I'm going to change my engine oil, I so started looking at the options, including a bulk purchase to last a few years. The engine is still breaking in, so I'll probably use Valvoline 5w20 and switch to synthetic in another few months. I also have to change my diff covers soon, so all of this has me considering _all_ future oil changes. It seems you can't go wrong with Royal Purple. It's a little more pricey, but what the hell... Seems to me the engine and diffs are easy: 5w20 and Max Gear 75w90. The problem I'm having is with the manual trans. and t-case...

According to Royal Purple's site, Synchromax is better than Max ATF for a manual transmission, correct?

Is Synchromax better than Max ATF for the t-case? This is for a JK that sees mostly city + highway, plus some off-road use. DaimlerChrysler's owner manual and Royal Purple's site _seems_ to suggest (I could be wrong) that I'm better off with Max ATF. Is this because of a temperature issue (does the t-case run hotter than the trans)?

According to DC and RP again, it looks like Max ATF is the choice for the power steering?

Although the owner manual lists the quantity of oil needed for the engine, coolant, etc., I didn't see any mention of the manual trans, t-case, power steering, or diffs. Anyone know (approx.) how much oil they take?

BTW, this has _got_ to be a Jeep (owner?) thing, 'cause none of my "normal" friends bother with oil brands, etc. - they just take it to the dealer at the appropriate milage schedule. Then again, maybe it's just me.

Thanks,
js.

 

I use Royal Purple in my Lotus...good stuff and other Lotus owners swear by it. Sometimes hard to find the "quirky" viscosity locally.

 

Which is why I'm going to order a few cases from the web -- it's cheaper and should last me a few years. :-)

BTW, I _have_ found that 5W20 is a bit of an oddball...

Thanks,
js.

 

I sent RP an e-mail in regards to the manual transmission stating the Daimler Chrysler specification number. I will send another e-mail to RP asking about the transfer case. Below is the answer I received from RP for the transmission lube.

"The recommended RP replacement for a Chrysler MS-9224 - PN 04874464 is our Synchromax product, part #01512.
Takes 1.6 quarts"

Cheers,

David

David Canitz
Tech Services Manager
Royal Purple Ltd
1 Royal Purple Lane
Porter, TX 77365
281-354-8600 x202
281-354-7335 fax
713-725-7207 cell
dcanitz@royalpurple.com

 

RP response to ATF+4


"RP has a new transmission fluid coming out in September 1 of this year. It will meet the specifications of the ATF+4 fluid.
We have also successfully used the current MaxATF, but we recommend our Synchromax over Max ATF in these applications where warranty was not an issue with excellent results"

 

Hmmm... Considering DC suggests/requires ATF+4 for the T-case and Power Steering, does this mean we should wait for their new fluid, or go ahead and use Synchromax in the T-case and Max ATF in the Power Steering? Then again, Royal Purple also has Max EZ for the Power Steering...

js.

 

I am going to do the Differentials and the manual transmission. I will wait till the AFT+4 equivalent comes available.

 

Did you do this?

 

Still working on prices and shipping. I'm getting really good prices from "The Auto Alley" (Amazon retailer) in the US, but shipping to Canada is expensive. Should be another few weeks before I change fluids.

js.

 

I changed the transmission and will be doing the differentials this weekend. It may be my imagination but the transmission does seems to shift smoother. There was a lot of normal wear particles on the magnetic drain plug.