Hey all, got a '93 3vze pickup with 5sp. 270k miles, and very well taken care of, but after changing the transmission fluid, along with both front and rear differential fluids this last weekend, the tranny is stiffer shifting gears.

Prior to the fluid change, the transmission changed gears very smoothly and has never shown any hint of feeling stiff at all. This winter, I replaced the clutch, so I know that is not the root of the problem.

I used 80w-90 Valvoline synthetic blend gear oil for the trans. and both diffs. I have no idea what grade or viscosity was used pervioulsy in it, but I'm wondering if I shouldn't have gone full synthetic?

Any suggestions?

 

I have a Nissan with 5 speed, a few years back I used Amsoil synthetic gear oil and the shifting was notably different,...it was rougher, I went back to the basic gear oil and the problem disappeared.

 

yeah synthetic fluid is good but the stiffness is due to the blend behaving differently in the transmission is what my trans guy tells me, its not going to hurt the trans, if anything its better for it, but the stiffness is pain,

 

Is it GL4 or GL5?

GL5 isn't recommended for Toyota trannies & will eventually cause your syncros to fail (ask me how I know...)

 

Actually, Toyota recommends API GL–4 or GL–5 SAE 75W–90.

And I doubt GL-5 would cause your synchros to fail. It might cause them to function less effectively than if GL-4 were used. But, it would also protect them from wear better than GL-4.

 

Yeah same happened to a buddy of mine. He changed his transmission and differntial fluids to royal purple and after spending all of that cash he found out that it was harder to shift and at times grind. We drained it, put GL-4 75W-90 dino oil in and wala. Problem was fixed and back to smooth shifting.

 

Don't mean to thread jack, but I went to the parts store and could only find GL-4/ GL-5 synthetic blend (it just said compatible with any trans that required GL-4 or GL-5) Where do ya'll find straight GL-4 Dino oil?

 

If you want to stick with dino get some Sta-Lube GL-4 at NAPA.

The Amsoil MTG (75W-90 GL-4) does the best in my W56. Really outstanding shift quality in all weather.

 

Don't put that crap gl-5 stuff from the box stores in your transmission. Toyota syncros hate it and you'll continue to have the grinding when going into gear, I have used Redline MT-90 in all of my toyotas and the transmissions are smooth.

 

Hey Mr.Rabbit, please tell your tale about your experience with GL5 in your transmission. I am curious and want to learn more. I have been posting at this thread here about gear oil. I also have my doubts about a GL5 fluid in our Yota transmissions and the subsequent wear to the synchronizers.

 

hmm... so in 10 replies, there's just about as many differing opinions.

 

i run 80 90w in mine cause its cheap and im broke. i guess if i could afford a $15 qaurt of redline i would but its more practical to just put 80 90w in it. but i sometimes have to change it if the tranny takes on water so thats another factor.

 

Just put regular old 80-90w dino oil in the thing, it's what it was built to use, and probably what you drained out of it when it was workin' just fine.

 

Left my comments in the thread you linked.