Hey all,

I've run Redline MTL in the manual trans of my 87 for about 10 years with no problems, but was looking to see what others put in their 3rd generation manuals. Mine shifts a little rough, and was thinking it might be time to change the oil. Wait, dont tell me, its lifetime oil???

Menko

 

a lot of us use redline MT-90

 

What's the difference between them? I'm sure they are both GL-4 oils, but is there some reason to use Mt-90 vs MTL? MT-90 do something like 70/90 vs. MTLs 70/85 (IIRC?). Just guessing since its called MT-90

Any good sources on it? I know when I bought it last it was in the $8-$9/qt range. I've seen Mobil 1 75/90 for about $8/qt at my local Kragen.

 

i dont know where to get redline in stores, but the cheapest i could find online is here for $7 a qt.

http://www.myoilshop.com/AutoPrds.html

 

per the redline website, the mt-90 is a bit thicker than the mtl.
they even say it's popular with toyota/nissan/mazda users.

i plan on using mt-90 next time i change the tranny fluid. ...it can be ordered at any advance auto parts store.

 

I prefer the MTL in my transmission. It seems to work well with the synchros and keeps everything happy.

 

And just a side note about the filling. As has been mentioned in other threads here, the manual seems to shift better when it's overfilled by about a quarter of a quart. I just recently did this on mine(didn't change, just added some) and it is not perfect, but considerably better. Much less likely to grind say going into second while slowing down for a right hand turn. Overall feel is better in every shift. The overfill can be accomplished by jacking up the side the filler hole is on after you have it filled to level, and then put about a quarter quart more in and then replace the plug.

 

Anyone have an approximation of the capacity of the 3rd gen gearbox? I dont have a manual yet for my 96, so I'm in the dark.

 

www.4Runners.org

look at the changing fluids write-up

 

Bah, beat me to it.

http://www.4runners.org/articles/difftsf/

 

thanks!

 

You want to use the GL4 not the GL5. GL5 is too slippery and is not good for the synchros. Redline is the best. Lots of post on it. Trouble is everything is mostly GL5. So use gear lube 4 .Makes a big difference

 

search mt-90 and youll see alot of good opinions about it. i contacted redline and they recommended mt-90 over mtl for 3rd gen 4runners.

i just recently topped mine off because it was getting slightly notchy again. fixed that!

bob