Best Manual Trans fluid for 3rd Gen?

[Av8tir]

I live in an area where my only choices from the local Auto Parts are Mobil 1 or Lucas Oil.
Is anyone using these brands in there 4Runner?

 

[d0nkeyxpunch]

I run Mobile 1 Synthetic ATF. No problems so far.

 

[JEL]

Lots of guys with manuals like MT90 Redline GL4, that seems to be the important part; GL4 75w90 or 80w90. I am not sure if Mobil 1 or Lucas offer GL4, but if they do and they're the correct weight then use them without a worry.

 

[pluton]

The book says 75W-90/GL-4 or GL-5 for the trans. M1 is GL-5, and may work fine.
I like, and use, the Redline MT-90 for the trans.
You can order it from Summit or maybe Amazon, etc.

 

[3rzrunner]

Amsoil bro.

 

[3rzrunner]

I run Mobile 1 Synthetic ATF. No problems so far.

he is asking for a manual....

 

[AZ4Running]

Mobile1 or Valoline GL4 or GL5 75w90

 

[TheDurk]

Despite the spec that says GL-4 or GL-5, a lot of smart people say the sulfur additives in GL-5 attack the yellow metal in the 5-speed synchronizers. Use GL-5 at your own risk. Mine has run MT-90 every 50k since the first change at 50k and at 165k shifts like new (after new poly seat bushings from Marlin Crawler, also recommended.)

 

[TheeMikeB]

I put Amsoil in my xfer/diffs, If I had manual I'd use it there too.

 

[Kryptoroxx]

Mt 90 is great for our manuals. I have the w59 but it's still great fluid.

 

[sportscarfan]

Use the Redline Mt-90, NOT Amsoil - it may be great, but not in these...

When I picked up my '97 I did a lot of preventative maintenance, and along with that changed transmission fluid. I had a jug of Amsoil so I used that. Inside 2 weeks I was draining it back out and went with the MT-90.
With Amsoil, 1st gear was difficult to get unless the truck was completely stopped. Also the 1-2 shift was stiff all the time. MT-90 changed all that.

 

[pluton]

Mobile1 or Valoline GL4 or GL5 75w90

Val[v]oline makes a 75W-90 GL-4? Cool....

 

[TheDurk]

Val[v]oline makes a 75W-90 GL-4? Cool....

I don't think they do. They didn't when I researched this many years ago when I did my first trans fluid change. I actually wrote Valvoline asking about their GL-5's effect on brass components and they wrote back saying their GL-5 sulfur components are somehow safe for yellow metals because of some process they use.

In any case, I subscribe to the view that GL-5 is too slippery and keeps the synchronizers from matching rpm's as well as GL-4, so I went with MT-90. I love the way it shifts.

 

[AZ4Running]

Yeah they do pretty sure. I use it at work a lot. Might be 75w80 need to check if so i just miss stated.

 

[KidVermicious]

I'm not one for fancy oils and usually just run whatever's cheap, but the change between parts-store GL5 and the Redline MT90 was amazing.

If you don't have a local supplier, you can buy it on Amazon.

 

[TheDurk]

Yeah they do pretty sure. I use it at work a lot. Might be 75w80 need to check if so i just miss stated.

I meant to say a SYNTHETIC GL-4. As far as I can tell, they do, but only available in Europe and Japan, not North America.