Diff and T-case fluid brand preference

As the title states, which fluid brand do you guys prefer for your diffs and transfer case? I’ve always run Mobil 1 with TransX lsd additive in the rear diff. Interested to see what you guys run.

 

I like Valvoline. It's not expensive and it does the job. Personally, I think synthetic is overkill for diffs and transfer case as I haven't heard of anyone complaining they wished they switched to it.

Although, maybe that's the way to go if you're not good about changing it periodically.

 

I had been running amsoil, but the dealer I went thru quit selling, so I’ve recently tried redline in my rear diff, so far so good

 

Red Line and don't look back.

 

Mobil 1

 

All three of mine got Lucas Oil.

 

Valvoline because when I asked the dealer for the OE fluid he said don’t buy it here its “stupid expensive” go to Walmart and buy valvoline. So I did and no issues in the 20k it’s been in there.

 

In all reality, any name brand synthetic will do just fine. Even the SuperTech Wally World brand would be fine IMO as long as it’s changed regularly.

 

Amsoil and don’t go heavier weight thinking you’ll get more protections, you’ll just create heat.

Redline is also good stuff.

In reality as long as you meet the factory spec, and you don’t run anything dry, it will probably never fail.

 

Do you use Red line for all 75w90 for all 3? I logged on to redline and they recommend same for all 3 but I see that for the rear diff it says for LSD. Can you use that for the front and transfer?

How much do you need to do all 3?

 

I only use AmsOil on my track car great stuff. Which AmsOil do you use for front diff,transfer and rear?

 

Severe gear 75W90 in all three holes for your year. You'll never have a problem if it's not your first time doing it.

Just like a Harley D. (I'm making a joke, don't eviscerate me for exceptions)

 

By first time doing it you don't mean first time using Amsoil correct? Just want yo make sure I change it I believe around every 30K but I want to Starr doing it myself.

Is this what you use? How much do you need for all 3? Also do you add anything to the LSD?

 

No, I just meant if it's a 2004 and this is the first time the fluids are being changed in the diffs and Transfer case that wouldn't be good. I'm sure you take great care of your truck, the added expense of a top shelf gear oil now is worth the peace of mind if you ask me. I like Amsoil and Red Line gear oils, I'm no expert but have never had an issue with any Toyota parts protected by this gear oil and I'm an old man.

Easy to find the quantities, you can even plug your vehicle in an Amsoil app and they tell you. As far as a LSD additive I don't think you need it but I'd let an expert comment on that, certainly it's not needed in gen 2.5.

I like the old Tundras!

 

As mentioned, 75-90 Severe Gear. I use it in all my diffs even the Dually.

Probably will be the last fluid the diffs see in their lifetime lol.

 

Royal purple full synthetic in my cases.

 

Not that they are the end all be all of gear wisdom, but the folks at East Coast Gear supply do not recommend synthetic gear oil. They have a long write up on the subject I've shared before but it's not necessarily specific to Toyota. They like Lucas dino oil which is what I run.

https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/ft-2536-ecgs-gear-oil-recommendation.html

"Other findings, and this varies based on the actual synthetic used: Synthetics thin out quickly once hot and lose their cling ratio to the metal object, when the oil is stuck to the gear it provides a cooling factor for the metal. We also believe that dino oil has better pressure properties, ie it provides a better cushion then synthetic for two reasons. First, it does not thin out as much and two it clings to the gear."

 

This is interesting, What motor oil weight do you use and additive?

 

Engine oil? Mobile 1 5W-30 synthetic. This thread is about gear oil though.

 

Yea I know but you said dino oil usually that's a nick name for conventional motor oil so it confused me.

 

That's what they call it. I'm not sure why. This is what I use in my rear.
https://lucasoil.com/products/gear-oil/gear-oil/heavy-duty-80w-90-gear-oil

 

That is what I was going to use or redline. Dk you need to add anything for the LSD?

 

Wait, you guys change your diff juice?

 

Oh shit here we go the battle of which oil and don't change or change

 

Amsoil all day

 

I would take this information with a shaker full of salt.

 

^^^ X2

 

Amsoil and Lucas synthetic are both $15 a quart. Red line is about $20 a quarter. Mobil synthetic is around $14 a quart. So price is not that big of a difference

 

Very few Tundra owners here see -40 temps and yes synthetic does make a difference in that case.

 

They did back it up with an explanation at least. I'd say as long as people do regular changes the fluid probably isn't that important. Curious why you don't believe them though. I don't have a real strong opinion on it.