With over 180,000 kms on my '93 civic my 5-speed tranny was getting a little stiff to engage in the mornings or whenever it was cold out so I added "Moly-Slip" to it and was I impressed with the results. All the shifts were alot smoother especially in then mornings where I was having the most problems.

So I was wondering if anyone used any transmission oil additives to their 3rd gen's manual transmission and with what results?

I've noticed some notchiness to my "98 4Runners 5-speed and I'm thinking about doing the same thing to it.

 

Nobody has an opinion??? In this forum! I can't believe it.

 

I try to avoid adding anything “foreign” to the fluids of my vehicles. Over the years I have been thoroughly disappointed by the long-term results of certain products. For example, Slick 50, which has an ingredient (chlorine I think) that eats aluminum. That news was not released until well after the product was on the market. That type of thing scares me a bit. My attitude is if you stay with the recommended service intervals and use high quality oils, you will never have to add any foreign product.

Without being a hypocrite, I will admit that I have used Redline Water Wetter in my radiator fluid. But, that is more of a mod than a restorer (it lowers the head temp).

You are comparing a 5 speed Civic, which requires 10 – 30 motor oil in the transmission, to a 5 speed 4Runner which requires 75 – 90 gear lube. So, I don’t think you should make that call based on the opposing transmission requirements.

Just be careful with what you do. Being the guinea pig could cost you a tranny.

 

A lot of people have switched to Redline's MT90 and love it rather than use an additive. It sure made a difference in my 5 speed.

 

When I did a search on this topic before I posted this one, I read that someone had over-filled their tranny which helped. Is there any drawbacks to this? I know if you over-pack a bearing with grease it will actually over-heat. Not sure if the same principle applies here though.

 

The only drawbacks I can think of to overfilling the tranny is a slight performance loss due to excess “slosh” on the rotational assembly, possible heat build-up, and excess pressure.

I think this person’s idea (I cant remember who it was) is smart. But, I have to admit my first thought was “hey, there is a reason Toyota has you fill the transmission to a certain level.”

I don’t know. There is also a reason Toyota designed the intake the way they did, but I screwed with that.

 

Thanks for the input. I think I may try that Redline oil to start with and see what happens. I'm with you on the thought about Toyota designing things the way they are for a reason.

 

I am not a fan of Redline oil, but I will keep my mouth shut.

Let me know when you want to send me your e-locker.

Good luck!

 

Why not Redline? What do you suggest? As for my locker I'll give you my bosses response..."I'll get back to you on that.", or "I'll look into it."

 

I blew a 3rd gear synchro in my Mazda truck right after changing to Redline MTL. Then, for some reason I decided to give Redline MTL another try in my 95 Civic SI. I did not blow the tranny, but my 3rd gear would grind during high-rpm races.

I think Redline just left a bad taste in my mouth. It may have been completely my fault, but it’s just one of those things – ya know?

I use Mobil 1 synthetic 10 – 30 in our Accord, and I use Amsoil 75 – 90 in the Runner currently.