Yep, got'em clutch problem Barry, no reason the trans would
have anything to do with that.
And on the synthetic, what Ken talks about is the same result
I encountered with my SM420 after I rebuilt it. Used synthetic
thinking newer chemistry was better, and the Synchro's
couldn't grab and hold the large massive gears well enough to
mesh properly. Drained it and refilled with the good old
meneral oil and she shifts good again.
Apparently synthetic works well in the later smaller 4, 5 and
6 speed transmissions because the gears that have to be move
are much less massive.
Contrary to that, Ken says he uses synthetic in his big rigs
so my only conclusion is that the synchronizers in the newer
transmissions in his trucks are designed to operate with the
newer chemistry.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL
