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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Aug 2021 Posts: 29 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2021 Posts: 29 | I have a original 4 spd. and rear diff. In my 42 1/2 ton
What oil and how much in each? Synthetic?
1942 Chevy 1/2 ton
2014 RAM Truck
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 1,841 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 1,841 | Valvoline makes a manual trans lube in qt. squeeze bottles, Synchromesh MTF, I use it in my SM420 and have zero trouble with it. The rear differential needs a different lube, something for hypoid gears, 80W-140 or 75w-90. I think the tranny is around 9 pints? rear end on yours might be about the same amount.
Last edited by 78buckshot; 11/08/2023 9:14 PM.
1957 Chevrolet 5700 LCF 283 SM420 2 speed rear, 1955 IH 300U T/A, 1978 Corvette 350 auto, 1978 Yamaha DT175, 1999 Harley Davidson Softail Fat Boy
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,674 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,674 | The crash box trans in your truck can use just about any 90 weight gear lube, since there are no synchronizers to get in trouble with the super slippery synthetic lubes. I'd suggest using a general purpose 90 weight hypoid lube in both the trans and differential. Later model transmissions like the SM-420 need a straight mineral oil without hypoid additives to keep from grinding gears on a downshift. The N-series Ford tractor specification mineral oil transmission lube sold by Tractor Supply is a good one to use in the 420, and hypoid gear lube in the rear end.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2021 Posts: 29 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2021 Posts: 29 | OK 90w, and 4.5 qts.for each??
Thank you for your responses.
1942 Chevy 1/2 ton
2014 RAM Truck
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 1,841 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 1,841 | Gary42, I didn't put enough thought into my prior post, your transmission is a different model than mine, the SM420 has a sight plug on the side of the case, fill to 1/2" below with a cold tranny, fill to the bottom of the hole with a hot tranny. I suspect that your trans is similar but I have no experience with it.
1957 Chevrolet 5700 LCF 283 SM420 2 speed rear, 1955 IH 300U T/A, 1978 Corvette 350 auto, 1978 Yamaha DT175, 1999 Harley Davidson Softail Fat Boy
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 4,392 Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT | | Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 4,392 | OK 90w, and 4.5 qts.for each??
Thank you for your responses. Gary, Oh no, not "QTS"!  That would way overfill both the transmission and axle.  The oil capacity amounts and type specifications are listed in detail in the original 1942 Chevy Truck Owners manual that you can read through at your leisure. The lubrication type and interval info is listed starting on Page 31 and the "capacities" begin on Page 51. Let us know how your work progresses.
Last edited by Peggy M; 11/10/2023 7:05 PM.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100Follow this story in the DITY Gallery"My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine"1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 1,841 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 1,841 | Looks like 5.5 pints for the 4 speed and 4.5 pints for the rear axle.
1957 Chevrolet 5700 LCF 283 SM420 2 speed rear, 1955 IH 300U T/A, 1978 Corvette 350 auto, 1978 Yamaha DT175, 1999 Harley Davidson Softail Fat Boy
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2021 Posts: 29 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2021 Posts: 29 | I found the same capacities. Thanks again.
1942 Chevy 1/2 ton
2014 RAM Truck
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2019 Posts: 113 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2019 Posts: 113 | Yes, Jerry, I use the old Ford tractor lube from Tractor Supply in my transmissions. 2 1/2 gallon container and inexpensive.
I invest my money in precious metals, mostly rust!
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2023 Posts: 110 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2023 Posts: 110 | Jerry
Question muncie 318 3spd transmission what gear oil should I be using?
There is some much info on GL 4 GL5 and others it makes it difficult to use the correct one, don't want to damage parts.
Jim
1950 chevy shortbed 3100, 216 with a 3 on the tree.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2019 Posts: 4,100 AD Addict & Tinkerer | | AD Addict & Tinkerer Joined: Feb 2019 Posts: 4,100 |
Last edited by Phak1; 11/25/2023 11:53 PM.
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc BrakesProject JournalsStovebolt Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: Jan 2023 Posts: 110 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2023 Posts: 110 | So the straight mineral oil from tractor supply is what is recommended.
Jim
1950 chevy shortbed 3100, 216 with a 3 on the tree.
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