Hi Guys,
1986 4R dlx 5speed 22re.
I want to change the fluid in my standard, and wanted to see what you guys like to run in those. All the threads I found on the subject were old. It seems to be an expensive PITA to find anything that isn't GL-5. From what I've heard all the detergents in GL-5 will wear down the brass sychros. I found the RP synchromesh, Red line MT-90, and Lucas synthetic online for $12-$16/qt. haven't seen any of them at my local stores. Is it worth spending that kinda money for the trans? I don't mind spending a few bucks on a 30 yr old transmission, just want to make sure it's money well spent.
Thanks!

 

I use redline in mine and it was a night and day difference. Super smooth shifting and where I'm at; it gets damn near 0 degrees outside and when the tranny was cold with old fluid it would grind in between gears until it started to warm up. When I swapped redline in it, just out of the cold it was extremely smooth with no grind or clunk into gear. I wouldn't use anything else imo..

 

ditto to that. I think I'm getting better mileage with the redline also.

 

Any local stores carry the stuff or is $17/qt online reasonable?

 

I think you'll have to call around store to store to see if they carry it. I know the only local place here to buy it is NAPA yet not all local stores carry them, there's only one that does here. But yeah its pricier but worth it.

 

Another vote for Redline. Just make sure its GL-4, GL-5 makes it shift weird.

 

I'm glad this subject came up because my truck is new to me and I didn't get any service records so I'd like to change the fluid.

My truck is also hard to shift until it's fully warmed up, sounds like that Red Line MT-90 is what I should get.

 

I think that'll be my plan then. Just wanted to make sure it was a good idea before I drop that kinda coin on fluid.
Off topic: do we want to talk diff fluid?

 

Go for it, but do a search first to see what has been recommend in the past.