Hello i have a 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9 v8 Mag with a nv4500 5spd, the tranny started slowly leaking a while ago and it wasn't a concern of mine at the time i had more important things that need to be replaced...I would add tranny fluid when it would get low, well now when i add it, it leaks it out in a matter of about 2 days....Other then the fact i can see the tranny and skid plate coated in oil there are there's nothing that looks like its leaking. It seems to be coming from the top of the transmission. I was told it could be the breather pipe at the top cracked. Not sure if that's a possibility or what..? Any ideas???

 

Clean everything off REALLY well. Drive it. Use a flashlight, and dental mirror to see where the new mess is.

 

Would you recommend using something like a cleaner or de greaser to clean up everything or just use a rag?

 

Chemicals are your friend.

 

Okay ill pickup some degreaser when i get more trans fluid, is there a recommendation you have for dodge standard transmissions? There was a sticker on the transmission that said castrol sycrotorx or something like that but i haven't found that anywhere

 

It's castrol syntorque. It's the only recommended fluid for the nv4500. It's 20 bucks a quart and you can only get it at the dealer.


Other fluids just don't work in the NV4500. It takes a special GL-4 oil. GL-5 has additives that eat the bronze syncros in the trans.

 

So theres nothing else i can use for the trans that would suffice? I'm not trying to spend 20 for a quart when ill be constantly adding it until i get it fixed

 

I was reading mixed opinions on the transmissions, some say the nv4500 has carbon fiber syncros and some say they have bronze ceramic syncros. Some say that others fluids work with no issue other cause hard shifting, and I was unaware and i've been putting syncromesh from autozone in it and noticed its been shifting a little hard, i just want make sure which will be the best but not cost me an arm and a leg for transmission fluid

 

You CAN just add regular old gear oil in it. But fix the leak ASAP then drain it and put the syntorque in it immediately.

 

I believe gm makes an equivalent to the castrol and I found it online from Midwest transmissions. They buy it in bulk and sell it in 1 gallon jugs for $34.