Redline Fluids - MT, TC, Diffs

[Koko4]

I have been doing some reading / research about different gear oil recommendations for the 3rd gen 4Runners, and I had narrowed it down to either trying Royal Purple or Redline gear oil in my 4Runner.

I just bought my '98 4Runner and it has the notchy shifting in 1st and 2nd (mainly while cold), which I've been reading is a common problem for this generation. I've also read a bunch of good things about the Redline helping with this.

Looking at the factory service manual, it says to use 75W-90 in the transfer case and transmission, and then 75W-90 Hypoid gear oil GL-5 in the front differential and SAE 90 Hypoid gear oil GL-5 in the rear differential. I'm wondering which Redline product would be adequate for this, or if people typically end up putting the GL-4 75W-90 Redline in all of it?

(link to 75W-90 GL-4: Red Line 50305 MT-90 75W90 GL-4 Gear Oil - 1 Gallon : Amazon.com : Automotive)

(link to 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil (front and rear diffs?): http://www.amazon.com/Red-Line-57905-75W90-Oil/dp/B000J3ASP0/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top)

Also, when I am letting off of the gas in say 3rd or 4th gear, letting the manual transmission slow down the car naturally (without hitting the brakes), there is a rather loud "humm", I guess you could say, coming from somewhere in the rear. I was originally thinking it could be coming from the rear diff, but when I push in the clutch it seems to go away (although a friend riding in the back seat said he could hear it, but just not as prominently). My friend thought it could be the rear shoes rubbing against the drums, since those are often neglected.. Thoughts? I just got this vehicle so it also could be a completely normal sound to be hearing and I could be needlessly worrying about it...always a possibility. I'm coming from a '97 Civic so it's like going from a go-kart to a spaceship, haha.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Gerdo]

If you do nothing else for your manual trans, fill it with Redline MT-90!

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/maintenance-detailing/76100-manual-trans-gear-oil.html

 

[Koko4]

I was definitely going to use GL-4 in the transmission and depending on what everyone says, also the transfer case.

Would it be alright to use the 75W-90 GL-5 in the front diff and transfer case, and then...what would I do about the rear diff? (Manual calls for 2.9qt of SAE90 GL-5)

 

[Gerdo]

I do 75w90 in the transfer case and both diffs.

 

[TheDurk]

I do 75w90 in the transfer case and both diffs.

Same here. SuperTech GL-5 75w-90, in fact. GL-5 is superior as long as there are no yellow metals to be eaten by the sulfur additives and I think Redline is overkill for those applications. I'd rather invest less and change more frequently. I save the Redline (MT-90) for the 5-speed where I need a synthetic GL-4 of superior quality. It does make a difference there.

 

[Koko4]

GL-4 or GL-5? Gear oil or the MT-90 stuff?

 

[Gerdo]

GL-4 or GL-5? Gear oil or the MT-90 stuff?

GL-4/MT-90 in the manual trans. Any GL-5 in the transfer and diffs.

 

[Koko4]

Thanks a bunch! What about everyone else - do you guys do the same thing??

 

[Run 4 Fun]

I put GL-5 full synthetic redline 75w-90 in my rear axle, transfer case and front axle. After about 300 miles of use I noticed some funky things going on with the brakes. Pulled the drums off the rear and the gear oil leaked through one of the seals and onto the pads. It wasn't a lot, but enough to get on the pads. Drained it and put conventional gear oil and haven't had it leak anymore, but the damage is done when you get oil on the pads. Going to replace the pads soon as the brake dust balls up and creates more problems. This is on a 97 with 115k miles on it. No issues with the front or transfer case. I think redline is a bit overkill and I think its more important on how frequent you change it than what oil you use. Just another opinion for ya!

Edit: I'm referring to the axles as far the frequency vs. oil brand. I've heard a lot about different brands of oil working better than some in transmissions.

 

[LittleCaesar]

I had Mobil 1 75w-90 in my rear diff when the seals went. After replacing the seals, I have used Valvoline 80w-90 synthetic blend with no problems for five years.

I have been using Redline D4 ATF in my A340F with zero problems. Their fuel injection cleaner is top notch as well.

Can't say I know anyone on the forum using Redline motor oil but I could be wrong.

 

[TheeMikeB]

I used Amsoil Severe Gear 75-90 in my diffs/xfer.

 

[SIKHILUXSURF]

i use Redline 5w-30 in the engine and redline D4 in my trans as well as Redline 75w-90 in my diffs as well as transfer case. no leaks and works great considering i have more severe duty since i drive my 4runner everyday stop and go traffic as well as freeway. and rack up 5k in 2-3 months.

 

[KidVermicious]

Thanks a bunch! What about everyone else - do you guys do the same thing??

Yes, I use MT90 in my W56 trans. I don't know if the R series trans are as picky, but the W series trans don't tolerate GL5 well.