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Manual Transmission Fluid

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Old 09-02-2009, 06:29 AM
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Manual Transmission Fluid

I did a couple searches and couldn't find exactly what i was looking for. I have a couple questions.

What is on of the better synthetic transmission fluids I can put into my 1995 manual transmission 4runner?

How many qts do i need for the manual transmission?

Thanks!
Old 09-02-2009, 06:43 AM
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Check out Amsoil.com

They have an application page that will tell you exactly how many quarts. You can use either their severe gear or, if you want a "true" manual transmission fluid, their mtg stuff. I think the difference is that a true manual transmission fluid has additives for better shifting and synchomesh life while a true gear lube has more high-pressure additives.
Old 09-02-2009, 08:37 AM
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Amsoil is probably one of the best synthetics, but I'm not going to start a flame war over which is better; they are ALL better than standard dino oil. Redline & Royal Purple are highly rated as well.
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Old 09-02-2009, 08:49 AM
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I put some Redline MT-90 in my tranny the other day. I paid 10$ a qt by the way. 1qt in the t cast and 2.3 in the tranny.

Make sure its gl-4 tho, gl-5 is too slippery. (someone make sure i didnt get those mixed up, the gl part)

MAKE SURE TO GET THE FILL BOLT OFF BEFORE YOU GET THE DRAIN OFF!

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Old 09-02-2009, 08:56 AM
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Yeah you got it right Tubby. GL-4 is what you want, GL-5 doesn't work well with the synchro's.

I used Redline MT-90 in my 92 Pickup and it is good stuff, definitely improved shifting, but I think the PO had GL-5 in it.

Not sure if the MT-90 is the best way to go for the transfer case though. I think a GL-5 gear oil is better for Xfer cases, but stil MT-90 is better than most stuff you will find out there anyway, so your Xfer case should like it OK.
Old 09-02-2009, 08:56 AM
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I've got Royal Purple in my 5 speed. As tubby said be sure you can get the fill bolt out before you drop the drain bolt.
Old 09-30-2009, 01:24 PM
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I've read this thread and others where there is conflicting information, so I'm a little confused. I have two questions:

1) Why is GL-5 too slippery if it's listed in my Haynes and FSM as an acceptable MT fluid? Also, others here at YotaTech recommend GL-5.
2) I just bought Mobil 1 Synthetic GL-5/MT-1 75W-90 severe gear lube for my MT. Is that a bad choice, and why?

Thanks.
Old 09-30-2009, 02:29 PM
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GL-5 is fine. The FSM calls for GL-4 or GL-5. There is some discussion that GL-4 helps your brass synchros stay alive longer.
Old 09-30-2009, 02:32 PM
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Old thread but it gives me a chance to ask something.

Is it ok to add dino oil into a manual tranny that currently has synthetic in it?
Old 09-30-2009, 02:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Junkers88
Is it ok to add dino oil into a manual tranny that currently has synthetic in it?
I have heard a lot of conventional wisdom that says this isn't a good idea. However, when I researched it myself, I couldn't find a convincing or conclusive scientific argument against it. If both conform to strict industry standards, so I don't see why it would cause problems.

On the flipside of that, I also don't see much wisdom in making the switch to synthetic and then going back!
Old 09-30-2009, 03:28 PM
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Well, I did some more research on teh internets, and came across the ASTM standard for MT-1. You have to buy the full article, but the abstract does say something important: http://www.astm.org/Standards/D5760.htm

This specification provides a list of test methods and acceptance criteria for determining the performance acceptability of gear lubricants used in nonsynchronized heavy duty manual transmission (MT-1).
I may have been blind but I didn't notice that before. So, though the M1 75W-90 gear oil would probably work in my truck, the transmission is original with 270k miles on it. The synchros are already a little rough, so I'm going to go for something that has specific properties to take care of them.

Does anyone know where I could pick up some Red Line MT-90 in the Seattle area?
Old 09-30-2009, 03:52 PM
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I think synthetic and dino oils and gear lubes are compatible and can be mixed.
Old 09-30-2009, 05:40 PM
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Originally Posted by RustBucket
I think synthetic and dino oils and gear lubes are compatible and can be mixed.
i think so too, the diff viscosity's dont mix tho,
Old 10-01-2009, 04:56 AM
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Originally Posted by Monochrome
On the flipside of that, I also don't see much wisdom in making the switch to synthetic and then going back!
I have a leak and am hopping it will slow down with dino oil back in there. I don't have the time or place to drop the tranny to replace the seal.
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