Factory t-20 band update

[wfo]

just got off the phone with R.I and im getting word that all new transmissions are coming with a new type of band that does not require any additive, WOW after all these years...im not sure when they started this, but since i need a new one anyway im going to order it..old one will go into another vehicle in the future.

[anotheramature]

will this work in the older T-20s

[wfo]

yes

[anotheramature]

Thanks

[bugeyed_99]

Being a newbie to the 6x6 world whats the benefits of this as i have a t20 to rebuild

[thebuggyman1]

just got off the phone with R.I and im getting word that all new transmissions are coming with a new type of band that does not require any additive, WOW after all these years...im not sure when they started this, but since i need a new one anyway im going to order it..old one will go into another vehicle in the future.

Did the factory ever call for the use of the additive? All I've ever seen in their literature is to use ATF.
The root of the problem with band chatter is that the bands wrap around the drums 2 1/2 times so even with loosening a band it will still make contact with a drum. The traditional style ATF fluids are petroleum based and just don't lubricate well enough. The limited slip additive bolsters the lubrication properties of that ATF. I don't use it. I switched to FULL synthetic ATF and don't have any problems. I started out using a GM transfer case fluid that was designed for similar issues they had in t-cases, but at $12/Qt....I've now switched to a less expensive alternative. Autozone sells Valvoline brand ATF+4 (Chrysler cars) Full Synthetic for $6.99 locally. Any full synthetic fluid should be fine, but not all ATF+4 fluids will be FULL synthetic, some may be blends. You need to read the labels.

I'm also in the "testing process" of trying the use of 1 1/2 Qts of fluid. In the Michigan cold weather it seems to work well, but I'll wait on the full critique until I do some hard riding in hot weather. The only issue I expect I may have when hot is fluid leaking past seals. Too much fluid can cause a "foaming" effect in the oil, but the low speed of the drums, and only using an additional 1/2 qt...I just don't see that being a problem.

[wfo]

well i guess over the years people have found running the additive helps for chatter , i myself have found that running semisynthetic oil was best for me because i dont go slow like most 6x6 vehicles, also full syn. oils seem to leak past the gaskets and seals so i wont use it. so i guess if you want to take advantage of every upgrade that comes along is a personal preferance.