I have heard different answers as far as the RL and SS using the same trans fluid, some say its the same weight mixtures, while some say that the Saturn fluid is better than the GM fluid. I searched the Saturn fluid part number, and it also coordinates to trans fluid in GM parts catalogs.

Is there really a difference or not between the two? I plan on picking some up a couple quarts on Friday. I can get stuff at cost from the local Chevy dealer, so if it's the same I'll just get it there.

 

the original stuff 05-07 balt and 04 07 rl are the same the new 08-10 is slightly different and better in cold weather
From Maven the guru:
"Gear oil part number 21088899 lsj

88862472 fluid is the fluid that is spec for the new F35s as used behind the LNF. Its yet another unique Castrol GL type fluid, the original stuff is "BOT 0063", the new stuff is "BOT 0402", the major difference being its thinner than the original. The 21018899 is roughly something between a 75w85 and a 75w90, the new stuff is roughly between a 70w80 and a 75w85."

 

This.

 

I wonder if 88862472 has replaced part number 21088899 in the GM parts system? I called the Chevy dealer and gave them the 21088899 part number, and they were able to locate it. I also check with the Saturn dealer and their 21088899 fluid comes in a specific Saturn bottle, not the like typical GM fluids that read GM Vehicle Care on them. The difference in the two bottles had me wondering if there was a difference in the two to begin with.

Qwik, have you tried the 88862472 yet? I know on some of the older RLs during cold weather the trans is kind of noisy for a few minutes until it warms up some. Maybe this newer stuff could quiet it up

 

Yes the new stuff is better for cold winter starts and shifting. But I must confess: here is my car in its winter set-up.

 

So us non winter drivers are better off using the LSJ fluid?

 

No the lighter the viscosity the better the lubrication especially on cold running start up even at 90 degrees outside; I have used for 25 years (!) in other applications a 75w90 GL6 lube. I have to buy it in 55 gallon drums. It was developed for rear axles in log skidders dump trucks and military stuff for serious minus temps, but it works better on the race track at high temps too.

The GL6 is regarded as an "obsolete" spec as it has so much additive in it for extreme pressure lubrication and stuff it stinks and is an ugly brown color.

If GM come out with a newer lube its worth using it for sure. Most of the synchro wear happens #1 on cold start up even in warm weather and #2 downshifting at too high a speed for the gear ratio causing serious wear not on the synchro itself but on the blocker ring behind it. #3 speed shifting, see #2

 

In the service manual for my 09 TCSS with 5 speed Getrag F35 trans states it needs Dextron V. fluid. This seems strange as Dextron is hydraulic fluid. I'd assume a gear oil would be proper application. I have been having a hard time getting the shifter to move when outside temps are ~ < 20F so I'd like to know

1) is it truly is gear oil or hydraulic fluid?
2) what viscosity is actually in there (stock)?
3) is the F35 a wet clutch?

 

1) its a very unique low viscosity GL4 type fluid. Dont replace it with anything but the stock fluid which is actually PN88862472

2) see #1

3)No, its not, GM doesnt use any wet clutch manual transmissions, I dont know of anyone who does.

 

Maven, would it be safe to use the newer trans fluid in the LSJ cars?

 

Yes, the newer fluid is ideal. Better than the old stuff.

 

Haha thanks for the replies to both my questions, bro.

 

No problem, nobody else is up this late, and Maven and Qwik would have given the same/similar answers.

 

True, true. I probably could have bbm'd maven but i ask him enough **** on the forum...no need to bug his ass in the middle of the night for something so simple lmao

 

Some modern manual transmitions are designed to use Dextron ATF
Mine however is not one of them. But I do believe that the transmition
with the LNF is one of them. Could be wrong, I have the LSJ and the MU-3
And when it comes time to mess wiht the fluid, I indend to put in it, what the Owners manual says to put in it.

 

Way to come in and just confuse the issue

The F35 DOES NOT use ATF.