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best diff/tranny/transfer oil

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by guyingreenfield, Aug 14, 2016.

  1. Aug 14, 2016 at 12:19 PM
    #1
    guyingreenfield

    guyingreenfield [OP] New Member

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    02 tacoma sr5 v6 3.4l
    bought the unit with 97 last year now i have 126 and who knows when the last time it was changed...what is the best fluid to use??? i live in vt so it gets pretty cold here but i also put about 20k a year... mostly on the road but we go off road quit a bit also
    i did some research and it seems like its between the mobil 1 redline 90w ?
    let hear some pro and cons
    also sizes of socets and allen wrenches would come in useful
     
  2. Aug 14, 2016 at 12:52 PM
    #2
    cruiserguy

    cruiserguy Well-Known Member

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    You want to know the ins and outs on any oil associated with an automobile, check out the forums at bobistheoilguy.com. I've wasted many hours reading there as I'm fascinated by the testing and data and passion some of those guys have for oil. Prolly similar to my diehard love for Toyota, lol.
    That said, I'm partial to Mobil 1 fluids.
     
  3. Aug 14, 2016 at 1:07 PM
    #3
    Blackat

    Blackat Well-Known Member

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    I run RedLine. 20 yrs
     
  4. Aug 14, 2016 at 2:04 PM
    #4
    Northern Taco

    Northern Taco Well-Known Member

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    Oil threads are full of 100's of opinions, all of which really don't matter. As long as it's gl4/gl5 spec it's good. I used synthetic as it gets very cold here in Nova Scotia, Canada
     
    Blackat likes this.
  5. Aug 14, 2016 at 3:20 PM
    #5
    carofchoice

    carofchoice Well-Known Member

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    I use Royal Purple, since I get it for a decent price.
     
  6. Aug 14, 2016 at 3:23 PM
    #6
    Bishop84

    Bishop84 Well-Known Member

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    I use bulk and I'm in a cold part of the world but I'd say any synthetic 75w90 oil is good, there is no difference, the only difference people see is in the actual gearbox.

    I'm a fan of changing the oil more frequently over buying better oil.

    You'll need a 10mm allen key on a socket and a 24mm socket/wrench.
     
  7. Aug 14, 2016 at 3:47 PM
    #7
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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    A few OE parts from fancy trucks
    Use the proper GL rating & viscosity for the particular component, as Toyota specifies.

    For an 'upgrade', use a synthetic and keep the recommended OCI, or use dino and cut the recommended OCI by 1/2 for severe duty use.

    Using off the shelf products is fine, there is no significant added value using boutique products.
     
  8. Aug 14, 2016 at 3:52 PM
    #8
    eon_blue

    eon_blue Most Improved Member

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    Manual trans? Redline MT90 75w90 is the best from what I've gathered reading a lot on here. I have some ready to get put into mine, should have it done next week.
     
  9. Aug 14, 2016 at 3:57 PM
    #9
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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    A few OE parts from fancy trucks
    Ford XT-M5-QS

    Many of my Solo II running mates find it another level of smooth over the Redline. And we all had GL4 spec'd boxes. And you can get it at a dealer, no mail order required.

    It's not cheap, but worthy of consideration. Especially if you have a bit notchy 1-2 or 2-1. Turned it into butta for me. Tried OE, RP, Redline. Ford won.
     
    FirstGen Jer likes this.
  10. Aug 14, 2016 at 3:58 PM
    #10
    eon_blue

    eon_blue Most Improved Member

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    hmm, I do have a really notchy 1-2...I'll try the Redline first since I've already bought it, if it persists I'll give this other stuff a try. thanks!
     
  11. Aug 15, 2016 at 6:17 PM
    #11
    Sicyota04

    Sicyota04 Slowly but surely.

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    Royal Purple 75w90 in both diffs & transfer case. 100k mile change interval.
     
  12. Aug 31, 2016 at 2:04 PM
    #12
    Vol4life

    Vol4life Member

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    Just got 12quarts of RP75w-90 from Amazon for $12.00 per bottle. Ready to do my front, rear, and transfer on the Taco and the wifes 4Runner. Anxious to see how it feels. A little worried that I have a rear bearing that is bad but not really sure how to check it.
     
  13. Aug 31, 2016 at 4:31 PM
    #13
    guyingreenfield

    guyingreenfield [OP] New Member

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    02 tacoma sr5 v6 3.4l
    so you guys just use the same stuff for everything? yes manuel tranny
     
  14. Aug 31, 2016 at 5:12 PM
    #14
    OneWheelPeel

    OneWheelPeel Well-Known Member

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    My Theory is this, the best gear oil is the most often changed gear oil synthetic or not. I use the conventional Valvoline white bottle 80w90 (Hard time finding 75w90 around here and somebody told me they are basically the same with an adjustment to the ratings) in the diffs and transfer case. I plan on changing it every 30,000 miles. If you dont want to change as often use a Synthetic or something a little but more robust.

    My truck is a 5 speed which had some really notchy shifting until I changed the fluid to the Redline MT-90. If you have a 5 speed I highly recommend using this stuff as do many members on the forum. Its not cheap but worth it in shift feel
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CPCBEQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8
     
    Vol4life likes this.
  15. Aug 31, 2016 at 6:51 PM
    #15
    Xyphon112

    Xyphon112 Well-Known Member

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    MT90 all the way for gearbox. Very expensive but worth it. Made my gearbox feel so smooth.
     
  16. Aug 31, 2016 at 7:19 PM
    #16
    Jolly Onion

    Jolly Onion Cheap is not Good & Good is not Cheap

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    I have used Mobil 1 for everything for as long as I can remember in all my cars, including my Toyota.

    All top brands are good, but you pay for packaging and advertising with some brands.
     
  17. Sep 1, 2016 at 12:39 PM
    #17
    HumanityForPresident01

    HumanityForPresident01 Let 'er eat

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    2.5" rancho 9000xl lift with UCA's, custom rock sliders, custom rear tube bumper, road armor front bumper, k&n air intake, winch, lights etc.
    So I'm going to change my t-case this weekend, can anyone suggest a gear oil? Manual transmission 6 speed. I've heard a lot of people like redline mt90, any suggestions??
     
    OneWheelPeel likes this.
  18. Sep 1, 2016 at 12:45 PM
    #18
    OneWheelPeel

    OneWheelPeel Well-Known Member

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    to my knowledge you cant get Redline in stores, best to buy online. Based on what I've read on here the MT 90 is the best for shift feel
     
  19. Sep 1, 2016 at 2:52 PM
    #19
    cruxofthebisquit

    cruxofthebisquit Well-Known Member

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    OME and worth every penny.
    I noticed nothing going to MT90, but it could be everything else worn out.
     

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