What type of fluid goes in for a 5 speed manual transmission on 1988 chevy s10 have been told dexron III atf but thought it was gear oil

Hello kapperkins: My name is Roger and I will help you. What is recommended fluid for your transmission is Dexron Synchro-mesh transmission fluid (GM. part # 12345349). with friction modifier. have never been able to to find the equivalent at any parts store. I would not put just Dexron in the transmission as it may not properly be able to lubricate the bearings. Could cause major transmission failure. The oil is not cheap but compared to the repairs due to lack of lubrication the price is cheap. Should you need further help please just ask. Please rate the answer you received. Thank You for using Fix Ya. Roger

What I have used for years on mine and others, is a mix. It works great and have never had a problem doing it. 80w90 used to be the common lube for these, but would cause hard shifting in the winter. That's why they went to ATF. I use a 60/40 mix. 60%ATF,and 40% 10w30 motor oil. ATF is a high detergent oil, which has good lubricating properties. Plus the high pressures it can handle. I wanted mine to have just a bit more slickness. And there isn't any hard shift from cold weather. IMO, you can put anything you want in it as long as it isn't water...

I have a 1995 Camero, 3.4 engine with a 5 speed transmission. The tag on the side of the transmission just beside the fill plug says to use Dextron III ATF. My Ranger 4x4 uses the Automatic Transmission fluid in the transfer gear case. Must be a reason. Check your owners manual or call and talk to a Chevy Service Manager, if still in doubt. I get my most complicated service question from Service managers. Their full of untapped information and they're glad to help, .... most the time.

Yes. Gear oil is used in a manual transmission. Dextron III is for automatic transmissions.