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Thoughts on Redline?

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by Longbow25, Jul 28, 2025 at 11:49 AM.

  1. Jul 28, 2025 at 11:49 AM
    #1
    Longbow25

    Longbow25 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  2. Jul 28, 2025 at 12:11 PM
    #2
    BillF1564

    BillF1564 Well-Known Member

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    :popcorn: stand by for amsoil fanboys
     
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  3. Jul 28, 2025 at 12:20 PM
    #3
    Longbow25

    Longbow25 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    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
     
  4. Jul 28, 2025 at 12:25 PM
    #4
    DavidSmothers

    DavidSmothers Well-Known Member

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    Last edited: Jul 28, 2025 at 12:43 PM
    Longbow25[OP] likes this.
  5. Jul 28, 2025 at 12:30 PM
    #5
    STEELeR43

    STEELeR43 Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2025 at 9:47 PM
  6. Jul 28, 2025 at 12:45 PM
    #6
    Longbow25

    Longbow25 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    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??
     
  7. Jul 28, 2025 at 12:50 PM
    #7
    Buck Henry

    Buck Henry Well-Known Member

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    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!
     
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  8. Jul 28, 2025 at 12:52 PM
    #8
    BLtheP

    BLtheP Constantly Tinkering Member

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    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.
     
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  9. Jul 28, 2025 at 12:56 PM
    #9
    Longbow25

    Longbow25 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
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  10. Jul 28, 2025 at 12:59 PM
    #10
    drizzoh

    drizzoh itsjdmy0

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    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.
     
  11. Jul 28, 2025 at 8:08 PM
    #11
    Smacky2020

    Smacky2020 Well-Known Member

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    Stock wheels and suspension. Random "utilitarian" mods featured on this great forum.
    For diffs, I used Mobil Delvac 1 75w90 full synthetic. Basically any flavor of diff fluid will work though; diffs are not picky. 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? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CJHTDVV
     
  12. Jul 29, 2025 at 2:45 AM
    #12
    BillyE

    BillyE Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
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  13. Jul 29, 2025 at 3:02 AM
    #13
    Hardscrabble

    Hardscrabble Well-Known Member

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    A little of this and a little of that.
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