98 trans fluid

[b_eastep]

im sure this has been coverd before but i couldnt come up with much on my searches. dont seem to be working properly on my end. anyway i changed all my fluids to 85-90W as per several posts on this site. the trans now shifts like it is a little too thick a fluid. it shifted fine before but i dont know what fluid was in it. now its a little slow to get into the lower gears, mainly first and 2nd upshift or downshifting. still drivable just dont feel right.
can someone tell me for sure what fluid is supposed to go into a 98 with a 5speed + EL. no 4 low?

[mrhempingtonsr]

According to my Suziki Carry Manuel (English version) the correct gear oil is #90 (GL-4) for the transmission. The differentials take 75W-80 (GL-5). I'm guessing that the oil level was slightly low before you changed to new, and now it's full you feel extra drag when gear oil is cold. Should shift properly when up to temp.

[b_eastep]

thank you. it wasnt but maby a 1/4" low before i changed it. now just a little hard to get into 1st and 2nd. i may have to move to a lighter oil in the winter despite what the manual says. ill have to wait and see.
thanks agn.

[mrhempingtonsr]

I do remember when I first got my Suzuki, It was hard to shift. I removed the shift knob, 4-wheel drive handle, shift knob and plastic cover. I then lubed the shift cables while moving the shifter back and forth. Wiped the cables clean, re-lubed and now shifts smooth and easy. Might give it a try.

[mrhempingtonsr]

also lube the shifter ball joints and linkage

[b_eastep]

thanks. i will try that next time i have a little extra time on my hands. although im sure its directly related to the gear oil. i pulled it into the shop after about a mile drive and it shifted fine. then i changed the oil and it started shifting poorly.

[mrhempingtonsr]

ok............If all you did was change gear oil, one would have to concead that it must be do to a thicker/heaver oil causing the stiff shifting. Did you save any old oil to compare to the new? Will be interested to find out what the cure is. Good luck.

[Mighty Milt]

my dad's ford ranger has a manual trans and uses something very thin almost like automatic transmission fluid. and his old 71 fiat 850 (850cc rear engine sedan) used a very thin gear oil in the transaxle. when he put 85/90 in it, it would not shift at all. he was forced to read the owners manual (gasp!) had to drain the oil and put in 50wt gear oil, then it worked like a charm.

[Onion Seller]

I pulled up the Gear shift boot and took a look inside. Looks like it could do with some lubrication. Have to remove the center console to get at the cables. I could see where this might also need some lubrication,especially after 15 years.

I would invest in some 75/90 gear oil like Amms. Expensive oil in the store,but if you find somebody with a 'cash only account number' it is considerably less$$$.

I have always used Molyslip Gear Oil Additive. I have always found that the moly makes for easier gear changes.A lot of people don't like it because it makes the oil look dirty. I am going to 'moly' my suzuki carry when I change the gear oils next week. Never use moly in a transmission that has clutch packs or bands!