I bought a rebuilt nv4500 from Standard Transmission back in September and ordered a gallon of Syntorq to go with it. When I got the tranny it had four bottles of Amsoil in the box. When I called them they said that the Syntorq was backordered and the Amsoil was an exact equivalent. (they still charged me the Syntorq price though).

 

They now use Amsoil. I sold them a core NV4500 a couple months ago and part of the deal was their last 3 gallons of Syntorq.

 

Is the dealer the only place to get Syntorq?

 

I called the Chevy house, "We don't got no Castrol transmission fluid". I told him fluid for an NV4500, "Well we have lots of transmissions".

Whatever dude, go kill yourself.

 

Does that mean it's wrong to use the stuff straight from Dodge? Parts dept said I need Mopar Part # 4874459, $20/qt, Synth, "Specially formulated for manual transmissions".

Is the Syntorq a dealer-only item, or parts store? What weight?

 

No, Standard Transmission just used to be a less expensive source than the dealer. You might call a different GM parts counter. They sell Syntorq for less than Dodge, the bottles don't say Syntorq on them but it is the same stuff. Lots and lots of GMs with NV4500s in them. I've been told that GM owned New Venture. If you want to go to Amsoil give Standard a call. They'll tell you what weight they use, maybe even give you a deal you can't refuse.

 

My understanding is GM and DC have a deal with Castrol that only they can sell Syntorx in less than half gallon containers.
Syntorx is also used in Allis-Chalmers tractors. If you have an AGCO tractor dealer nearby they likely have it in bulk and will sell you as much as you want.

These folks also sell it http://www.quad4x4.com/NV4500%20Parts.htm

 

I just replaced the trans. output seal tonight and put Amsoil 75W90 API GL-4 (MTG). Shifts like butter now........smooth. Of course, it was about 1.5 qts. low from the 206K seal leaking. I used an Amsoil pump kit and the change was simple -and- inexpensive. Can be done in the driveway on a 2WD truck. PM me for details as I can help. Now, I need to tacke the other leaks

Chris