Thoughts on Redline?

So I'm changing all of my fluids this week (manual trans, diffs, TC, oil). With other manual transmission cars and trucks I've owned, I really liked Redline products. Was poking around some writeups here and people tend to use Amsoil from what I'm seeing (although many of those posts are 8+ years old).

I'm open to suggestions, but does anyone prefer Redline? Anything else I need to be aware of in this process, other than making sure I have the correct style washers?

This truck is new to me, so this will be my first go with maintenance on the gen three Tacoma.

 

stand by for amsoil fanboys

 

Lol to clarify, I'm not trying to start an argument, nor am I asking for permission from the fanboys. I just want the truck to last and if there's something I'm overlooking, I'd rather hear about it now

 

There were some guys that found a Ford fluid in the manual transmission they said worked better than the Redline.
Im running Redline in the transfer case and transmission and Valvoline in the diffs

Ford Fluid

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

XT-M5-QS

 

Main thing you use GL-4 type gear oil for manual transmission, and transfer case. GL-5 will melt brass syncros in Tacoma manual transmissions.

 

That I did know, thanks!

Truck has 80k on it and runs flawlessly. It looks like, from carfax, diff fluid was changed at 30k and 55k, oil changed every 4-5k, can't see any record of transmission or transfer case being done.

Is it true there are no zerk fittings to hit on a 2021??

 

Use quality products and follow the maintenance schedule if you want to make your vehicle last. If you believe using an expensive designer lubricant aids in your quest, then have at it!

 

A lot of guys like Redline, a lot like the Motorcraft stuff. Personally not a huge fan of either. Always felt that synthetics allowed me to feel more synchro clash than other fluids. I run Driven Racing oil (80W-90 GL4) now and I am happy with it.

I’ve seen numerous people bounce around between Amsoil to Redline or Motorcraft and they all seem to say Amsoil was the worst. I have no input there because I haven’t tried Amsoil, just sharing what I’ve seen mentioned.

 

That's interesting, I'll keep that in mind.

My first experience with Redline was with an old Datsun Z. The trans had a distinct "crunch" as the synchromesh was worn. Redline completely restored it and I've been a fan ever since. This truck is the 5th manual I've owned, and I've used redline in all of them because of the early success.

 

Always had great luck with Redline. Just did all my Taco fluids at 16k with Redline and it's noticeably smoother and clicks into 4WD much easier.

 

For diffs, I used Mobil Delvac 1 75w90 full synthetic. Basically any flavor of diff fluid will work though; diffs are not picky.

$50 Mobil Synthetic, SAE Grade : 75W-90, 1 gal. Jug 122035-1 Each

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007WVI5G6

I haven't changed my TC fluid yet but Redline mt-lv is the way I'm going to go.

Did you pick up your gaskets too?

$6 Rexka 12pcs Transfer & Differential Service Gasket Kit Compatible with Toyota Lexus 4Runner Land Cruiser Tundra Tacoma FJ Cruiser Highlander RAV4 Sequoia Sienna 1215710010 9043024003 90430A0003

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CJHTDVV

 

I don’t see how you could choose one differential oil over another in our trucks. There’s a difference in vehicles with LSD but no Tacoma comes with that—stock. For the transmission, I like redline but I’m sure there are other options. I’ve been using redline since MTL fixed a poorly shifting VW of mine in the early 90s.

 

I’ve used Redline for years and haven’t had any issues.

You are correct, no zerks on the driveline to grease.

Here’s a good link for maintenance on the 3rd Gen trucks.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-diy-maintenance-quick-reference.406712/

 

Good thoughts and thanks for the links everyone!

 

First rule of fight club is you don’t talk about fight club

 

You're overthinking it. Go with what you like. I don't think you'll see any differences between either. We all have our prejudices when it comes to lubricants. I'm a huge Swepco fan - I've had great luck with it in my old Porsche, so I'm going to use it in the Taco.

 

I mean I've owned an 05 F350, the manual trans was full of Subaru synthetic ATF, as it met the requirements, my beater Hyundai currently has a trans full of Mercon 5 that was for that F350 and has been on my shelf for like 8years. heck my Tacoma oil changes were with idimitsu 5w30 which is Subaru factory fill synthetic oils. but never had a let down with REDLINE