Which oil for transmission 97 and LSD

ericchile · Apr 28th, 2006, 10:49 AM

I am about to perform my first transmision oil change. We bought the car used. I have bought a trans oil pan seal from Nissan, but they suggested using 4 qts of some 6 $ a bottle stuff.

I plan on doing the front differencal, rear with LSD, transfercase and transmission oil.

Which oil should I use for these? Should I replace the trans oil more than once to get more fluid out?

97 Path with 92k miles, SE 4x4

Thanks for your help!

Kooji · Apr 29th, 2006, 07:56 AM

Ericchile - I'm having problems with my rear diff and my only advice is don't go skint on the oil. Buy factory spec oil only, and the best oil you can find too. The service manual should specify which oils to use.

I've found a copy of the 97 manual and here's what it says:
- Front diff: API-GL5
- Rear LSD diff: LSD-only API-GL5 SAE 80W (90 for hotter climes)
- Transfer case: DEXRON or equivilant
- Tranny: Nissan Matic "D" or Genuine Nissan AT Fluid

From what I've heard from people and mechanics, flush 2-3 times to get the old gunk out.

Bror Jace · Apr 29th, 2006, 10:29 PM

For gear oils, I would go with Specialty Formulations:

http://specialtyformulations.netfirm...alog/index.php

Red Line Oil or Amsoil gear oils are runner-up choices

All companies have LSD and non-LSD oils.

What kind of tranny?

ericchile · May 1st, 2006, 09:06 AM

SpecialForumlas... wow that is some expensive stuff. I guess I will go back to the dealer and pay the inflated prices.

lewisnc100 · May 1st, 2006, 11:16 AM

I've been running Mobil 1 in my 97 LSD for quite a while with no problems.

ericchile · May 2nd, 2006, 12:07 AM

Mobil 1 LSD oil? I haven't seen that before? what does it say on the label?

lewisnc100 · May 2nd, 2006, 07:19 AM

Should be able to find it in any auto parts store:

http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/..._75W-90LS.aspx

Bror Jace · May 3rd, 2006, 10:13 PM

"Specialty Formulas ... wow, that is some expensive stuff. I guess I will go back to the dealer and pay the inflated prices."

Get raped by the stealership all you want. For me, there's not enough Vaseline in the county to go back to the dealership and let them have their way with me. They are sometimes more expensive than Specialty Formulations or the others ... and you're not likely to get anything particularly special.

Mobil 1 gear oil should be minimum $6-7 per quart but is likely to be closer to $10 per quart. And I'm not impressed with its sulphur-heavy additive package.

The other day I was in Walmart and saw a bottle of their Supertech gear oil for $12 per quart. LOL!! Who would pay that for generic Walmart brand oil??? You can get Specialty Formulations for less!

At least with the top brands, you know you are getting something good for the premium price.

It doesn't pay to go with anything but the best.

ericchile · May 4th, 2006, 09:14 AM

I probally won't get the diff and transfer case oils at the dealer... but it looks like the following can only be purchased at the dealer?
Nissan Matic "D" or Genuine Nissan AT Fluid

lewisnc100 · May 4th, 2006, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericchile

but it looks like the following can only be purchased at the dealer?
Nissan Matic "D" or Genuine Nissan AT Fluid

Look at the note attached to that fluid requirement: "Dexron III/Mercon or equivalent may also be used."

96Finder · Jan 30th, 2008, 07:04 PM

I just got back from the dealership, bought 5 quarts of "D"- stuff for my AT drain (35 bucks). Expensive, right? When I asked the guy if it's ok to put dextron III/Mercon in the transfer case, he didn't know what I was talking about. Then he looked at the diagram on the screen and said that it's one piece - AT and Transfer case - and replacing AT fluid takes care of t-case too. I think he's full of shit... Am I right? I hate when those "professionals" confuse me like that.