You really want GL-5 in the auto tranny diff and the Red line is a lighter
viscosity. Most of time, the fluid mixing is really caused by a bad
governor seal or clogged breathers on top. Both are easily repairable with
the tranny in place. If the center seals are bad you can be assured the
auto section is ready for overhaul anyway.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Vern in Bend
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2008 12:19 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Message to Newbies - ATF

Red Line has a synthetic ATF (#D4) which is also rated GL-4. It seems
remarkable to me, and it might solve the issue of the unintentional
"sharing" of lube between the trans & diff sections.

Vern McIntosh
Bend, Oregon

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike" <mbucchino@CHARTER.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2008 7:23 AM
Subject: Re: Message to Newbies

>   The automatic trans-axle still has a differential section lubed with
gear
> oil; the same as a manual trans.  Only the slushbox gear section is
lubed
by
> the automatic transmission fluid.  So, the same gearlube recommendation
goes
> for that portion.  They're also known for internally leaking, and
sharing
> fluids between the separate sections.
>   Many people forget this important additional service point.  That's
why
> many auto transaxles go in for rebuilds or cores with a bad ring and
pinion.
> Daryl and others should have some valuable input on this.
>
> Mike B.
>
>snip<