transmission oil change - Ford XT-M5-QS Full Synthetic or MT-90?

Having the 2nd gear tough shifting and lockout (when rolling) issue when cold on my 2.7 m/t 4x4….dealer put in Gulf synthetic GL5 75w90 a couple months ago and the problem has persisted and possibly gotten worse. So, I guess I’m gonna pay to have it done again….I’ve heard good things about Redline MT-90 and

$34 Ford XT-M5-QS Full Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid - 1 Quart , black

Ford XT-M5-QS. What gets your vote?

 

Been running MT90 in my 6 spd since 15k (have 66k now), it certainly improved cold shifting vs the stock gear oil.

 

Ran both fluids in my 6 speed and they both seem better than what Toyota provides... I ended up sticking with the Motorcraft since its cheaper and I can get it locally but you cant go wrong either way.

 

50/50 LoL….

5 speed guys have any consensus?

have to order it either way, can’t find either locally.

 

I have been running MT90 in my truck for a couple of years now, and it has been fine. It is still stiff shifting the gears (1st to 2nd gear) in the mornings during the winter months, but usually gets better after a couple miles. I will say I can't shift into first until the truck is either completely stopped, or after driving an hour and then be able to shift into first around 5 mph.
I would like to try the Ford fluid, but either the Ford or Redline gear oil, I have to order it, so I will probably stick to the MT90 when I change the trans fluid soon.

 

The ad copy on the Ford stuff makes it sound pretty great. A few testimonials on this site make it seem able to work miracles. I’ll probably go with that….wish I’d researched a little more before having the dealership throw their standard GL5 synthetic at it. I assumed they’d know what works!

 

For the 6spd only GL4 fluid is recommended.
The Motorcraft fluid works well in my old girl. Used MT-90 prior, had it for the full 30k... It was pretty meh. MC seems to flow better.

 

If you question the ford synth fluid, go to the miata forums. They are as, if not more, enthusiastic about the machines we all love. I had a very crunchy 2nd when I purchased my truck. I changed to the ford synth, and over 30,000 miles it has disappeared.

 

You want GL-4 Redline MT-90. It actually healed a 3rd gear grind within 3 weeks of the change on mine 5 years ago (4.0 6-speed). After 5 years now, it is time for fresh fluid. I might do 1 qt Redline MT-90, and fill the rest in Redline MTL

Do you know how to heal-to downshift? It helps by rev matching especially when cold

Please note, do not put something stupid thin in just so it shifts great when cold. That will burn up your trans when its hot and you're pulling hills or trailers.
This is the internet so people recommend stuff they have no business recommending.

People saying Ford fluid, it better be

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

75w-90 or very close. Ford used to use ATF in their truck trans, that is NOT what you want

 

Yeah, I’d never use anything that wasn’t factory spec: the Ford is GL4 75w90, full synthetic, meant specifically for manual trans and is supposedly very kind to the syncros and transmission in general.


Both GL4 and GL5 75w90 are recommended for the 2nd Gen 2.7M/T 4x4. After a few days of research I’m thinking GL4 is what should have gone into this truck due the the cold winters in MA and the finicky Tacoma syncros.

 

Still 50/50 in the polls!

I appreciate all the responses fellas, thank you for taking the time.

 

Ok that is good then. I recently had a bad experience with GL-5 in my beater 2000 ALH TDI Jetta manual trans, which calls for

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

75w-90. It shifted fine when I bought it, but I wanted fresh fluid in it, turns out it was 1/2 qt low. So I put some GL-5 Valvoline synthetic in it I had on the shelf (didn't have MT-90), well it shifted terrible afterward. So I ordered up some MT-90 and swapped it out, and the shifting definitely improved.

My feeling is a previous owner put some lower viscosity stuff in it, so its initial cold start up shifting was good, but that is what can hurt gears in a trans under load

 

I've never run either but pretty much just run Lucas in mine now. Mine is a 6 speed manual.
When I first switched from the stock flavor, it was immediately better then got even a little better over time. If it's not great immediately, give it a couple of weeks.
Do a little research, it's not too tough to do yourself. Just make sure you don't strip out your drain and fill plugs if you do it yourself. They are threading into the aluminum of the transmission and that material is soft.
I use a little Teflon tape on the threads of both.

 

Just scroll down and read the reviews on Amazon about the synthetic Ford fluid.
I used it my NB. It is amazing.

 

I have a 2wd 2.7l w/5spd. At 100k I changed to RL MT90. It did improve shifting. It's still stiff in cold temps, but better. Only way I can get back into 1st when rolling to a stop is to double clutch.

Also added a 2" extension to the shifter. Even with my long arms, the factory setup was too low.

 

Most manual transmissions don't like going into 1st when rolling, 1st should only need to be used from a dead stop anyway.
I usually hit 2nd or 3rd on a rolling stop, only go to 1st after I'm stopped.

 

Agreed, many don't. But my old B2000 didn't mind it, neither did a Saturn I had for a while. With the Tacoma it is something I've had to adjust to. Bit of a pain in stop/go slow traffic, and going into 2nd just lugs the engine.

Curious, is the MT in my 2nd gen the same as 1st gen?

 

They have different designations in the service manual @gearcruncher may be able to tell you the differences between them, he has a thread on the R155(F) here

1st gen:
W59 2wd 2.4l engine only
2.7L & 3.4L R150 (2wd), R150F (4wd)

2nd gen:
5 spd: R155 (2wd) R155F (4wd)
6 spd: RA60 (2wd) RA60F (4wd)

 

Went with the Ford stuff. Pricey but seems to be working MUCH better. Will know definitively if we’re unlucky enough to get another cold spell. Happy I went ahead and did the swap in the end.

 

You will love it. My crunchy second is now smooth as silk.