3rd Gen Differential and Manual Transmission (6MT) Fluid Change

That is joy in a box.

 

Mule will make it right, even after I take a crack at it. The called me back. No question.

 

That is a great bit of CS.

 

I hate the way that front plug breaks free, smashed my thumb on the concrete under the breaker bar last time the way it just snaps and gives way.

 

Oh yeah. Even when you don't hit something, the snap feels like a stinger.

 

After researching for a couple days, it came down to either Amsoil ART or MTF for the TC.

I decided I am using Amsoil MTF: https://www.amsoil.com/p/manual-synchromesh-transmission-fluid-5w-30-mtf/?z=515729

First thing to remember earlier Toyota's specified a 75W90 in TC's, and maybe some were different design, but some the same. Many dealers still use 75W-90 and no issues. The very light 75W (~4cSt @ 100°C!!) is too light for my liking. Even Ravenol is, what 7 cSt? The MTF is close to ~9 cSt. (75W-90 is in the 17cSt range!)

MTF has slightly more additives than Ravenol, but similar. ART would have been a decent choice in the 7.5 cSt range, but I wanted to up the viscosity a bit.

Will swap this week.

 

Now you got me thinking about changing out my Ravenol in the TC. What do you think of Redline LV?

https://www.redlineoil.com/mt-lv-70w75w

 

Decent choice in the ATF viscosity range, would work fine. Don't get me wrong - Ravenol should work perfectly fine.

 

I’ve been running ravenol for the past 110k miles. No issues. Changing every 50k.

 

Yeah as I said if the Toyota 4 cSt fluid works, the Ravenol ~7cSt fluid (based on VOA) should be fine.

 

Weather was freaking awesome this afternoon so I went under for the swap of all driveline fluids.

Screw the front drain plug. I can only damage it more, taking it back to Mule. He said he would gladly do it. No emergency to change. I guess I just did not want to get creative.

Tranny was easy, plugs were not overtightened, took near 3 qts, Amsoil MTG

$30 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75W-90

TC, was even easier. But that sucker had a hard vacuum. Surprised me! 1.4 qts (more than I thought) Amsoil MTF

Rear diff plugs were wayfackentight. Plus I found a 6 pt 15/16" socket fit much better than 24mm. Odd that. The 24mm was sloppy. I had to use a pipe extension on my breaker bar. But good success, filled with Amsoil 75W-110. Took near 4.5 quarts!

 

So I got around to changing the (new) front diff juice Tuesday. This is after Mule got the mangled plug out. The only weird part, when I got under the truck the Dimple plug with small aluminum washer was leaking. This one needs a WIDE copper washer, and good n' tite. Out whatever smelly juice they used, in Amsoil

$30 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75W-90. Dimple plug and copper washer. No leaks yet.

 

I want to change the oil on my transmission, the 2016 5 speed. It seems that unlike the 6MT, the drain and fill plugs are on opposite sides of the transmission, the fill on the driver's side of the housing and the drain on the passenger. Can anyone confirm that I'm correct in what I'm seeing before I begin? I see no other plausible drain/fill plugs on the transmission but I wanted to double check.

 

@NewMexiMan yes, that's correct. I was confused when I first checked into this myself. Drain on passenger side, fill on driver's side if I recall. It's easy peasy to do. I hope this helps.

 

Thanks, JM76, I appreciate it!

 

Remove FILL plug first.
Remove FILL plug first.
Remove FILL plug first.

 

Take pro advice from theStig

 

just make sure you use 24mm 6 point socket to avoid stripping.

 

Try 15/16" 6 pt on the rear differential fill and drain. MUCH better fit.

 

The amazing thing is the MT change, the shifting keeps getting better! It takes a bit to get the factory fill EP/AW off the contact surfaces and new EP/AW additives laid down. I thought if anything I would have some trouble in cold, but it's the opposite. Maybe that truly is the synthetic base v petroleum base.