The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline T-5 Transmission (1985-86 Model)

What is the capacity for transmission fluid in the T-5 like many of us have been installing in our trucks? Thanks!

Joe,

Buy 3 quarts.....it'll take just a hair under 3, depending on your vehicle's stance, to get fluid to drain back out the filler hole. That way, you know that the rear tailshaft bushing and slip yoke are getting plenty of lubricant.

If you still plan on using ATF in your Non World Class transmission I'd suggest Royal Purple's Synchromax which is formulated for manual transmissions where the mfgr suggests ATF.

Personally, I've run gear oil in my 54 Chevy truck with a used NWC 1352-145 T5 for the past 14,000 miles with no issues. I've also been running the RP Synchromax in my Hot Rod with a T5 "Z" Hybrid NWC behind a built 355 SBC with no issues. Makes you think that the NWC brass synchronizers/bearings/bushings/gears can handle both weights and that the heavier lube might be better in warmer climates. Hope this helps you get your truck back "on the road again."

Dave

Wow - three quarts! I just barely got two into the transmission. WIth two full quarts, it started flowing out of the top hole - the filler hole. I don't know if three is possible, but I'll give another try.
Thanks!

Gear box capacity is usually measured in pints. I think Joe meant 3 pints.

No - meant quarts. I put two quarts of Dexron transmission fluid in the T-5 yesterday. I drove it around the neighborhood afterwards and after reading here that it would take three quarts I am going to see how much more I can get in. The truck was up on jack stands and low in the back so, it may take some of the third quart.

It should hold 2 1/2 quarts,if I remember correct.

Tim

I just looked in a 1986 s-10 Chevrolet owners manual.There is nothing mentioned under the capacities charts for the transmissions.But,this is word for word from the manual.

"Add lubricant,if needed,to fill to the level of the filler plug hole".

In the 1986 maintenance schedule booklet it says to use Dexron II fluid.

I want to say it takes 2 1/2 quarts which equals 5 pints.but it could be 3 pints = 1 1/2 quarts.I can't remember how much mine took.Fill to the filler plug and let us know for sure what it takes.

Tim

When I installed my T-5, I also found a Chevrolet S-10 Manual for an 85 model Blazer on ebaY and bought it thinking it would have some useful information such as T-5 transmission capacity. As you stated, it is almost useless.

As of right now, I have 2-1/4 quarts in it, which is 4-1/2 pints. I need to see if I can squeeze another 1/2 pint in it. That's the mission for tomorrow!

Thanks for the information, Tim!!

Be careful about overfilling any manual transmission. The fill plug is situated in the case to be just below the centerline of the input/output shafts, and if the box gets overfilled the excess will try to find its way out past the seals on both ends. Some slip yokes have a tiny vent hole centered up in the back end just ahead of the u-joint, and lube can find its way out there and make a very hard-to-locate leak if the vehicle is parked in a slightly nose-up attitude. Up front, grease can find its way into the bellhousing and do a number on the clutch when you park on a downhill slope. Keeping the lube level a bit below the plug doesn't hurt, as the grease gets circulated by the spinning gears. If I'm flat-towing for any distance with the driveshaft installed, I'll jack up one side and overfill the box slightly to be sure the slip yoke and the mainshaft bearings get good lubrication. I towed a Datsun 510 from California to Tennessee that way.
Jerry

I got a few more ounces in the transmission this afternoon. I would say that I am now at 4-1/2 to 5 pints which would be 2-1/4 to 2-1/2 quarts. I think I'm set to go!!
Just as a side note - when I started it, I could hear the bearings in the transmission "begging" for some lubricant. It lasted about 30 seconds then all was well!

Ok,so what was the problem with the transmission ?

Thanks,Tim

I got on the street! It's like driving a different truck because of all the new parts and the transmission rebuild. I'll have to get used to that. I did manage get it into fifth gear (overdrive) and NO NOISE! I am one happy Dude! I really didn't expect any noise because I replaced the pilot bushing, the flywheel (NOS Schiefer), the pressure plate, the clutch, the throw out bearing and the clutch arm ball, but I still held my breath. What was the problem? I'm not 100% positive, buy I think the pressure plate went bad. That's just an educated guess. The fingers were maligned when I pulled it - not laying flat - and I think the springs were bad. I may be wrong, and that's the problem when you replace everything - you don't know "what you fixed". I'm just happy it's fixed!
Thanks to everyone here who helped by making suggestions, etc. I really couldn't have done it without The Stovebolt guys!