Changing trans oil question.

Alright I have a 1995.5 1996 Tacoma , 3.4 l , manual trans , 253k miles . Bought it with about 235k miles and I’m assuming from who I got it from that the transmission fluid has never been changed . I’ve grown up always hearing the old story of if there’s medal shaving leave it, so and so , I haven’t checked the fluid yet so I’m guessing that’s the first step? I’m just wondering if I should change it or not if there’s medal in the oil, versus if there’s not . I’ve always been told with these manual trans that you’ll never have to change it but when looking at recommendations from factory it says every 30k or so . I know this question has probably been asked 100 times but I jus joined this forum and this was the first question I needed answered . It drives perfect as it is nothing is slipping or skipping I know there’s a new clutch in it .

 

First thing you gotta do is check that fluid, bro. If there's metal shavings in there, you might wanna think twice about changing it, but if it looks pretty clean, it's probably time for a change.

Now, I know some old-timers might tell you that you don't need to change the transmission fluid on a manual, but the factory recommends doing it every 30k miles or so. And trust me, those factory guys know what they're talking about. Plus, it sounds like you're due for a change anyways.

As long as your truck is running smooth and there's no slipping or skipping, you're probably good to go. But a fresh batch of fluid never hurt nobody, and it might just extend the life of your transmission.

 

Always remove the fill plug first!!!!

I change all the fluids of every new to me 4x4 never really knowing the history.

i then know all the fluids are new! Several have been changed again mileage seems to add up.

Myself if there is metal in the sooner removed the better .

Where that idea came from may as well never change engine oil just the filter .

Good luck!

 

If it's got a new clutch in it, there is a high likelihood that the fluid was changed at the same time.

That being said- the old theories on leaving the fluid alone are exactly that, old- and they mainly apply to automatic transmissions. You shouldn't have any issue changing the fluid in your manual transmission regardless of prior change history.

 

Just change it. Use Redline MT90 if you want the good stuff.