Manual Transmission Fluid GL-4 or GL-5 ??

My Owners Manual says "Gear Oil API GL-4 or GL-5 SAE

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

75W-90. I'm at 150K and I'm changing all fluids - Recently there have been posts and YouTube videos saying not to use GL-5 because of Syncros made of Yellow Metal - as I said I have 150K on my Tacoma - My brother-in-law has 250k on his - he has no problem with his Manual Transmission - Since the Owners Manual says either GL-4 or GL-5 is correct and there are no problems at 250k is there any reason to buy GL-4 and since it seems to be a recent thing is it just a sales gimmick to get us to buy a more expensive product - It looks like 2 Me they are just looking for more $$. I haven't found anything from Toyota themselves contradicting what is in the owners manual. Any reply - links or especially fakes appreciated.

 

Assuming you also have a manual trans, GL-4 definitely is smoother and a few clicks better in the cold. I think it’s a little controversial whether the GL5 will degrade the syncros at a rate higher than the normal lifespan of the transmission/truck….pricey M/T fluid that you probably don’t change more than a handful of times in the life of the truck ain’t much.

 

Ok - what do you think of this vs Red Line, Royal Purple, Amsoil, Lucas, etc which are more expensive.

$95 Ultra1Plus SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil, API GL-4 (12 QTS)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098TSJ4WH/?coliid=I1JQ1PV6PVIBL&colid=3FZGI55YANKYH&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

seems as though most go for the Redline. I used the

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

Ford XT-M5-QS. Definitely helped the tough 2nd gear cold weather shifting. Still seem to need to be patient with this transmission.

 

Expensive - $30 qt - reviews say it's worth it !

 

I use all oem fluids. Wait until there’s a 25% off sale and free shipping and you’ll get a decent deal on them. I use Jim Ellis Toyota online parts store.

 

Wow ! Thanks for the link - I appreciate it - didn't see OEM when I was searching .

 

You can find it at about $20 a qt on Amazon…..dunno if it’s better than Redline, do know it’s better than the Valvoline GL5 synthetic they’ll use at the dealership. The 5 speed trans does not seem to like that chit.

 

Interesting that the Stealership would use GL-5

 

I think it doesn’t matter, and you’ll be more confused as to what to use, by the time you get done reading all the responses.

It’s Sunday. Enjoy it.

 

You might be right !

 

Oh, I’ve run three different types in just as many months and I can tell you unequivocally - IT MATTERS. These 5 sp transmissions can be pretty finicky. On the other hand, if the OP was already running GL5 and happy with it then no harm in staying with it I’m sure.

 

Thanks. What 3 different types in 3 months did you use ? What solved you problem?

 

I’ve read that’s some great stuff!

I used all Redline for my gear stuff two years ago, it’s almost time to replace them all and I’m researching it now.
All it takes is one YouTube video of looking at brass synchros ate up from GL-5 for me to get GL-4!

My 2015 2.7L M/T needs to last me a LONG time!

 

Thanks bro!

Can I ask what your using to pump them into their respective locations?

 

With all do respect OP,

Did you have any issues with the fluid you used 2 years ago?
If not, I’d surmise you would not this time either.

If so, what were the problems?

Or are you just looking for “something better”?

 

I watched this and thought I should look into it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3le9ZT5HUlk&t=624s

 

not sure on the first(probably factory stuff), 2nd was Valvoline GL-5 synthetic, last the Ford. Issues were extemely difficult shifting into 2nd….like, it took bruit force on cold mornings and a good amount until the transmission was good and warmed up in general. Would chirp occasionally too if you forced it. Since the Ford, much smoother when cold (although still notchy) and pretty flawless after the first few shifts.

 

Slippery Pete Fluid Pump for QUART BOTTLES - Transfer Gear Oil, Transmission and Differential Fluid With This 5cc Hand Pump (NOT FOR Red Line Quarts!) (1)

$12 Slippery Pete 5cc Hand Pump Transfers Gear Oil, Transmission and Differential Fluids From Quart Bottles (Not for Red Line Quarts) (1)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CX4XKFH?_encoding=UTF8

 

I’ve been using this in two different 5 speeds (98 & 2015) with no problems. I used Redline once and didn’t really notice any difference.