W56 HD

[Mudder]

So I've known for a while you can get a W56HD from Marlin, but does anyone know the difference between his standard W56 and the W56HD? I've yet to find anything, but maybe I've been using the wrong google search tools.

[Gnarly4X]

So I've known for a while you can get a W56HD from Marlin, but does anyone know the difference between his standard W56 and the W56HD? I've yet to find anything, but maybe I've been using the wrong google search tools.

https://www.marlincrawler.com/axle/front-axle-parts/front-service-parts/service-front-hilux/hd-inner-axle-seal

Gnarls.

[Mudder]

https://www.marlincrawler.com/axle/front-axle-parts/front-service-parts/service-front-hilux/hd-inner-axle-seal

Gnarls.

I didn't realise they put inner axles seal in a transmission!

If your point is it costs more for their HD seals, I highly doubt it's just that as it's a $250 difference.

[Goldrush]

Better bearings and seals and it also has that Marlin "touch". I've had a W56HD in my truck for going on 6 years and haven't had any issues.

[wy_will]

So MC puts poor quality bearings and seals in the standard transmission? That doesn't sound like a smart move. Everybody tells me to get the HD transmission, but nobody can tell me the difference. I would think that both the standard and HD versions are built by MC, they would have the Marlin "Touch"...

[Mudder]

So MC puts poor quality bearings and seals in the standard transmission? That doesn't sound like a smart move. Everybody tells me to get the HD transmission, but nobody can tell me the difference. I would think that both the standard and HD versions are built by MC, they would have the Marlin "Touch"...

No, he still put quality bearings in. The difference is you can use the standard Toyota bearing or you can use heavier ones if you know the part numbers. Marlins transmissions will be of high quality no matter what.

[Gnarly4X]

Just some thoughts from my past experiences with my 5-speeds....

The bearings or seals were not really the parts that were failures requiring a rebuild, it was the synchros.  The metal used in the synchros was the critical issue for longer life and proper gear meshing and avoiding "notchy" shifts between gears.

These trannies are very reliable.  With that said... if Marlin puts in better bearings and seals, it's probably for a good reason.

By the way... I am a believer in Redline MTL for my tranny and t-case.  When I switched from standard gear lube to Redline, it was very noticeable in shifting.  If I lived in a very cold climate, I'd be using ALL synthetic oils, grease, and gear lube.

That's just my worthless opinion.

Gnarls.

[wy_will]

Just some thoughts from my past experiences with my 5-speeds....

The bearings or seals were not really the parts that were failures requiring a rebuild, it was the synchros.  The metal used in the synchros was the critical issue for longer life and proper gear meshing and avoiding "notchy" shifts between gears.

These trannies are very reliable.  With that said... if Marlin puts in better bearings and seals, it's probably for a good reason.

By the way... I am a believer in Redline MTL for my tranny and t-case.  When I switched from standard gear lube to Redline, it was very noticeable in shifting.  If I lived in a very cold climate, I'd be using ALL synthetic oils, grease, and gear lube.


That's just my worthless opinion.

Gnarls.

Right now, I do use all synthetics and it is all Redline. I use MT90 instead of MTL though. Maybe I will try MTL next time.

[Gnarly4X]

Right now, I do use all synthetics and it is all Redline. I use MT90 instead of MTL though. Maybe I will try MTL next time.

For those who like "technical insight", like me, here's what Redline says:

RED LINE MTL® and MT-90 are designed to provide
excellent protection and improved shiftability for manual
transmissions and transaxles. MTL and MT-90 have
cured the problem of hard shifting in numerous
transmissions which have notoriously difficult shifting.
The secret to their success is two-fold. First, they have
the appropriate coefficient of friction for most manual
transmission synchronizers. Many gear oils, engine oils,
and ATFs are too slippery for proper synchro
engagement. Secondly, the viscosity characteristics of
MTL and MT-90 allow proper shifting over the entire temperature
range which the transmission will experience.
The synthetic base oils used have a very high viscosity
index which provides relatively constant viscosity as
temperature changes. MTL is a low 75W, almost a 70W,
at very low temperatures and a high 80W, nearly an
85W, at elevated temperatures, providing adequate
viscosity to prevent wear and deaden gear noise. MT-90
is a thicker 75W90 version of MTL. The shear stability
and oxidation stability of these products are excellent,
thus the physical characteristics of Red Line MTL and
MT-90 will change little with use.
Red Line MTL is classified as a 75W/80W gear lubricant
satisfying the API Service requirements of GL-3 and
GL-4. MTL also satisfies motor oil viscosities SAE
5W/10W/30, and the viscosity requirements for ATFs.
MT-90 is a 75W90 GL-4 and also satisfies motor oil
viscosities SAE 10W/15W/40. The additive chemistry
used is non-corrosive, so even though they will provide
GL-4 performance, they will not corrode synchros or
bushings. Because of its low corrosivity, Red Line MTL
and MT-90 could also be used in transmissions requiring
GL-1 or GL-3 lubricants. Seal compatibility is designed to
be similar to petroleum-based lubricants.

Here's the link:  https://www.redlineoil.com/content/files/tech/MTL%20and%20MT-90%20Tech%20Info.pdf

Because MTL has a slightly lower viscosity, in very cold climates, it would be my choice for our manual trannies and t-cases. Back in the early 1990's, living here in sunny Arizona, when I bought a Marlin Crawler t-case and had my 5-speed rebuilt, I consulted with a Redline Tech and MTL was recommended.

Gnarls.