It's so assuring to know who works at the dealers and parts joints etc. At least we can get good info here and a few other sites to know good basics and some tricks to fix. Got to wonder about the new era of wrenchhead.

 

there is no drain plug on lbz. you va to disconnect that huge lower radiator hose on the lower passenger side. you could get the transynd at detroit/allison dealet or some vendors on here stock it too

 

This is one of those strange times when you have 2 companies,one of which is owned by the other[or used to],yet each say something different as to the correct fluid to use.The truth of the matter is that either one will work,however the Transynd is by far superior.There are way too many variables for the Dexron VI to fully understand exactly what you are truly getting.If you're going to spend the additional money to changeout to Transynd,you really should flush out your old fluid using the ''hoot method'' described right here under Allison.You will need app. 4 gallons of Transynd,which can best be bought by getting a 5 gal. pail as previously mentioned at your Detroit/Allison dealer. I just paid $175 for mine.

 

tuney443 - Thanks friend. You're right. Too many variables. I guess I'll drive it a little while until I can afford to throw more money at the tranny. For sure I will go back with Transynd. I wish I had known of the superiority of the Transynd TWO days ago. I was just going to replace the spin-on, but it has 51,000 miles on it and I thought now or never!!! So I went with it!! Thanks for your input.

 

There are several sources of Transynd. The key you are looking for is a TES295 certified oil. You can get it from Allison, John Deere, Moble and several others. Be advised that Amsoil ATF is NOT TES295 certified.

 

There are several sources of Transynd. The key you are looking for is a TES295 certified oil. You can get it from Allison, John Deere, Moble and several others. Be advised that Amsoil ATF is NOT TES295 certified.

That is interesting about what you say about Amsoil, I just bought a gallon of it (Torque-Drive Synthetic) (Product Code ATD-1G) and it says right on the label that it is recommended for use where TES-295 is a requirement. Is this a play on words and should I be worried about using it?

 

If you want to make your life a little easier in the future, you can cut the small heater core return hose that plugs into the lower radiator hose and install a tee with a plug. Much easier and less messy to drain. As I recall, that hose is 5/8", and it is easy to get to after you pull the front skid plate.

Rather rediculous that GM didn't provide a drain plug IMHO.

 

I know, old thread but still relevant.
I like your idea and it got me to thinking of splicing a connection into the lower radiator hose where it runs along the cross member. I thought I had seen something like that offered online in the speed shop sites. I searched around online and found this: MFR Industries – A unit of MFR llc I ordered one up and will install it next time I pull the truck in for service. I'll let ya know if it's any good.

 

Transynd is by far a much superior product than DEX VI. Just look at the service intervals and its ability to handle extreme low temps or ofr that matter, extreme hi temps as well.!. Too bad the guys up north of me didnt have it in their trannys in the winter of 06/07 when a bunch of em blew up their TC's using DEX VI while on Hi-Idle...

DEX VI is GM's preferred product. why .? Because they make good margin on it thats why. Not because its the best thing since sliced cheese.

Theo

 

i did the same as you, looked all over under the truck trying to find the drain on the radiator with no luck. youll have to pull that huge lower hose from the radiator to drain the coolant. its messy as all get out.

i also drained the pan on the allison and re-filled with transynd. noticed an immediate improvement in shift quality and temperature control when towing. i messed up and went too long to 75K miles before changing the ATF, oops! i do change the spin on every 10K miles tho, the fluid looked like new when it came out. finding transynd here in so cal proved difficult a few months back, but i was able to find it at a heavy truck shop that services allisons in semis, busses and trash trucks. $40 per jug

 

Thanks men for all the useful" info!!! I do appreciate it.

 

REALLY? the 06's dont have a drain plug on the radiator?!? thats pretty shitty! not looking forward to that job .....

 

That's why I took mine to a radiator shop and had it flushed and refilled. Although I didn't refill with Dextron, that's another story. They flushed it three times, changed my coolant filter, and refilled for about $150. That way I was sure the system was air purged and warrantied if something went wrong. I didn't have to worry about disposing of the used fluid, which is considered a hazardous material. I always take a bath in the stuff when draining it, and I hate the wet feeling creeping up the arm of my coveralls.

 

It's just as good Amsoil just didn't spend the big $$ to have it certified.
As far as the coolant drain goes; It takes longer to remove the fender liner than it does to remove the clip, pull the hose, and drain the coolant. Go buy a kiddie pool from Wally World and it'll catch 9*% of it. Bail it out into jugs and your good.

 

I do agree. Removing the large hose is about the easiest way to drain the coolant. Fun job! I personally use the Allison Transynd in all the Allisons now. I have used Amsoil Torque Drive as well with zero issues. Good stuff too. I prefer the Transynd since I can get it much cheaper! I do keep Transynd in stock as well as deep pans, both deep and shallow internal sump filters, external filters, and anything else you may need. Let me know if I can help anyone out.

 

Nothing wrong with useing either Transynd or Torque Drive, both will give you good service.

 

Nothing wrong with using either Transynd or Torque Drive, both will give you good service.

Just changed the oil yesterday and used Delvac 15/40..., it took most of the gallon, maybe 3.5 quarts and still did not come out of the sensor hole..., just thought I would post this here for FYI....

 

so plan to drain my radiator also. was told I need to removed the crap in there (dexcool - from a diesel mechanic) and replace it. I have read several things about what to use but have not really found the info I need to make a decision.

My 06 has 35K miles

 

so plan to drain my radiator also. was told I need to removed the crap in there (dexcool - from a diesel mechanic) and replace it. I have read several things about what to use but have not really found the info I need to make a decision.

My 06 has 35K miles

Found this in "Maintenance & Fluids" Go there and do a search. http://www.sancarlosradiator.com/dexcool.htm Here are the last two threads on coolant. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=283743 and http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=446685

 

I use one the $7.00 mixing tubs from Harbor Freight doing a coolant change job. It does a great job of catching the majority of spillage.

Dexcool is an excellent product -it just doesn't like a couple of things that users like to do.....GM did have a learning curve with the product to get gasket formulation right and cooling system design sorted out to remove the oxygen.

1. never mix any other product with Dexcool. No "compatible" or universal formulas. No stop leaks, pepper or anything....headgasket savers....you know none of the miracle cooling system saving products....
2. Cooling system must be maintained in a leak free manner. Entrapped oxygen is a problem that causes brown mudd over time.

All ELC type coolants need the same kind of treatment to prevent "sludge" issues. ELC's are not as forgiving, in usage, as good ole short life traditional green coolant. These days going by the coolant color is a recipe for futures problems.