1938 Ford standard trans lube and rear end lube

[Twrench~70]

Hello everyone, I was wondering what lubricant I should use in my 38 Standard witn a 60hp 3 speed transmission. Should I use 600w oil or the modern version of gear oil-85/140 w. Thank you

[JSeery]

The 600w is somewhat of a gimmick sold by some suppliers, it was never recommended by Ford for the v8 flatheads. What you need to consider is the EP additives of the lube you use. EP is the Extreme Pressure additives. A high amount of EP additives can attack the "yellow" metal components of the transmission. Ford recommend mild EP lube for the transmission. The rear axle is not an issue because of the lack of "yellow" metals (this is in the original banjo rear axles, not sure of the aftermarket overdrive units.

The current gear lubricant ratings are by GL number. Mild is GL-3, but it is more difficult to find, GL-4 seems to work fine without damaging any transmission parts. Modern multi-viscosity ratings cover both summer and winter without having to change out the fluid.

Now for some of the controversy, original GL-5 lubricant additives damaged transmission parts, but more recent blinds claim they are compatible with "yellow" metals and ok in transmissions. I tend to stick with the GL-4, but it is somewhat more difficult to locate. Another issue, Ford didn't add the mild EP recommendation until 1941 as far as I have seen. The transmissions are all basically the same so one would have to assume it was Ford upgrading their recommendations on the improvements in lubricants available.

[lotsagas4u]

Stalube 140, part number SL24238, you can get it at Napa, I use it in both trans and rear end, good stuff.

Mac van Pelt advised me on this, and he ought to know

[Overkill-F1]

Originally Posted by JSeery

What you need to consider is the EP additives of the lube you use. EP is the Extreme Pressure additives. A high amount of EP additives can attack the "yellow" metal components of the transmission. Ford recommend mild EP lube for the transmission.

Be sure that the lube going into the trani is GL-4 only, NOT GL-4 & GL-5.
Terry

[JSeery]

Here is what the sta-lube looks like if it is of any help.

[Twrench~70]

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Thank you for that info..

[aussie merc]

heres my 2 cents worth personally i use synthetic gear oils [syntrans and syndrive] these modern oils have improved out of site compared to what was around in the late 30s to early 40s everything seems to run quieter and the cold shift of the trans is brilliantly smooth and stays the same regardless of the outside temp

[Ford Freak]

Originally Posted by lotsagas4u

Stalube 140, part number SL24238, you can get it at Napa, I use it in both trans and rear end, good stuff.

Mac van Pelt advised me on this, and he ought to know

It is all I have ever used . Never any problems .