Manual Trans Gear Oil

Gerdo

New member
Those of you with manual transmissions in your 4runners. The owners manual calls for a GL-4 or GL-5. Do yourself a favor and only use GL-4. GL-5 has a higher sulfur content. This can cause harder shifting and excessive wear on brass parts like your syncros. I switched to Redline MT-90 Red Line Synthetic Oil - Gear Oil for Manual Transmissions - MT-90 75W90 GL-4 Gear Oil about 6 months ago. I did notice improved shifting within the first few days. Now? WOW! I had to stop and think about how hard it was to get into gear at times but now it slips into every gear without any problems.

Make the change!
 
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sorry to bring up an old thread but i'm looking to do a manual trans flush this weekend on my "new" 2000 Sport edition w/ 122k miles. Can anybody else comment on what fluids to use for MT?
 
sorry to bring up an old thread but i'm looking to do a manual trans flush this weekend on my "new" 2000 Sport edition w/ 122k miles. Can anybody else comment on what fluids to use for MT?

My vote is for Redline MT as well. I have put about 600 miles on since I changed it and it shifts really well.
 
only use GL-4. GL-5 has a higher sulfur content. This can cause harder shifting and excessive wear on brass parts like your syncros.

CONFIRMED: I just RE-checked my manual and it says to use GL-4 in the transmission.

transmission = GL-4 75W-90 (3.5 qts.)
transfer case = GL-5 75W-90 (1.5 qts.)
differentials = GL-5 80W-90 (2.0 qts. front, 2.5 qts. rear)
 
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GL-5 is for the transfer case and differentials.

GL-4 for transmission.

High-dollar Red Line synthetic GL-4. It turns out that if you REALLY want GL-4 for your transmission, you're pretty much stuck going with that Red Line full synthetic..

I can't seem to find a non-synthetic GL-4 (let alone GL-4 in general by any other brand name other than Red Line or Royal Purple)
 
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Redline, Pennzoil, Amsoil, Royal Purple all make GL4 manual trans oil. I have used Redline MT90. It is really worth the extra $2-3 per quart versus non-synthetic as it will shear less and last a long time.
 
I just bought 3 quarts of Red Line MT-90 (GL-4 75W-90) :)

Thanks for giving me the heads-up, other wise I'd have slammed GL-5 in my transmission. :(
 
I have a 2000 manual, and the majority of my driving is short trips where car does not warm completely up. I really hate driving my car most of the time because the manual is so awful. Getting into gear first is not very easy, and going into none of the gears is smooth by any means. Second is the worst. Just physically getting it there is hard, and it takes literally about 5 seconds to move from 1st to 2nd. Even when the car warms up it still is not smooth and there is always a grind - especially if you shift too fast. I had the gear oil changed by the Stealership when I was getting the car serviced a few weeks ago - but it made no difference at all. I love my 4runner but I hate driving it. So I just bike everywhere when I can.

I have ordered 4 quarts of this redline oil and am going to drain and replace this weekend. WILL THIS MAKE MY TRANSMISSION BUTTER SMOOTH ALL THE TIME?? Thanks anyone who has dealt with what I have been dealing with.
 
It is doubtful that MT-90 will be a miracle cure for your trans, but many have claimed that it smooths out a rough or hesitant shifting trans.
Damage could already have been done that the oil won't fix.
Stiff or reluctant shifting can also be caused by anomalies in the clutch assembly, such as a pilot bearing sitting on an input shaft that has had it's surface slightly scored by a bad clutch install...ask me how I know.
 
I have a 2000 manual, and the majority of my driving is short trips where car does not warm completely up. I really hate driving my car most of the time because the manual is so awful. Getting into gear first is not very easy, and going into none of the gears is smooth by any means. Second is the worst. Just physically getting it there is hard, and it takes literally about 5 seconds to move from 1st to 2nd. Even when the car warms up it still is not smooth and there is always a grind - especially if you shift too fast. I had the gear oil changed by the Stealership when I was getting the car serviced a few weeks ago - but it made no difference at all. I love my 4runner but I hate driving it. So I just bike everywhere when I can.

I have ordered 4 quarts of this redline oil and am going to drain and replace this weekend. WILL THIS MAKE MY TRANSMISSION BUTTER SMOOTH ALL THE TIME?? Thanks anyone who has dealt with what I have been dealing with.

did you make the change? what was the result?
 
Redline 80/90?

Hey folks - the thread above mentions the following:
transmission = GL-4 75W-90 (3.5 qts.) - use Redline Synthetic Red Line Synthetic Oil - Gear Oil for Manual Transmissions - MT-90 75W90 GL-4 Gear Oil

transfer case = GL-5 75W-90 (1.5 qts.)
I assume use the following Redline Product??? - Red Line Synthetic Oil - Gear Oil for Manual Transmissions - 75W90 NS GL-5 Gear Oil

differentials = GL-5 80W-90 (2.0 qts. front, 2.5 qts. rear)
However, there does not seem to be an equivalent Redline product for the differentials. Is that true? If so, what is the best use in lieu?

Thanks!
 

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