The manual says to use SAE 75/w 85w but it is difficult to get as it is so old.
Is there a modern day equivalent one can safely use?

Castrol make an oil for manual transmissions specifically for front wheel drives. Works well on the Mitsu. VMX80.

http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/Castrol-VMX-80-Gearbox-Differential-Oil-1-Litre.aspx?pid=1582#Cross

I've used it and it really makes the shifting easier when cold. Going to get some for the wife's car, 1st to 2nd shift is 'orrible when cold.

Just looked at that link again and it sure has gone up in price! Maybe someone can recommend something cheaper and/or better?
(Need 3L if I remember correctly. Hose and funnel help too. lol )

Use either the castrol or redline mt90. Penrite make one too but it isn't as good imo

We use the Nulon Smooth Shift 80 in all our gearboxes, have been for years and never had an issue

Some good options there:

http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=46

http://www.nulon.com.au/products/Gear_and_Differential_Oils/75W-90_Smooth_Shift_Manual_Gearbox_and_Transaxle_Oil/#.UaMBJj7DW30

Check availability and prices in your local shop of course. Will do the same rather than just grab some VMX80.

Thanks guys it's good to have options. I just wanted 1 liter but of course they didn't have it, just the 4 liter one. The guy tried to tell me another that would work but after the hassles I have had I am not going to simply trust the guy in the shop.

What I don't understand is the car takes 2 liters but you can only buy the 75/85 in 1 or 4 liter casks.

Well I topped the transmission oil up but still have difficulty getting into reverse. I also hear a ringing sound when I finally get it in.
If I ask what does that mean please don't tell me it means time to get another car. :(

Maybe you didn't use enough oil?

Low gearbox oil is unlikely to cause a problem like that solo.. either the problem is not oil related, or it was, but the damage is already done.

Likely needs to be pulled apart/inspected. Would ask a mechanic for an opinion, not a job for the feint hearted.


The hard to get into gear could *possibly* be something gear shifter related, but, seems less likely given the noise issue as well.

http://www.tds.castrol.com.au/pdf/10055_VMX-M_75W85_106770_2008_03.pdf
I use Castrol VMX-M

I can recommend Castrol SynTrans....it's a synthetic transmission oil. It fixed a really horrible, notchy TR box....I didn't believe it would work as I'd tried several brands of the recommended grade fluid, even Mitsubishi stuff, and they made no difference at all....but SynTrans did. Amazing.:happy:
Quite pricey about $30/litre but worth it.
I guess the other synthetics like Redline & Nulon should be as effective.