280k and no maintenance. What to do?

So my Tacoma just passed 280k, and I just found out that it is very possible that the fluids in the transmission/differentials, have never been changed. I just bought oil for it, Hypoid something oil for the diff? and gear oil for the manual transmission?

however I saw a few people saying that since it has never been done, that its best to just leave it as it is, otherwise it might damage it even further. I don't have any issues with the truck, but I just want to have that peace of mind and keep everything running for a long time.

So should I go ahead with the fluid changes? or is it best to just keep it how it is?

 

I'd change them... the problems with tranny fluid changes at high mileage are more with the automatic's.

 

Ok thats what i was thinking/hoping. And does those types of oil sound right? Ive never done this before.

 

Change it. Use the correct weight stated in the manual. Brand doesn't matter.

 

There is absolutely no argument for continuing to ignore basic maintainence.

There are concerns in automatic transmissions about doing a flush rather than the drain and fill when dealing with high mileage vehicles because there is the risk of stirring up deposits in the tranny that could cause problems.

This is not the case with manual transmissions and you should change out the fluids per maintainence guidelines

 

Change them, for sure!
I use Redline MT90 (

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

75w 90) for my Transmission and Transfer
And Regular Redline 75w 90 in both diffs; I have open diffs, though; if you've got an LSD or an E-locker, I think you will need something different (same weight, special blend)

 

How long have you had it (not necessarily in chronological terms, but mileage terms)?

Definitely start with fluid changes for the tranny, transfer case, rear, and front differentials.

Make sure you are getting a good motor oil in there on a regular basis (I recommend Mobil 1 5w-20 high mileage and an OEM Toyota filter).

You might want to consider bleeding your brakes and clutch as well.

Everything after that is regular maintenance of wear parts (brakes, bushings, ball joints, etc. etc.)

Good luck. If the motor/tranny have made it to 280K miles, someone has been doing some maintenance, so it cant be too horrid.

 

Definitely change them.

And my personal advice for the manual tranny gear oil: Redline MT-90

I changed mine for the first time in probably 100,000 miles and used Royal Purple. They should change the name to Royally Sucks Balls.

After a few thousand miles I changed it to Redline MT-90 and it is fantastic.

In 30 degree weather, I wouldn't be able to put it into gear, or reverse, in the morning using Royal Purple. And even after warmed up, the shifting was very notchy and awful feeling.

This past week it's been -15 degrees in the morning and no more than a high of 5 or so. Redline MT-90 still feels like butter, even cold.