Changing manual transmission fluid and differential gear oil - Any gotchas? (V6)
 

Is this a straightforward job if I've done it on other cars?

Any hot exhaust pipes in the way that I'll need to let cool down?

I've previously used a fluid pump and hose, but going to try the Amsoil "Easy-Pack" bags this time. Will I be able to directly reach the fill plugs, or will I still need a hose?

Thanks,

I changed my transmission and differential fluids a year ago at 37k miles. It was easy as changing the motor oil. I used a $5 hand pump from harbor freight and the recommended ac Delco fluid and oil. I filled until it ran out the fill hole. The 3160 calls for dexron 6. A lot of on line info is from mustangs with the 3160. Ravenol is a German made dexron 6. I may use it next time. The oil plugs are not very tight. I took care to not over tighten them. It did shift better after the change but it probably has degraded since oil change.

Cool, thanks for the response

I'd also add that you can get o-rings for the rear diff plugs.


https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-097-13.../dp/B001SG7SSC


Also, here's a pic location of the drain and fill plugs for the Tremec 3160 transmission. Not the same location as the V8 manual Temec 6060 transmission. It's the two plugs in the middle of the picture that have the orange GM's version of Loctit. Much easier than the 6060 trans. You don't need to remove the sensor.




https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=561622

Nice

Following up on this; I changed my fluids today and it was indeed very straightforward and easy. Also, confirming that no hand pump or extension hose is required with the Amsoil "Easy-Packs". Both fill holes are reachable with the spouts, and you just squeeze the bags. :thumbup:

Next time I'll definitely pickup some of those replacement rubber gaskets for the diff plugs.

Knowing that you can fill with the easy packs I may try amsoil. Can you give a update on any difference in the shifting, thanks.

I do feel that shifting is smoother, but it's not a crazy big difference since my OEM fluid only had 3,850 miles on it. This was my first break-in fluid change, and I'll probably do the trans+diff every 3rd oil change from here on out.

Two tips on the easy-packs for our transmission fluid:
1) It's difficult (impossible?) to get the last little bit out of each pouch. So, if the trans fluid isn't dripping out of the fill hole after you've squeezed all 3 of them, you can consolidate what's left of them into one pouch, and go for a 4th squeeze.
2) The trans case is quite thick at the fill hole, so don't cut the ATF bag spouts too short, or some fluid will dribble out as you're filling.