Oil question

zero|context

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Jun 15, 2025
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Neighbor's got a 5088 we're helping rebuild after 2nd gear quit on him. Not changing much, just fixing the obvious issues. The pinion shaft had some wear but the shop told us it was fine to reuse. Now we're wondering if switching to a heavier oil might help things run smoother. We've used SAE 50 in some truck transmissions but would it be asking for trouble in this case?
 
@zero|context Honestly, my gut feeling isn't about the oil here, it's more about whether that 'fine to reuse' pinion shaft is actually going to hold up.
Slapping in heavier oil might feel like a quick fix, but it's usually just a band aid for mechanical wear.
Plus, it could actually make things worse by messing with how the transmission is supposed to lubricate and cool itself.
I'd definitely steer clear of SAE 50 unless your manual specifically screams for it . Stick with Hy-Tran, trust me!
 
@zero|context Honestly, my gut feeling isn't about the oil here, it's more about whether that 'fine to reuse' pinion shaft is actually going to hold up.
Slapping in heavier oil might feel like a quick fix, but it's usually just a band aid for mechanical wear.
Plus, it could actually make things worse by messing with how the transmission is supposed to lubricate and cool itself.
I'd definitely steer clear of SAE 50 unless your manual specifically screams for it . Stick with Hy-Tran, trust me!
I appreciate you being straight with me. You're right, using a heavy oil to cover up a mechanical issue is just robbing Peter to pay Paul. We'll stick with the Hy-Tran and maybe take another hard look at that pinion shaft.
 

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