New tranny fluid = New transmission

[SSMY1LE]

So after way too much debate I went ahead and changed my transmission fluid this week. I had the famous "notchy feel" when shifting since new (worst was the 1-2 shift) and hoping it would just go away didn't work, after 6000 miles anyways.
A very easy job to do, it takes longer to get these beasts up on 4 floor stands so if you have a hoist it would be a dream job. The drain and fill plugs are very easy to access. To refill I bought some 1/2 clear hose (Home Depot for $4) and filled from above straight out of the bottle.
I ended up using Royal Purple Synchromax High Performance Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid, 4 quarts.

The difference is incredible

I wish I had done this last summer, feels like I have a new transmission. The 1-2 clunk is completely gone and all the other shifts actually feel like they are sucked into the next gear. Big difference with the cold feel as well, no more stiffness at all.

Not trying to start a debate or war on what type of fluid is the best, I think they are all an improvement and everyone has an opinion.
Just want to tell anyone that is on the fence about this mod, go out today and change the fluid if you have the same feel I did....you fall in love with your 1LE all over again

[Mark T]

Did mine at 5k, and I agree.

[rleon]

I just picked up some Redline D4 ATF & gear oil, gonna change out this weekend. Looking forward to the results as well!

[SSMY1LE]

Originally Posted by rleon

I just picked up some Redline D4 ATF & gear oil, gonna change out this weekend. Looking forward to the results as well!

You'll love it, I did the rear end fluid with Royal Purple as well and its very quiet and smooth.
I was going to use Redline but it much harder to find here in Canada.

[nvydvr]

I use a Redline additive for my diesel and love their products. Any opinion on Redline vs Royal Purple?

[GONIF]

Did mine with Redline D4 ATF the first week I had the car . Big fan of Redline . Also used Redline gear oil in the diif .

[Ragnar]

Redline D4 ATF here also, the difference is quite amazing!

[Electric]

Just to confirm, switching tranny fluid yourself does not void warranty. Or does it?

[guerrillakilla13]

Is there a write up for this? My tranny is driving me insane, 1st and 2nd gear are definitely ridiculous.

Also is there a write up for the differential fluid? Might as well since I could use a better ride

From what i've heard, Royal Purple product is way up there in the high quality dept. Can't say i've heard of Redline

[nvydvr]

Originally Posted by guerrillakilla13

Is there a write up for this? My tranny is driving me insane, 1st and 2nd gear are definitely ridiculous.

Also is there a write up for the differential fluid? Might as well since I could use a better ride

From what i've heard, Royal Purple product is way up there in the high quality dept. Can't say i've heard of Redline

I have used Redline 85 Plus in my '06 Chevy Diesel since I bought it new. An "old-timer" with and older Cummins (notorious for injector problems) turned me on to it when he said he uses it and has never changed anything except the water pump and he had 375,000 miles on it. That got my attention and respect. Both Redline and Royal Purple are names I know... and also Amsoil...

[nvydvr]

Another question, the royal purple says this:

Royal Purple Synchromax Manual Transmission Fluid 01512
Royal Purple Synchromax manual transmission fluid is recommended for manual transmissions that specify an automatic transmission fluid or motor oil. It is also ideal for 4x4 transfer cases and/or 2-cycle motorcycle gear boxes. Synchromax is formulated with Royal Purple's synthetic, proprietary Synerlec additive technology, which offers improved shift quality over a wide temperature range and reduced gear noise. It is fully compatible with all types of friction materials, and offers excellent corrosion and oxidation protection, without affecting the soft metals commonly found in manual transmission synchronizers.

Is this okay for use in our transmissions?

[nvydvr]

I just talked to a Royal Purple engineer and he said that GM may void the warranty because this is considered a "performance upgrade"... Seems like a bunch of garbage to me but I know he's correct... Any thoughts?

[olblue75]

Did you use the full 4 qts???

[Ragnar]

Originally Posted by Electric

Just to confirm, switching tranny fluid yourself does not void warranty. Or does it?

No it does not, you can perform your own service. I go to our Chevrolet web sight and document all service that was done on my car. I did this transmission a favor by changing the fluid!