my transmission clanks a bit when I put it in reverse.

most the time it wont if I shift to third / then into reverse.

I know the current fluid in there is the automatic red colored stuff.

Just curious what weight oil should be put in these transmissions and if I can get it at a local auto-zone or pepboys shop.

 

It's just straight up Dexron III automatic tranny fluid.

 

hm ok. I was pretty sure someone told me it was 90w. do you know the weight of the Dexron III automatic tranny fluid ?

 

It's not too heavy, about 9-10 lbs a gallon.

RBob.

 

Do not use standard 90w or 80w or any weight oil other than auto tranny fluid in your stick shift. You will blow your synchros!

 

90w should be kept for the rear end. Listen to these guys and keep the red dexron III in there. Have you considered the possibility of a bad U joint? If one is bad, you can get that clanking sound you described.

 

I'm sure the people in my office are wondering why TomP just choked on his coffee...

 

Just in reverse? I had the same issue a few years ago, and it turned out to be the posi differential plates making noise. The rearend fluid was changed to heavy duty synthetic, and the noise has never returned...

BTW, 90W stinks like ***... Try not to get any on you!

Tom, how's the coffee?

 

How often are you supposed to change out the fluid in the tranny?

 

I replace mine every rebuild or clutch change

 

It's a general recommendation (at least where I live) to change trans fluid every 12k miles or so, but that's on an automatic. I would imagine the 5 spd would be similar, it's what I follow for mine, and my 5 spd hasn't given me any troubles.