After looking at the Allison website, speaking with my dealer service rep and reading post after post on here, i have come up with some different info regarding which type of trans fluid to use in the Allison 1000 series trans. The allison website (atleast where i looked) states to use Dex III. My dealer states to use Dex VI. The "fluid spec" sticky states something about Schedule ONE TES 295, and i have also read info on Schedule ONE TES 389.
I am pretty sure i am supposed to use Dex VI, correct?? Is this also a TES 295 fluid?? I wanna change my fluid soon and dont want to put in the wrong type. Any help would be greatly appreciated. (im not concerned with brand opinions, i have read all those posts) This will be for my sig truck btw.

I have been running Amsoil ATF in mine I change it about every 40,000.

Dex VI is not a TES 295 fluid. Here are the TES 295 fluids (from the Allison site):
AN-011001 Castrol Heavy Duty Lubricants TranSynd
AN-031002 BP Autran Syn 295
AN-031003 Cognis Corporation Emgard 2805
AN-031004 International Truck & Engine Company Fleetrite Synthetic ATF
AN-051005 ExxonMobil Lubricants and Petroleum Specialties Company Mobil Delvac Synthetic ATF
AN-071006 John Deere & Company HD SynTran

I am running the Mobil Delvac. Check your manual; I believe that you should be using Dex VI or a TES 295. However, as some in DP have noted, the TES fluids may be over-kill unless you are doing some heavy towing on a regular basis. On the other hand, they are the best you can do for your Allison (and recommended by Allison).

AmSoil Torque Drive:D

After looking at the Allison website, speaking with my dealer service rep and reading post after post on here, i have come up with some different info regarding which type of trans fluid to use in the Allison 1000 series trans. The allison website (atleast where i looked) states to use Dex III. My dealer states to use Dex VI. The "fluid spec" sticky states something about Schedule ONE TES 295, and i have also read info on Schedule ONE TES 389.
I am pretty sure i am supposed to use Dex VI, correct?? Is this also a TES 295 fluid?? I wanna change my fluid soon and dont want to put in the wrong type. Any help would be greatly appreciated. (im not concerned with brand opinions, i have read all those posts) This will be for my sig truck btw.

i fought that for a while until i decided to go with transyd. I was at the dealer last night picking it up and i was told that because allison stands so well behind their own tranny fluid they are actually extending warranties on trannies only using transyd.

I know thats not the case for guys like us, but ithought that spoke volumes for their own fluid.

Allison wants a TES-295, GM wants a dex 6...what's great it to this point, nothing qualifies as both. Might go with who is warranted the tranny??

Allison wants a TES-295, GM wants a dex 6...what's great it to this point, nothing qualifies as both. Might go with who is warranted the tranny??

Even my Chevy dealer recommended that I change to Transynd. I have never heard of a case of warranty denial because of a TES 295 fluid — no instance that I know of in DP postings. Too, it is acknowledged that TES 295 fluids are better than DEX VI for at least two reasons: 1. they handle high heat better, 2. they handle very cold temperatures better. If you don't mind spending the money, a TES 295 fluid is the only way to go. While there may be some fluids that are as good, we don't really know, since they have not undergone Allison testing (though they cost as much or more).

Thank you guys for all the beneficial info, i certainly appreciate it. It is really starting to clear things up for me.
I have not done any shopping around for fluids yet, but is TranSynd only available through the dealerships, or do (some) local parts stores normally carry it as well?

CFDWheeler...I too am in the same boat as you are...everything seems to contradict something else! I'm wanting to put the exact same fluid in my truck as it has in it now...but I can't seem to figure out what OEM is for the LMM...

Im thinking of going with TranSynd because that is what Allison reccommends. I just need to find a place to purchase it.

CFDWheeler...I too am in the same boat as you are...everything seems to contradict something else! I'm wanting to put the exact same fluid in my truck as it has in it now...but I can't seem to figure out what OEM is for the LMM...


x2

tagged for useful knowledge

Im thinking of going with TranSynd because that is what Allison reccommends. I just need to find a place to purchase it.


Actually, any of the TES 295 fluids have Allison's recommendation. But if you want Transynd, specifically, check this, click "search" and take your choice: http://www.allisontransmission.com/locator/mappoint/index.jsp

I'm going thru the same thing. Check that link above and call around. Most everyone I spoke to priced the Transynd at $42/gallon, then I found a place that sells it for $32/gallon. I'm draining mine, putting the Transgo Jr in, refilling 12 qts, then draining it again in 10K miles and adding back about 7.5 qts... at that point I should be at 95-98% transynd according to a local allison shop. I'm at 17K now and I'll plan on dropping the Transynd at 100K...

x2

Your trucks came with Dex. VI in them.

Your trucks came with Dex. VI in them.

That doesn't mean it's the best fluid. It's just convenient for GM to stock only one transmission fluid. ;)

Rob

What brand Dex VI specifically came in the LMM's from the factory or does anyone here have that information on hand? thanks everyone

GM uses Petro-Canada ATF. The 2005 and earlier trucks all had DEXRON III. There was a mix of DEX3 and DEX6 fluids as DEXRON 6 was phased in, through 2006 and 07's. '07.5 certainly came with all DEX6.

Actually, any of the TES 295 fluids have Allison's recommendation. But if you want Transynd, specifically, check this, click "search" and take your choice: http://www.allisontransmission.com/locator/mappoint/index.jsp


I think Merchant still carries it, doesn't he? He is a vendor here.

I'm going thru the same thing. Check that link above and call around. Most everyone I spoke to priced the Transynd at $42/gallon, then I found a place that sells it for $32/gallon. I'm draining mine, putting the Transgo Jr in, refilling 12 qts, then draining it again in 10K miles and adding back about 7.5 qts... at that point I should be at 95-98% transynd according to a local allison shop. I'm at 17K now and I'll plan on dropping the Transynd at 100K...

Picked it up a few days ago for $28.99 per gallon. Also GET YOUR SPIN ON FILTERS FROM AN ALLY DEALER, they are only 6 bucks. Compared to the gm dealer charging over $40!!!!

Transyd is more expensive but when your running it 100% the change interval is recommended at 150,000 miles opposed to the 50,000 mile change that allison recommends if your not running their fluid.

I was checking on fluids, also. Emailed Amsoil and the response was to use their Synthetic that is rated as a DEX VI fluid, not their ATD which I believe is TES 295 rated (is that right, Heath?). Then I decided to reread my owner's manual and right there in black and white it specifies DEX VI (which I knew) but for temps -40 and below, TES 295 fluid. Soooo, it looks like if you use a DEX VI OR a TES 295 rated fluid you are ok by GM. Assuming that they aren't expecting you to change fluids as soon as OAT's go above -40!

Will be doing the lazy man's way of fluid change by just dumping the pan and adding the 7.4 qts of fluid and then next summer doing the same. Eventually will have mostly changed all to whichever fluid I pick.

And since Heath has already posted here, what is the difference between ATD and the Universal fluid? Will Amsoil ever produce a TES 389?

I've not heard of a TES-389 coming, doesn't mean they won't.
The ATD was made as a replica of Transynd, a TES-295 product, and that's it's only use. Not sure of the exact differences, but viscosity is the big one. The dex VI products are thinner to meet new specification by today's OEMs. That being said, it still works at the required viscosity range that is needed in a TES-295.
Dex VI are technically better products with improved propterties: heat control, wear, shear stable, etc. As you stated, AMSOIL recommends the ATF. I asked the head of the drive train dept. at the last meeting this exact question and he said "Either can be used. The ATF is a better product and if I had one vehicle, I use the ATF. If I had a fleet of vehichles including larger trucks that require the transynd type products, then I'd go with the ATD so I could use one product for all of them and make things simpler."
Bottom line, you can't go wrong with either one. If you have other vehicles you might want to use the ATF in, then stick with the one product? The ATF does cost a little less. Hope that helps some??
Heath

Thanks for the prompt reply and the great information. Will stick with the ATF, then. Gordon.

You're fine. 2007 and later Allisons have the upgraded Viton seals for DEX6 compatibility.
A TES-389 DEX3 is only required for seal compatibility with older trans.

Thank you guys for all this great info. It sure is peace of mind having/using this site.

Can any or all of these fluids be used in the transfer case too?

Going Delvac in mine......

http://www.avlube.com/modesyatffoo.html

;)