Manual trans fluids

[klabat]

Okay, I'll expose my limited knowledge about my Jeep! This is the first 4wd vehicle I've owned with a manual transmission (05 Unlimited with the 6-speed) and my first Jeep.

I've got about 46k on the vehicle now (mostly road miles) and want to change the trans and diff fluids. The owner's manual gives ATF+4 for the xfer case and standard 80W-90 for the diffs. My question is one about the trans fluid. The manual recommends "Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent". What is an equivalent lubricant for this application? I'd rather not pay dealership prices when I can do this myself.

Also, I can easily find the xfer case fill/drain ports, but do I need to remove the skid pan to do the transmission?

Thanks in advance for the advice!
Kevin

[kb5xg]

Besides following this forum, I also do www.links4jeeps.com they have a lot or really knowledgeable people there and I will guarantee that their is probably a link to the instructions on how to change both sets of fluids. I know the diff one is there but not completely sure about the tranny fluid. But I think that is there, really good group of people.

[klabat]

Thanks! I'll check that out as soon as I can. I really want to get these fluids changed while I have some time during the Christmas season.

[Belfast]

I just replaced my manual transmission fluid today - I used Pennzoil Synchromesh, which is advertised as meeting Chrysler specifications. I am hoping it will keep the heat down next road-trip (the floor gets warm after a couple hours of driving).

I got it pretty cheap at the local auto shop (I think AutoZone). I bought four bottles, but it looks like I only needed two.

I have yet to do the transfer case, but I used Royal Purple in my diffs last summer and can't complain.

[klabat]

I ordered Red Line products for the diffs/xfer case/trans and they should be delivered today! I guess I know what my New Year's day is going to be like! I'll spend the weekend with the family and crawl into my cave (garage) on Monday - all day!

[Belfast]

The first time you change the fluids (both diff and trans, haven't done the xfer case, but imagine it will be the same) the bolts are real tight. It took forever to get the filler and drain plugs loose on the trans - there just isn't much leverage under the Jeep and they are torque'd real good from the factory.

[klabat]

I had no real problems. I did find out that you DO NOT need to drop the skid plate, though! What a pain! Everything went well and I got the trans/diffs/xfer case done in about 4 hours. That includes the wasted half-hour taking the skid plate off and putting it back on.