. Dodge/Ram just doesn't sell it any more.


As a side note, I tried ATF+4 in my G56. The input bearing failed in less than 10,000 miles. I sure as the world wouldn't put it in a NV4500.

 

I just did a rebuild in my NV4500 and switched from amsoil to redline. Redline is easily obtainable on Amazon.

 

Wow, that's expensive fluid. It makes Amsoil look cheap when you price the 4-5 quarts needed.

Can you find it cheaper locally?

 

When I had a NV4500 I would buy it from the local Chevy dealer. At the time Dodge also had it but GM cost less. I tried the Amsoil but didn't like the way the transmission shifted with it. The Castrol was a lot smoother.