Originally posted by MapOfTaziFoSho:
Ok is it fair to assume with my trans that you think.....


1)The black/sludge is a non issue,is normal and I
shouldn't worry about it? Y/N


2)I should continue to use the lube as it won't
damage the trans? Y/N





You forgot a choice for both questions:

1.) y/n/u

2.) y/n/u

I pick U for unknown at this time based on current information.
Limited amounts of sludge and wear are to be expected but I have not seen multiple MTXs with the torsens or quaifes removed for examination. I'm willing to bet money that during the break in process there will be higher levels of residue in the lube. I just don't know what is normal. Yours just looks higher than I would expect based upon what you have told us were the lubrication and flush histories of your transmission.
I had a significantly higher amount of wear on mine with ATF in my transmission during the break in. It isn't exactly the same as I changed my fluid like four times in the first six months before I chose Redline MTL and stuck with it for the next year and a half. I had a serious amount of residue and particle content in the ATF when I first drained it. After that the levels dropped down.
When I took it apart two months ago after a sustained amount of time on MTL I had some dark residue but very little as compared with what was in my trans when I first opened it up to install the new shift forks and the torsen.
I am going to say that you will NOT completely get rid of the wear and black residue.
I think that using an ATB will just require a more frequent change of lube to flush out the wear materials so that increased wear doesn't develop from an excessively high metal content floating in the oil.
This would be very high in the beginning during initial break in and the amount of use/abuse the diff sees and then it should taper off to lower levels. I'm guessing that break in fluid should be flushed after about 5K miles, then a second flush at 10K, and then a fresh change at the one year mark and then every year thereafter or a little higher depending upon racing/track use.

I make this recommendation after spending many hours researching this topic, looking at my own results, yours, and others. It appears to me that the rate of material buildup will accelerate IF FM is added to the ATF during the break in process. Best to use a quality ATF during break in for the two flushes as it will be the least likely of all the fluids to cause the sludge buildup.
Then on that third Fill up I'd put in the Ford Honey or the fluid of choice.
For now, my choice of fluid type and change interval will but thus:
1.) High Quality dino ATF for break in (Mobile 1 is probably too slippery) x2 flushes.
2.)Redline MT90 for summer use (or Royal Purple as I have used that too and I think it is Very good stuff, or Ford Honey)
3.)Redline MTL for winter. (Or: RoyalPurple Synchromax, Mobile1 ATF since the temps are lower)
---NO FM used at all (change fluid if shifting is an issue)---
*planned fluid change would be bi-annually, spring and fall.

Now, this doesn't mean that if better evidence is presented I won't change to accomodate it, EVEN if it is to discontinue use of MTL or Redline products. But not right now.
***The most conclusive thing I can find that IS consistent is the higher rate material wear ending up in the fluid from the ATB and the subsequent requirement for more frequent changes with high quality fluid used after break in.

To answer you other question, I would think that sludge levels like I saw in your transmissions pictures would eventually be harmfull but lower levels probably wouldn't hurt at all. I honestly think it is the type of fluid that you broke in your differntial with that caused the sludge.
ATF is thinner and more likely to flush out that sludgey metallic material that will be so much more prevalent during initial break in rather than a gear oil based lube. The gear oil would leave in material simply because of the viscous properties when it is warm, and when drained(like using a solvent instead of an oil to clean something, one cleans and one lubes).

Now, you can go about and ridicule my conclusions or not. Just remember the information is free and only one persons recommendations; only one opinion.

Former owner of '99 CSVT - Silver #222/2760 356/334 wHP/TQ at 10psi on pump gas! See My Mods '05 Volvo S40 Turbo 5 AWD with 6spd, Passion Red '06 Mazda5 Touring, 5spd,MTX, Black