Is my transmission doomed?

[blackchild]

Hey guys,

got a 93 4runner with a manual transmission and 277k miles

over the last few days, I've noticed a noise developing. It starts at the higher RPM's, like around 3000. It sounds like sort of a rattling with a pitch slightly higher than the sound of the engine. It's very consistent in the first 3 gears but it is also happening in 4th gear though intermittently.

Is my tranny dying?

 

[Hyde802]

Have you changed the fluid?

 

[Bad_Vision]

on my truck every year i run a 2-1 ratio of gear oil and ATF for 3,000 miles. it cleans the syncros and keeps my tranny shifting smooth now 258k and counting.
ATF is slick lubricant and it has detergent in it so it cleans while lubricating its an old trick but man it works well. i even use it in place of a half a quart of oil to clean dirty engines.

 

[blackchild]

Have you changed the fluid?

I have not. I am taking it in tomorrow and I'm having my mechanic take a look at it. Could it be that simple?