So I have a 95 and I have been searching around the org but cant really get a good idea on what to do. I want to change my gear oil and I know that we need gl-4. I am interesting in trying redline or amsoil, but the problem is I don't know if my gear oil has ever been changed and I am afraid of it leaking because of putting synthetic in.

Im just looking for some feedback here.

What kind of mileage did people change theirs and what type they put in and if they had any problems.

Thanks.

 

I got a 95, changed at about 230,000 and I just used synchromesh because I couldnt afford amsoil haha. Havnt had any problems.

 

Redline MT 90

before Redline - Napa Sta Lube GL-4

 

I used Lucas, and it is doing very well. My 98 has 218,000 miles.

 

Synthetics won't cause leaks in a component that's mechanically sound. In fact, a high quality synthetic such as AMSOIL GL-4 Synthetic Manual Transmission and Transaxle oil will help the gearbox run cooler and it contains seal conditioners that will help keep seals pliable.

You're correct that you need a GL-4, but it can be difficult to find locally. I'm a site sponsor and I advertise in the Group Deals section. I sell a lot of this product to our members and the feedback has been all positive. Pls send a PM if I can help.

 

^ This guy is awesome.
Amsoil is my go to.

 

I put redline in my 96 SE at 110,000 and again at 170,000.


No leaks, no trouble. Just smooth shifting under all conditions.


Redline does not leak in my transmission at 190,000.

 

TH - Good to know and a good deal to boot for the AMS GL-4 Syn.

The correct GL-4 will save your transmission synchronizers while providing smooth shifting. I can tell the difference after switching to a GL-4 Syn.

 

I get my Amsoil tranny fluid from talkinghorse as well. Extremely knowledgeable and friendly too.

 

If i was going to do the synthetic it would definitely be amsoil. My transmission doesnt leak now and im at 161k. I dont know if the previous owner changed it when i bought the car at 104k, but it seems like people are changing to synthetic at high mileage with no problems.

 

Because manual transmissions, unlike engines and automatics, don't pressurize the lube.

 

that makes sense thinking about it. Hearing these responses make me feel a little more comfortable about changing it now!

 

My 95 has 232k on it. I'm the 3rd owner and I've put about 80k on it since I bought it. The previous owner must have kept it maintained judging by all the receipts for oil changes and the like. I'd always heard that changing it at over 75k was a death sentence for a transmission. Can I really safely change the fluid and do I need to replace the filter too?

 

Manual transmission fluid changes are always ok. GL-4 only.
Also, MT does not have a filter.
It's the automatics you have to watch out for when they have been neglected.
Autos do have a filter, but it's just a screen.

 

Also using amsoil in the 5spd. Also used amsoil in the automatic.

 

I neglected to say I have an AT. Fluid seems fairly clean and I pulled the drain plug when I first got it and no metal shavings so it may not need it.

 

So you're not sure if it's ever been changed since '95? With that mileage, you could change it, but as others have suggested, I would recommend changing the filter as well...And when I say "change it", I would recommend a drain and refill or two...I would definitely recommend against taking it to a quick lube and having them use one of the reverse flush machines on it. I have a study that reported a high number of transmission failures after owners had that process performed. If I can locate it, I'll post it up.