Diffs and transfer case fluids

Ah, okay, thanks! I watched too many oil videos yesterday.

 

No problem!
Welcome by the way

 

I just did my f/r diffs and xfr case today. I previously used 75w90 to top off front when changing cv axles, and can say it is physically different than 75w85 and slightly noticeable when driving. And 75w (xfr case) has a completely different chemical makeup than 75w-85 (diffs), there's a detailed breakdown on one of the tacoma forums I found a while back. 75w is also much more fluid like water. So while I'm sure you can use the easily available 75w-90 across the board and survive, I don't think you'd be doing your machine any favors long term. I ordered mine from Redlineoil.com, and had free 2 day shipping, OReily's also carries it but wasn't in stock and had incorrect labeling online for the 75w.

Also, both diffs fill plugs had to be drilled out/replaced because the asswagon who changed them last torqued them to hell and back. Reminder to make sure to remove fill plugs first so if any plugs seize, you don't end up stranded after draining.

 

I have the Toyota 75w for the transfer case on the way, but I’m concerned about your statement that you could tell a difference in using the

$39 75w-90 GL-5 Limited Slip, Ultra Long Drain 500k Miles, Manual Transmission, Gear/Differential Lubricant (1 Gallon)

75w-90 for the differential. Could you elaborate please? I have 7 quarts of the Mobile1 75w-90 lined up for the next warm day....

 

It's almost always a simple trade off between protection and efficiency....the lowest weight that still protects will lose the least energy. If we had a BW TOD transfer case (the one with clutches) then we would be running ATF in them but we don't. Our xfer case is basically a chain box with shifter forks and slider rods.

One thing to consider is this....so the factory puts "low vis" lubes in the diffs and xfer case for the truck they designed. You then put on a lift and big tires which puts more strain on the drive train. Do the factory recommendations still hold water? (pardon the pun).

 

I have heard this many times now. Is it usually a truck that has had the diffs changed before and the person overtightened only, or do these come overtightened from the factory?

 

I'm at 95k miles, and fluids were all fairly clean still, so in my case it was certainly overtightening by the prev owner/mechanic (and likely no antiseize). Doubt if the factory torques past spec, but can't say.

 

I haven't done my Tundra yet as it doesn't even have 7k miles yet, but in my 4runner I have done it several times. I use

$91 Red Line 57905 75W90 GL-5 Synthetic Gear Oil for Hypoid Limited Slip Differentials - 1 Gallon

Redline 75w90 full synthetic for the differentials and

$20 Royal Purple-ROY01512 ROYAL PURPLE SYNCHROMAX QT. TRANSFLUID, 1 Quart (32 Ounces)

Royal Purple Synchromax for the transfer case.

I noticed an immediate improvement in smoothness (literally undetectable now) when shifting in and out of 2h-->4h-->4l after moving to the Royal Purple.

 

I just did my diffs today and regret not getting to them sooner. Ended up using Lucas 75w90 synthetic because I dont have time to order anything else online before heading out on a road trip in a couple of days and Lucas is what I could find in stock locally. Anyway, this was the first fluid change on my 2018 with 41k miles. I drag a 7500# Jayco several times per year as well as a heavy dump trailer. Again, I wish I had done it by 30k when I was supposed to as this is what came out of the rear.


There was quite a bit of metal powder on the magnet with a few shavings. The front was cleaner but definitely not clean and it too had a bit of powder but no shavings.

I'll get to the transfer case when I get home in a few weeks.

 

Yup, Ravenol for the front and rear differential and Red Line for me for the transfer case.

 

Eewww..

That looks dark and dirty. I bet that was stinky.

That stuff can get stinky by 30-K even without heavy loading.

I’ll change once per year if doing a lot of water crossings and every 30-k if no deep water.

Reminds me to install diff breather tubes on the new truck.

I’ll always keep the diff oils clean. I can feel it when changing from old to new.

 

Okay, which of these Ravenol differential fluids do I get?

https://www.blauparts.com/ravenol-gear-oil-dgl-75w85-gl5-ls-1l.html

https://www.blauparts.com/ravenol-manual-transmission-fluid-mtf-1-75w-85-gl-4-gl-5-1l.html

 

I believe you want the MTF-1 for both diffs on a 2019 Tundra as you do not have a mechanical limited slip differential. Drop your Tundra details into the selector on the Blaupart web site and it will show you the products that are applicable for your truck.

 

Random question, but for those of you that have used the Ravenol 75w-85 in your diffs, what color was it? Mine is red and online states it should be red, but this youtube vid below it looks almost clear. The 75w I got for the transfer case looks the golden which is what I was expecting on both types... Could be because his is 75w-85 LS and mine is MTF-1 75W-85 GL-4 GL-5 1L

Just double checking I have the right stuff.

3:55 mark on this vid
How To Change 2014 On Up Tundra Diff Fluids - YouTube

 

I ordered the Ravenol MTF-1 75W-85 GL-4 GL-5 1L that you have this passed week for my upcoming diff changes, and it should be the right one for our truck because we don't have a real limited slip, and their online selector chose this one as well. The guy in that video is using the wrong one, but I don't know if it will damage anything or not having the limited slip additive in it. Maybe someone with more knowledge will chime in...

 

I think it was red. This website describes physical characteristics and notes color is rot which is german for red.....

https://www.ravenol.de/en/product-r...ual-transmissions-1/ravenol-mtf-1-sae-75w-85/

 

Thanks I found that same page and noted the "rot" under colour. Is was really that youtube vid and previous posts with pics of dirty oil made me question it. Appreciate the confirmation!

 

Got these changed today on mine. My crush washer pack that I purchased had aluminum washers for the transfer case plugs, but these were not used. The plugs only had what looked like white teflon paste on tapered threads, no washer. I also tried to fill these without a hand pump, and was successful on the rear and transfer case, but the front needed the hand pump due to clearance. Also, my 1/2" torque wrench did not fit on the front fill plug due to clearance and both transfer case plugs, so I could only estimate the tightness.

 

Red is the correct color. I spoke with Ravenol personally to verify because I’ve never seen anything but ATF red.

 

Hi All, I've read this thread as well as a thread on TundraTalks.net. I'm planning on changing my diff/transfer fluids soon. I'm at 40k miles on my 2020 Tundra and I tow a Heartland Prowler 255LX a few times a year, so I've been putting this off for too long. I found this great tutorial video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxMJOiFsxGU) which is helpful since I'm new to doing this stuff myself. In the meantime, I'm looking for advice on these fluids below. I've found to be the best deal cost-wise. I'm not going to buy the really expensive Toyota fluid...I've read some arguments in favor and was not convinced.

Transfer case fluid:
Valvoline Transfer Case Fluid
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/valvoline-transfer-case-fluid-1-quart-855459/11044859-P

Diff Fluid:
Valvoline SynPower Transmission & Differential Gear Oil: Full Synthetic 75W-90
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...l-synthetic-75w-90-1-gallon-882505/12048192-P

The Diff fluid is 75W-90 which lines up with what I've read, but the TC fluid doesn't specify so I am hesitating. Both are (at least at present) meaningfully less expensive than some of the other options people have listed in this and other threads.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

Welcome from WA.

Yeah, I would pass on that TC fluid. Not worth it.
Get Ravenol or Toyota.

 

Raymonde: you’re still in the drivetrain warranty period, so I’d be real careful about not using what Toyota specifies. If anything goes wrong and they test it (they will if it’s expensive), you could get a denial on warranty coverage.

 

That’s a no from me dawg. Use 75W (not 75w90 or 75w85) as specified in the manual.

 

In warranty use OEM fluid. That removes all outs the dealer would try should you have an issue. Cost shouldn't be an issue driving a 13mpg truck. Out of warranty, name brand, synthetic that meets the ALL specs listed in your manual.

 

Thanks for the fast replies gentlemen. This is why I asked! I'm going to go with these then:

Differential: https://www.blauparts.com/ravenol-gear-oil-dgl-75w85-gl5-ls-1l.html

Transfer Case:

$96 Toyota Genuine Transfer Case Gear Oil LF 75W 1 Litre 08885-81080

https://www.amazon.com/TOYOTA-Genuine-Transfer-Litre-08885-81080/dp/B086R57CRP (OUCH!)

 

So I'm leaning towards just using the Toyota LF golden child fluid for the transfer case. After all the warranty talk it seems like the smart thing to do. Anyone know off hand the T-case capacity? Will one of those cans do the change? Sorry, being lazy.

 

Wally...unfortunately you'll need two. The manual says it's 1.6 qt // 1.5 L capacity on the transfer case.

 

As a side note, my dealer quoted me $350 to change both the diff and tc fluids. I'm about to spend $300 on the fluids alone. Based on this my assumption is that they are NOT putting this Toyota fluid in the TC at the dealer. I'm guessing they're using

$39 75W 90 GL-5 Limited Slip, Ultra Long Drain 500k Miles, Manual Transmission, Gear/Differential Lubricant (1 Gallon)

75W 90 like I've read others saying. But given I'll only need to do this every few years, I'm just going to bite the bullet and do it right.

 

Dam! Ok thanks!

 

Can you get a definitive answer on what fluid they will use?