57' split case lube change

[Casperfg]

Hi folks,
I recently purchased a beautifully restored 57 beetle. However it's been sitting for quite a while on display in a showroom. I'd like to change the split case lube and have looked through my reference materials and can find a clear image of the fill and drain plugs. Can anyone give me some guidance please? I have a lift to ease the process. Was contemplating maybe doing a doing a change then a leisurely drive and repeat. Also gear changes feel a little stiff, any lube recommendations are appreciated. I know there some great newer slick lubes available since the 1950's.
My sincere,
Thanks!

[67rustavenger]

#12's in the diagram below for the drain plug locations.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/11_56beetle/67.jpg
Recommended trans lubricant from 1957.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/11_56beetle/73.jpg
Yes, there is newer trans lube chemistries. Someone will need to help with the recommendation.
Or you can read through this thread and make your own determination on gear lube.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=276529
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[BulliBill]

If the Oval is currently drivable as-is, I'd take it out for a spin for a while, long enough to get the old gear oil warmed up nicely. Then up on the lift, pull the drain plug and leave it to drain completely for at least an hour or so. That thick gear oil will drain quicker and more completely when warm/hot. Then refill to the lower edge of the fillplug hole (oil just starting to spill out the hole). I use a inexpensive auto store bought gear oil container with a built-in hand pump and 3 foot hose. Fill it slowly, as it will take a little time for that thick gear oil to ooze its way all throughout the transaxle and level out properly. Once it starts oozing out the fill hole, button it up and take it out again for another nice drive to work that fresh GL4 all throughout that transaxle. Um, um, good!

Bill Bowman
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Thanks for any help!

[Eric&Barb]

Ditto on the drive it to get any crud stirred up in the transaxle. Would first make sure the gear oil level is FULL. Then drive it 500 to 1,000 miles and change it then. If the gear oil comes out super dirty, change the gear oil again 1,000 or so miles later. Make sure to tea leaf read any remains in the drain pan, you want no bits and pieces of metal any bigger than a pin head.
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[KTPhil]

Be sure the fill plug can be loosened and removed BEFORE you remove the drain plug!

To be clear... I've never owned an old split-case tranny, but I believe there are TWO drain plugs to be removed in order to fully drain it from both sections.
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[Dan22]

Two drain plugs is correct.
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https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=765074

[esde]

Agree with the above posts, do a hot drain and refill with standard gear oil. If it is still notchy and rough you could try a better lube but they are $$$. The early split case transmissions have bushings in many places that later transmissions have bearings, so when there is some sludge and sediment it is more likely the shafts will all drag and shifting is tough..
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