Superior tranny oil, Slight tranny sound....how to make go away? Options

[second wind]

Hey all....maybe I am just hyper sensitive but I think I am hearing my transmission while I drive.....maybe just a little too much. Could just be normal. Anyone know of a super quieting tranny oil? I think I am using Stalube 85-90 or something like that. Thank you very much.
gg

[Chi-town]

I always love the "Don't use synthetic!" comments with no actual data to back it up.

I've been rebuilding manual transmissions for close to 25 years now and I have not seen one actual test done to prove that statement. (If you bring up Bob the oil guy, go sit in the corner because the internet has beaten you)

I see all kinds of opinion statements like:
"It's too slippery"
"It's not compatible with old style syncro baulk rings / dog rings / blocker rings"
"It doesn't protect the bearings as well"
"The final drive will wear faster"

There are dozens of different formulations of synthetic gear lube just like there are dozens of formulas of organic gear lube.

While one may not work for your application, another may be way better than the organic oil you're running now.

If you want to see how your gear oil is holding up and what kind of wear materials are in it send it to Blackstone Labs. This will tell you the real story of what's going on with your oil. (works for engine oil also!)

When choosing a gear oil you need to look at how and what they are made with.
Base stock (Most synthetics here in the US use an organic base stock as you only have to be a % to legally be called synthetic)
Additive package (friction modifiers / stabilizers / sub stock)
Certifications / Compatibility per gearbox manufacturer

Lucas oil stabilizer is essentially a heavy additive package to try and fortify a standard oil. It works but in the end it is just a band-aid if you have a mechanical issue.

I've had very good results with synthetic in everything from Saginaw 3 speeds to Getrag 6 speeds. My go to is usually Motul Gear 300 unless there is a plated LSD internally then it's Motul Comp Gear. I use it because most of the cars I build see extended run time whether it's on the track or LA rush hour traffic where cooling is always an issue. In my testing and oil analysis samples the synthetic doesn't breakdown as fast due to heat as the organic oils I've tested.

That being said neither type will fix excessive wear or damaged parts.

Oh, and if you're whining about the cost of good gear oil, think about how much a trans rebuild is going to cost you. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)