Which fluid to use for Toyota Diffs,Transfer Case and Manual transmissions

A Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician explains the differences in gear oil used in Differentials, Transfer Case and Manual transmission, which fluid to use for Toyota and how often to change them.
In this video I will explain the different types of gear oil for your Toyota and Lexus Differentials, Transfer case and Manual transmissions.
GL-3?GL-4?GL-5? what is the deal with all these ratings and which fluid is the right one to use in which application?
Folks this video was born in the spur of the moment as a viewer brought me their 2017 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 manual transmission but bought the incorrect fluid. We went out to a parts store to find the correct fluid and to my surprise it was not as simple as the labels were super confusing and I can see how errors can be made all thanks to companies marketing departments play on words!
Also while we're at it we'll cover why Toyota uses 75W in their transfer cases in newer trucks.
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#thecarcarenut #toyota4wd #toyotatrucks
0:00 Intro
0:46 Gear Oil Information
2:04 Difference between GL-4 and GL-5
7:52 Transfer Case Fluid Does it have to be 75W?

[@peterlaw6824]

Side note, when changing differential fluid make sure you can remove the refill plug before removing the drain plug.

[@thetechlibrarian]

Very true always crack that fill plug first

[@leandrolaporta2196]

Very true, that should be for all fluids including manual transmission ones, first remove the refill one, it you can then take the drain, better play it safe, thank you!

[@MoosSmokes]

What about synthetic?

[@gregl4244]

He said that

[@Firebird400]

Ahhh pack it with grease 😂

[@m.b8257]

I like that reference , Toyota’s more worried about making reliable cars than naming their oils, it’s so true.

[@chiarac3833]

That's why I will only buy Toyota trucks.

[@bronxtaskforce01]

You're absolutely the best in educating the public on how to maintain our vehicles. With that we who are subscribed to your channel, WE THANK YOU!👍

[@scottschmucker5622]

Excellent video. You are amazingly easy to learn from. Thank you!

[@danramalingum2200]

Agreed

[@anthonyvandenheever9770]

​@@scottschmucker56229😊

[@scottyadams3089]

Amen!

[@Starman-yt8lj]

Thank you again AMD! You continue to help me immensely in properly maintaining our Toyotas.

[@yunus_aros]

I put the Amsoil 75w-90 API-GL4 Manual Transmission & Transaxle Gear Lube into the manual transmission of my old Toyota Urban Cruiser. I loved the Easy Pack too. Amsoil got the API-GL4 in their products lineup.

[@karlkrzok4280]

Absolutely great point! I have driven manual transmission cars for decades and have heard the same thing when going to buy new fluid, so now I just buy the correct GL-4 fluid online. I have used Redline for years with good results.

[@stevecanny1583]

You saved the transaxle on my 2006 Scion xB from a long slow death! I went with Redline MT-90 which folks seem to like and is clearly identified as for manual transmissions (the MT bit in the name :). They mention the GL-4 bit proudly in the spec and I'm happy to pay a couple dollars more for lube from folks who know what I need :) Thanks so much!

[@RoyFJ65]

The synchro is made of soft metal like brass or bronze and sulfur etches them. This is the reason many manual transmissions specially the ones from Getrag and ZF specified ATF for the manual transmission. For my differential and transfer case I use Respol Navigator synthetic GL4 75W-90 and so far, has worked out well. Informative video as always.

[@cam81366]

Thanks for the great info. Getting ready to replace all of my fluids before winter. This video helped lot.

[@raycollington4310]

Great public service broadcasting here. In UK I see auto stores and lube websites often recommend the incorrect product. I think half of the vehicles on the road have the wrong specification lubes. The product marketing industry don't help IMHO and help cause ambiguity in some cases. Love you channel and content. I've ordered my first Toyota thanks to you. I hope I like it when it comes!

[@codyrobert12]

A very strong facet of these videos is the vividness of the thumbnails. Not flashy or trendy, just very pertinent and relevant and appealing to the eye.

[@michaelturner9673]

"...the world will not end..." Love it. My favorite Toyota care channel. Great videos, great guy.

[@soldiersvejk2053]

I remember grabbing two 75W-90 GL-5 gearoil on sale for $2 per quart before my first change of manual transmission oil, but I am very glad that I went for the Red Line MT-90. Quite expensive, but works very well on my little Yaris.

[@paulkolbe-hurley7194]

Should work on my 98 starlet so

[@buckaroobonsi555]

I have tried just about every Gear Lube and MT fluid that can be purchased in the USA or Europe on my 2003 Toyota Camry with manual transmission. Redline has be the best by far. I like to put in 1 quart of Red Line MTL and the rest MT-90. I live in Michigan and it gives slightly better could weather performance when it drops down super cold like -25. MT-90 works great too or MT-85 which I am not sure Red Line makes any more. Tested all of them with Used Oil Analysis and based on shift fill cold and hot and how long the cold shift performance lasted. If you want the best cold and hot shifting with the least amount of wear nothing worked better for me than Red Line "MT" line of GL-4 lubricants. Their power steering fluid is the best I have used as well. I can also recommend their CV-2 grease.

[@HiwasseeRiver]

Many thanks for this video - The last time I bought fluid I thought I had lost my mind, the stuff in the stores was soooo misleading.

[@albertbraun7322]

Hi,Thank´s for this very accurate and informative video.I have been an Toyota mechanic for more than 30 years and believe me.,I have learned one more fact today.Great job.

[@srandyt2]

I am so glad I watched this. I am working through changing fluids on my 05 Tacoma manual. Got sidelined by needing front suspension repairs I found in the process. Through you, indeed "the Lord did keep me". Thank you. RT

[@bluefj-wc3vz]

This was an excellent point you brought up on GL ratings! No one usually sells GL-4 and if you don't know, you are buying GL-5 without a doubt.

[@ahmadkamali8547]

True i agree with that

[@glasser2819]

ignorants believe bigger numbers are better, such as with brake fluid Dot3, 4 ...

[@coloradoboo1071]

For my 2014 Tundra 4x4 which tows our 7,000 camper, I barely put 5,000 miles a year so I just change out the diffs and xfer case every 2 years. I ordered from Blau Parts and they sent the German made Ravenhol oil, exactly what I needed! (And their diff oil bottles have those plastic extensions that make using them super easy...no pumping anything!!)

[@themessenger4011]

Thank you Car care nut. Thank you. I was so confused about what to put in my transfer case until I watch your video. Thank you and may the Lord bless and keep you.

[@johndesaavedra1040]

Thanks AMD! I was able to shop for gear oils for my 2017 Tacoma as a better-informed consumer after watching your video. Now, whenever I approach maintenance on one of my Toyotas, I watch your video first to get your take.

[@BOSS-xy8op]

This was so informative. I have a 2010 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L four cylinder with the 6 speed Manual transmission. I wanted to change my fluid but I didn't know the difference between GL4 and GL5 now I know. Thanks!!

[@DericCribbs]

Jealous of your car, they are hard to find. Went to a salvage yard for one a couple times, everytime it's an auto being misrepresented as manual.

[@randyduncan795]

I wonder how many people put Mobil 1 75w90 GL-5 in their Toyota manuals! I use Redline MT90 75w90 and it is clearly marked GL-4 and specifically states that it is safe for brass synchros. It is designed for manual transmissions and it gave a very noticeable improvement in shifter feel vs the original Dino oil. Thank you for another great presentation.

[@origin20000]

Thank you! I almost went buying the wrong fluid (GL-4/GL-5 dual compatible) for my manual transmission. I'm so glad that I bumped into this video before I changed the fluid.

[@Mr.Mikey.Holiday]

You just saved me so much time and money, i was so confused. Thank you for breaking things down barney style. Keep the content flowing!!

[@1xicano]

I am sure glad i took the time to watch this Video. I put the wrong oil in my 91 Toyota pickup manual Transmission and had to drain it and put the correct GL-4 gear oil. Better to change and be safe than regretting later down the road. Thank you!

[@rtap8170]

Nice to finally get a clear answer to the the fluids and especially transfer case. I ended up using Red Line MT-LV recommended for toyota/lexus LF 75W GL-4 because i refused to pay the stupid amount for the toyota fluid.

[@FloridaSunMitochondria]

Feedback on the redline MT-LV which they state is equiv to the Toyota LF? Any issues? Delays? Would love to hear feedback on this. Thanks.

[@gerryjimenez6125]

AMD another awesome video I have a 21 Taco TRD OR 4x4, at 30k replace diff, and transfer case fluids I think the manual recommends a propellor shaft adjustment or something like that, Do you have any videos on maintenance on 4x4 taco’s? I didn’t see any in your channel.

[@brawlman]

@@FloridaSunMitochondria I've used it on 06 Honda and buttery smooth shifts. No regrets!

[@joeydingo1]

Your videos are the best information on Toyotas that I have found. Thank you!

[@mynameIan]

Could have done with this video about 6 years ago when I did all the fluids on the FJ Cruiser TT that I had at the time. Best vehicle EVER.

[@inferno1770]

Great video I'm glad we are on the same page about front diff rear diff and transfer case . Yes amzoil is more spendy but reliable.

[@carlosestrada298]

The Amsoil gear oil picking was a mistake from your client. I have a manual transmission and i use the oil that Amsoil recommended, wich is the transaxel GL4. Amsoil is worth it's price, and you could disagree with me as i disagree with you on this one thing. Other than that i really like the way you do your videos. ✌

[@waitingforparts57]

Been watching your channel for a couple of years, but didn't have a Toyota to diy. Now have a 2020 RAV4. Going to do the drivetrain fluids now So glad I to work on it due to your videos. May God bless you and yours . Thank you

[@bloodyirishman5758]

Just came across your channel and immediately subscribed. Thank you for your wealth of knowledge and the fact you share it with us. My 2017 Tundra thanks you as well! God bless.

[@FFWrench]

Please note that Amsoil SVG 75w90 in the data sheet specifies: “Recommended for use in differentials, manual transmissions and other gear applications requiring any of the following specifications: API GL-5, MT-1, MIL-PRF-2105E, Dana SHAES 234 (Formerly Eaton PS-037), Mack GO-J, or other GL-5 based specifications from vehicle manufacturers, including Ford*, GM* and Chrysler*. Can also be used in axles where an API GL-4 lubricant is recommended” The bottle is lacking the full information from the data sheet. It does not list transmissions where GL4 is required just axles. Thank you for posting this video. It is important to go over the specs of each product.

[@jameswag8473]

This Video was incredibly helpful. You had me running out to my garage to see if I had put the right gear oil in two years ago. The Red Line MT Transmission fluid that I used is GL 4 thank goodness.

[@leandrolaporta2196]

Hahahah I did the same thing! I pause the video and run out to the garage looking for the damn bottle, I read GL4 and I guess I started breathing again hehe

[@cyberburnzy]

Thanks for the great video. With my 84 FJ60 w/ manual transmission, the FSM says GL-4. I ended up buying Redline GL-4 75W80 to put in both my transfer and transmission. I couldn't find any GL-4 locally so I bought it on Amazon. I hope it works out because it is pretty pricey. I found quite a few people recommending it on forums for their late 80's and 90's trucks with manual transmissions.

[@RastaJediX]

I love you, man. I bought some Redline MT-90 (GL-4, 75W-90) for my '15 Corolla 6MT and am trying to prepare myself for the change!

[@Tacosauce22]

Thank you for all the amazing content you put out for us Toyota lovers I recently purchased a 22 Tacoma Trd off-road with a manual transmission since new I’ve only put 5000 miles on it. so far I change the oil recently myself because I refuse to follow a 10,000 mile interval which Toyota recommends next oil change is on the dealer 🙂 this is a great video because I want to make sure I keep all my fluids up-to-date and thank you for the specific information to follow on all your videos may God bless and everything that you do 🙏🏼

[@LChow-xq3xm]

Thank you for making things clear on this confusing subject!!!

[@lincolnsampaiobr]

you are the best explaining this, on my humble opinion on the engineer department of Toyota only works, on all other work engineer marketing and someone from the sales dept of oil companies great video!

[@rickjames9256]

Thank you so much for all the useful information. Your are awesome guy. I love watching your channel. Keep up the great work Sir. Wish the best to you and your family 👍🏼

[@christiancml]

@The Car Care Nut Thank you again for this valuable information. I think the next video you could show us how to service the driveshafts by greasing them at the zerks, etc. Thank you!

[@vladd5291]

Thanks, awesome as usual! For transfer case fluid, Redline now makes one called MT-LV, which has 75w weight and works as a replacement for Toyota transfer fluid

[@peterschmitt415]

it is listed as GL4....not a problem?

[@masoncomeaux4105]

This man is definitely a life saver!.. getting ready to do transfer case and front/rear diffs on my 17 tundra. Love amsoil products I’ll be using 75w-90 severe gear in them. I figured it wouldn’t hurt anything.. if anything it will probably extend the life of them.

[@andrewthomas7654]

Master Technician or rather Professor of Mechanics.....love the videos.....learned so much from the Professor!!!!!

[@rook2759]

I used the Amsoil Severe Gear on front and rear diff. Redline now lists their Redline MT-LV 75W GL4 as a suitable replacement for the Toyota liquid gold. At $21 a quart I went with that in the TC. My 2017 Taco seems to get in and out of 4H and 4L a little smoother these days. I am happy with it so far.

[@inshallah4280]

I have a 16 rolla and I’m gonna go ahead and buy the 70w 75w gl4 redline because every dealer near me will not sell in less than 100 gallons

[@bendover8433]

Safe to use the MT-LV in an auto transfer case?

[@garybaldwin1061]

Didnt he say use gl 5 for transfer case.

[@joebrown9621]

Redline MT LV GL-4 70W-75 works well while being 26% to 40% cheaper than comparable Amsoil and is just as good if not better.. I'm glad you took the time to educate the masses and i hope some parts personnel see this and stop up selling the wrong oil to customers including some dealerships 🙄

[@robme3660]

It's what's recommended because of gas mileage and versatility. I'd personally go thicker for better parts protection unless you live where it drops below -20/-40. (75W90 or 80W90 gl-4.)

[@masoncomeaux4105]

Red line is good yes… but nothing compares to amsoil.

[@ppeterson9359]

Really appreciate the video. I spent most of the day trying to locate the appropriate fluid for my just installed rebuilt R150 in my ‘96 Tacoma. The rebuilder says conv or syn 80w/90 GL5. The manual says 75w/90 GL4 or GL5. After watching your video I decided to track down some 75w/90 GL4.

[@timsul3092]

Thanks for the video. I had my manual transmission and diff oil changed recently and the shop accidentally put GL-5 in the transmission. I drove the car home and and after some research, caught the mistake. I only drove it about 8 miles home and will drive it back to the shop for the GL-4 replacement for a total of about 16 miles. It stayed in the tranny a little over a week but like I said I did not drive the car with the GL-5 in the transmission except as noted. I don't think this will be a problem or damage anything but I wanted to make sure. Thanks again.

[@wiscowalleye7954]

I use Redline MT90 in my 2016 Tacoma manual transmission. It works great!! Changed it twice in 180,000 miles. Shifts like the day I bought it.

[@onenikkione]

every 30k miles, not 90k

[@wiscowalleye7954]

@@onenikkione probably true but since it’s a manual transmission I’m not as worried about it compared to a say an automatic. There’s a lot less going on in there. And I take it easy on it.

[@KrazyKramer]

I needed this video 6 months ago when I was super confused which oil to use in my 2016 manual transmission Corolla. Even the dealer was clueless, telling me to use any 75w-90. No mention of any GLs. I'm sure these lube techs everywhere you go just put whatever bulk gear oil they have in no matter what kind of car you have. I do everything to my own car That I possibly can. You just can't trust many people to do things right. Thanks for clearing this up.

[@bakial2030]

Hello, I have a 2018 Model Auris 1.33 Gasoline vehicle with 6-Speed Manual Transmission. The price of 2.4 (3) liter Toyota 75W90 is $200 in my country. Will there be a problem if I use Liqui Moly MTF5200 75W80, which provides GL-4 and costs $60 for 3 liters? Have you changed the transmission oil of your vehicle? What brand of product did you use? Thanks in advance.

[@rickh6595]

All the research and development to change my transfer case and left unsure until you say it. I trust that you say 75 90 every 30k I'm done researching. Thank you brother

[@saleembadaloo3416]

Very informative. He is very knowledgeable. I love watching your videos. Seems like a very kind and caring person as well

[@supersymun]

Solid advice! Bought fluid early in the year in anticipation of working on it…. Glad I grabbed the gl5 for my 4Runner.

[@supersymun]

Redline… 75w90

[@fredwilson5491]

I have a 2018 tundra in the best place I have found to get the correct weight gear oil is blauparts.They sell Ravenol oil. It’s good stuff.

[@leandrolaporta2196]

I just saw this, you just drop a bomb on the subject, I had to pause the video and run to the garage to see if I f#$ed up or not with my manual transmission fluid Thank God I did not, GL4 75w80 geeez I didn't know about GL5 attacking soft metals of the synchros wow, every video of yours are truly priceless on information, I look everywhere about this and there is NO clear info, finally I decide to play it safe, I paid a lot for that 75w80 because the cheap one was 75w90 but i remember reading that 90 was not for this gear box, so I guess I was lucky hehe. Thank you!

[@willlegaspigeronimo3275]

thank you for your doing a good job on giving us adequate information about taking care of our toyota vehicle. stay safe

[@boostedmaniac]

You’re exactly right sir. I had a manual Mitsu Eclipse GSX and it required GL4 in the trans. And yes it’s hard to find GL4. I ended up using BG Syncroshift for a while which worked ok. But later tried Redline (can’t remember the type) for manual transmissions which was made to use where a GL4 was called. This was an improvement over the BG. What you put in the manual gearbox definitely makes a difference on how it shifts.

[@Trex6767]

When I was younger I had a forester and the weight was the same diff. I had some left over diff fluid which had lsd addictive. Once it got cold out the manual transmission was difficult to shift in the morning. Went to Subaru and got their dedicated manual transmission fluid and the shifting was much better. My advice and lesson I learned was to just suck it up and go to the dealer and buy their manual transmission specific fluid.

[@eric9249]

You used Redline MT-85 or MT-90, both are GL4's and perform great except when its very cold out. The Eclipse GSX will be notchy until n the fluid warms up. I use the aforementioned in summer months & use thinner GL4's in winter months. 301k miles on my GST gearbox!!!

[@boostedmaniac]

@@eric9249 my car was always garage parked and I live in a warm climate so I didn’t really notice much diff between warm and cold.

[@buckaroobonsi555]

I tried BG as well it was one of the 12-20 GL4's I tried before being able to say with out a doubt Red Line "MT" line is the best I have used in a Toyota manual transmission!

[@seriousfaith]

Thank you! When I did my transfer case, I put 75-90 in it… 75WS is $90 a pint plus hazmat shipping here. I figured if my truck would go 200k in the third world- it’d go 30k on Mobil1!

[@antonyall]

Amazingly informative and instructive, even for a spur of the moment post. Thank you sir!

[@johngraham4965]

glad i listened to this guy__ was going to screw up my manual transmission on my Mustang Cobra.....

[@5shrek5]

Thank you AMD. I was worried about the fluid I’ve been using but now I feel more at ease. It was hard to find gl4 in the Chicago area. I’ve been using redline mt-lv gl4 and it’s been great so far.

[@TheCarCareNut]

Redline is very good

[@stevesicinski5170]

Ravenol gear lube comes in the oem weights. I used Redline 75W85 price point was reasonable. Ravenol is made in Germany. I've been using it in my transfer case on my 16 Tacoma with no issues. Again price point through Blauparts in Wisconsin very reasonable. Hope this helps

[@hokie9910]

AMD, I buy Amsoil severe gear for 13/qt delivered to my front door, and those easy paks are so nice. Mobil 1 is not that much cheaper and the Amsoil is a true synthetic. If you guys are getting other fluids for a lot cheaper please let me know where as I have 2 teenagers and need to save money on all the fluids I buy! Lol

[@NickAck23]

You are a life saver. I have been torn if I spend the money hunting down the Toyota oils for my 30k service on my 4Runner. But it should be far easier to find a multi weight gl5 at about any store and probably save me a few hundred dollars

[@Deuce_Dufresne]

Love your channel, wealth of car care knowledge

[@billiebobbienorton2556]

Thanks for your helpful and much needed information. Keep it up 👍

[@agostinodibella9939]

Thanks AMD for the video. Without knowing, people would think that GL5 would be backward compatible with GL4 and 3. I didn’t know that GL5 would harm a manual transmission. I have been using Mobil One 75W-90 GL5 in our transfer cases and differentials.

[@aaroncarmichael8263]

Best well rounded video I've ever seen on this subject. Thank you so much

[@coloradoboo1071]

Much needed video, THANKS! Update on my squeaky brakes...turned out my brake job on the front was fine, the rear brakes on the Suzuki now need replacing....so another DIY job in my TODO list! Also, have you noticed car part prices are going through the roof? I used to be able to buy rotors/pads for around $150 now some are closer to $300! Crazy

[@TheCarCareNut]

Hi my brother! Yep prices are joining car prices and will get worse before it gets better

[@fredwilson5491]

Outstanding information as always.

[@jasonwong35]

Great information and topic to put out there! For those who have Subaru manual transmissions, service manual says to use GL-5, but make sure it is NS (NON-SLIP) and or without LS additives. Correct me if I'm wrong on that. Thanks!

[@TheCarCareNut]

Follow the recommendation from your owners manual or service manual as different transmissions will have different requirements

[@randylee2549]

In a 2003 c59 manual corolla, it says GL4 or GL5, Pentosin did a test, then old issue with GL5 is no longer an issue, GL5 is buffered and not dangerous sin e all GL5 is MT1 rated.

[@janpur1417]

Use RED LINE gear oil. They make GL-4 and is the BEST oil money can buy. I have 5 Toyotas 4 are 4x4 and 1 is a Corolla/Sprinter/Prizm Manual trans at 300K miles. Red-line oil made the shifting in the Corolla as equivalent to my 21 Taco manual. All diffs and transfer cases I use Valvoline 75W-80. Use Aluminum crush washers for Gear and Transfer case. Metal washer for diffs (but aluminum works for diffs as well). Excellent video!

[@61espo]

I Save all of AMD’s videos! The best info on the tube!

[@megahurts2]

Weird, KZbin is glitching out on me so forgive a potential double post. But yes, it does appear your customer accidentally purchased the wrong oil. The correct one for the Manual Transmission in the 3rd gen Tacoma has the product code: MTGPK-EA This specifically is GL-4 compatible (had to re-read my label's as I almost had a heart attack lol) Also silly question, when replacing the fluids in the Diffs/T-Case/Transmission do you 100% of the time replace the washers (there's a few different kinds)? T-Case: 90430A0003 x2 Front Diff: 1215710010 x1 & 9043024003 x1 Rear Diff: 1215710010 x2 Just curious if you happen to of run across any failures or leaks due to people not replacing these during the oil changes. And of all the people to ask, you would be the one :). Thanks for the awesome video!

[@TheCarCareNut]

Hi! I always replace the gaskets and recommend you do so as they're very inexpensive. The crush washer ones for the diffs have a higher possibility of leaking if reused but not super common. but the transfer case ones have a much less possibility of leaking.

[@bravogoldeagle8907]

AMD. Changed the Transfer Case oil in my 2019 Toyota Tundra TRD 4X4 with Valvoline 75w-90 5,000 miles ago. After seeing a few things online, I started to freak out that my transfer case was gonna blow! Thank you for important info, I’ll use this fluid for the life of my truck. 😰 Thank you for sharing it’s okay!

[@masoncomeaux4105]

Get that valvoline crap out of there!. Valvoline is trash. Spend the extra couple dollars and put some amsoil in it. Your tundra will thank you!

[@bravogoldeagle8907]

Odd, I was reading Amsoil blows trannys and transfer cases.

[@jacobhendricks3556]

Thank you! I hear so many things and I really appreciate the simple clear explanation!

[@wholeNwon]

Initially I had some difficulty finding 90wGL-5 for the differential on my '98 LS400. So I called Lexus of N. America and asked whether multiviscosity oil was acceptable. The person who answered didn't know but said she would call back. The reply was that only single viscosity was to be used. I checked the web site of one of the major makers of multiviscosity oils and they, too, said that theirs should not be used when single viscosity was required. Fortunately Amazon sold Miller's 90w GL-5 at a reasonable price. In retrospect I almost wish I hadn't changed the oil even at 140K. The old fluid looked almost like new and there was no debris on the magnet. But now I don't have to worry about it. At 23.5 yo, still my daily driver and happy that it is!

[@christophemorichon4592]

Very informative, keep on doing the good job, thanks AMD

[@pursueadventure]

Great info. Thank you! I can't tell you how many hours I've spent researching the "gold" oil for the transfer case!

[@rutgershouses]

Same here I’m debating on redline 70W 75W MT-LV GL-4 Gear Oil (1 Quart) - Red Line 50604 or the RAVENOL J1C1003 SAE 75W Manual Transmission Fluid - MTF-3 Full Synthetic what’s your opinion??

[@importjz]

Thank you for the information!!!!! I had a hell of a time understanding what’s the difference

[@rebelmechanic7392]

Thanks for the videos I tried to find the correct oil for the manual transmission on my 2020 tacoma and i could not find out for months if it was gl-3 or 4 or 5 and u narrow my question down so thank you for the video 🤙

[@joshm9003]

Great video. I hate the smell of gear oil but it's easy to change. Redline gear oil is my choice they cater a lot to older and new Toyotas. I would add changing the crush washer and making sure to use the correct one as the transmission is aluminum and differentials are steel. I have spares but have never had a leak.

[@MrRedHotChiliMan]

I ended up putting redline mtlv(gl-4) in my transfer case because I read it was the closest to Toyotas 75W. I then saw elsewhere the 2008 actually is spec’d a gl-5 75-90. How concerned should I be, if at all? Do you think the GL-4 will potentially cause damage in my transfer?

[@joshm9003]

@MrRedHotChiliMan i would first check online or if you have a service manual for your truck to verify it is actually GL5. For manual transmissions in the older trucks they run the same oil in the transfer case. I imagine in case a seal leaks there'd be no contamination between the transmission and transfer case as well.

[@MrRedHotChiliMan]

@@joshm9003 thanks for your reply. I was more referring to if there would be more wear and tear due to being less additive in the fluid. I’m not real knowledgeable about how much goes on in the transfer during daily use in 2wd. My truck is an auto if it makes any difference.

[@joshm9003]

@MrRedHotChiliMan they have specific formulas for a reason i assume it would make a difference but you can call Redline as well to verify. If it does call for gl5 you can always change it out. We all get burned every now and then on buying the wrong things. For me I'd rather have the correct stuff then cause any damage.

[@NEXT433]

The owner's manual for my '09 Tacoma states..."Manual transmission, Recommended gear oil type, Gear oil API GL-4 or GL-5." I used GL-5 when I changed the transmission fluid, 7 years and 6,500 miles ago. It has become a second vehicle and is driven only occasionally now. Do your admonissions about GL-5 apply or was it different in '09? Should I change to GL-4? I see a few others in the comments that have the same GL-4 or GL-5 recommendations in their owner's manuals.

[@KendrasEdge757]

JUST did my 2021 4Runner TRD ORP front/rear diff and transfer case yesterday at 41,862 miles. I’ll do 30k from here on out. Used Valvoline Full Synthetic Synpower 75W90 gear oil GL5 for all three cases. My rear had typical metal shavings on drain plug, less on the front as expected, and the transfer case fluid looked still newish and the front was a little worse and the rear being the worse. None were burnt or overly used, but wanted it done. Next month I’ll be taking it to Toyota for the transmission filter/fluid and all of my maintenance will be done for awhile. Appreciate the videos and all the help sir! God bless~

[@jayson1710]

Don't know if it's too late to tell you but the car care nut recommends just a drain and fill. If you were able to do your diffs then you can do the drain and fill. Here's the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIakpnqjeayhqrssi=3AvV4bhOqrasehyB

[@Pb_Slinger]

I used to use VR1 50 weight motor oil in my old IH Scout manual transmission. It worked wonderfully well and didn’t corrode the synchros. Same viscosity as gear oil but without that horrible smell.

[@davidbrytowski4477]

This man is correct. GL5 is not the best oil for any manual transmission with copper or brass. GL5 contains sulfur. There are stabilizers in it but they'll break down. The rear differential has hypoid gears. It needs the high pressure additives of GL5. They used lead back in the day.

[@nat73360]

Thank you for the info. Maybe someday you will address cold start rattle, especially on the 2.5 L

[@gkbkansas]

I'm glad I don't have to buy ridiculous priced transfer case fluid for my Tacoma, thanks for the tip. I don't have a manual transmission so I just changed my transmission fluid with Toyota brand fluid when it was due. Not a hard job just a lot of steps to assure you have the correct level.

[@stonewalled9696]

This video is a gem. Good today and good in 20 years.

[@aliangdudu]

Awesome video AMD. Maybe it is an exception, but according the owner's manual, my 1996 T100 uses either GL4 or GL5 gear oil for manual transmission. I speculate that some other old Toyota trucks can use both GL4 and GL5 oil as well.

[@aircoolscott]

My 01 Tacoma manual says this as well, which is why I changed it using Redline GL5. Now I’m confused. Do I need to switch it out for GL4 even though the owners manual says it’s okay?

[@insaneXsk8r]

What nooooooo what confusion

[@12345.......]

Great information. I learned something today.

[@sergiykud]

i d love to see a video on transfer case/diff fluid changes(2015 Rav 4 specificaly :P). great video! as always!!

[@sabni8668]

Paying Toyota £136 to do this on my Avensis next week. Will be glad to know it’s changed. Nobody talks about gearbox oil changes here in the UK and we’re all manual drivers for the most part!

[@nostrilnick]

Awesome video, thank you. Please do one on prop/drive shaft grease (assuming you haven't already!).

[@ahmadkamali8547]

Yessss it is important

[@davederryberry7474]

Walmart brand transmission lubes are available in GL-4 and GL-5, both full synthetic and non-synthetic.

[@williamcunha9136]

Thank you for taking the time to explain this subject.

[@boklingvicente1460]

The best, most upfront information about vehicles.

[@flopro7332]

Another great one.

[@johnworthington5758]

First, Ahmed, THANK YOU for your honest and generous help to us DIY weekend mechanics and our working families. You and Mrs. Car Care are really making a BIG difference in my family. My Question: I have 224K on a 2004 Corolla Matrix manual 5 speed. There has been GL-5 fluid in the trans for 16 years (changed 2 times from original now). GL-5 was recommended by Haynes shop manual. Gears 2 & 3 are starting to make rattle sounds. Toyota says $6,300 to replace - but I'm not taking that path yet. Can changing to GL-4 fluid help delay the inevitable? The car drives VERY smoothly otherwise. I also just DIY'd new OEM battery, valve cover gasket and denso radiator. Plenty of rust on the rocker panels (New England). May I have your best suggestion please? Thank you, John And to you and your family: Num6:24, The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace!

[@TheCarCareNut]

Hi John! Honestly at this point likely the damage is already done. No point in changing the fluid. I would shop around for a used transmission and have a local shop replace it. Labor isn’t super high to replace it and a used part would be the route I’d go if you want to save this car and the rest of it is in good shape

[@johnworthington5758]

Thank you, Ahmed! I’ll start looking for a used one as you suggested

[@MrRedHotChiliMan]

@@johnworthington5758 digging up the past here.. I was wondering if you ever bothered with getting the new trans or just swapping out the fluid? I was curious because I had a manual car that would grind going into 3rd gear. I’m not sure what the previous own used in the trans, but after changing the fluid out (using Bg syncroshift gl-4, the gearbox hasn’t grinded/popped out of 3rd gear since. That was 3 years ago. I only wish I had seen your comment earlier so I could say yes, try changing the fluid first.

[@nastysoda9212]

thank you! I've learned so much from your videos. And my highlander and 2 tacomas are thankful also.

[@jimborambo958]

I don’t have manual transmission vehicle but that’s really a helpful informative video. I was one of those gear oil is gear oil guy! Thanks very much!