1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Diffs and transfer case fluids

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by Xyleff, Jan 20, 2021.

  1. Feb 1, 2021 at 5:51 AM
    #61
    Melancholy Bear

    Melancholy Bear New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2021
    Member:
    #58418
    Messages:
    15
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tundra SR 4WD
    Ah, okay, thanks! I watched too many oil videos yesterday.
     
    bulldog93 and NWPirate[QUOTED] like this.
  2. Feb 1, 2021 at 5:53 AM
    #62
    NWPirate

    NWPirate Tesla kool-aid connoisseur

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2019
    Member:
    #40251
    Messages:
    9,103
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Zach
    WA
    Vehicle:
    2017 SR5 TRD CM 2004 TRD Snow Goat
    No problem!
    Welcome by the way :hattip:
     
  3. Feb 1, 2021 at 6:01 PM
    #63
    fytedapowr

    fytedapowr New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2018
    Member:
    #21771
    Messages:
    84
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jake
    Austin TX
    Vehicle:
    '15 1794 4x4
    Bilstein 6112/5160, CB +2 shackles, SPC UCA's, CB bumper shims, 35's
    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.
     
  4. Feb 2, 2021 at 3:54 AM
    #64
    Charliebrn

    Charliebrn New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2020
    Member:
    #51912
    Messages:
    231
    Gender:
    Male
    NW Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2017 DC Limited 4x4 Tundra
    Tyger Folding Tonneau cover Polished stainless running boards LED interior lighting VLED Footwell Kit LED Bed lighting
    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 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....
     
  5. Feb 2, 2021 at 4:51 AM
    #65
    ssls6

    ssls6 Dr. Awesome

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2019
    Member:
    #34539
    Messages:
    187
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Richard
    South Park, CO
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRD Pro CM
    Bakflip, Bedstep, Gulfstate stuff
    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).
     
  6. Feb 2, 2021 at 7:27 AM
    #66
    Ronin73

    Ronin73 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2018
    Member:
    #21994
    Messages:
    460
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tundra Crewmax SR5 4x4 5.7 Magnetic Grey Metallic
    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?
     
    Melancholy Bear likes this.
  7. Feb 3, 2021 at 7:07 AM
    #67
    fytedapowr

    fytedapowr New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2018
    Member:
    #21771
    Messages:
    84
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jake
    Austin TX
    Vehicle:
    '15 1794 4x4
    Bilstein 6112/5160, CB +2 shackles, SPC UCA's, CB bumper shims, 35's
    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.
     
    Ronin73 likes this.
  8. Feb 3, 2021 at 7:30 AM
    #68
    Backslider

    Backslider Thirsty...

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2016
    Member:
    #3553
    Messages:
    3,138
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Tooele, UT
    Vehicle:
    2022 GMC Sierra AT4 L5P - 2017 4runner SR5P - 2023 Tesla Model 3 LR
    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 Redline 75w90 full synthetic for the differentials and 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.
     
    Joro43 and Wallygator like this.
  9. Feb 3, 2021 at 3:05 PM
    #69
    NorthWoodsTundra

    NorthWoodsTundra Hehehe, you said 'member'...hehehe

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Member:
    #12061
    Messages:
    137
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2021 GMC 3500 SRW Gasser
    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.
     
    Last edited: Feb 3, 2021
  10. Feb 3, 2021 at 3:09 PM
    #70
    Haggis777

    Haggis777 I.L.J.C.M.L.

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2018
    Member:
    #22243
    Messages:
    476
    Gender:
    Male
    SW Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2015 Silver SR5 TRD Tundra Canadian Model
    LEDs interior & exterior, stubby antenna, Bak-Flip cover, 285's, AGM battery, block heater, Pine tree air freshener
    Yup, Ravenol for the front and rear differential and Red Line for me for the transfer case.
     
  11. Feb 3, 2021 at 9:22 PM
    #71
    Lug Nut

    Lug Nut New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2021
    Member:
    #58080
    Messages:
    155
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2021 Limited TRD
    Bone Stock

    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.
     
  12. Feb 5, 2021 at 11:24 AM
    #72
    Ronin73

    Ronin73 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2018
    Member:
    #21994
    Messages:
    460
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tundra Crewmax SR5 4x4 5.7 Magnetic Grey Metallic
  13. Feb 6, 2021 at 4:20 AM
    #73
    Buckaroo

    Buckaroo New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2019
    Member:
    #39114
    Messages:
    245
    Gender:
    Male
    Central Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra 5.7L 4WD DC TRD
    2020 GD 2670MK Travel Trailer
    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.
     
    Ronin73[QUOTED] likes this.
  14. Feb 19, 2021 at 10:06 AM
    #74
    scpete24

    scpete24 Duuuuuuude

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2017
    Member:
    #6387
    Messages:
    698
    Gender:
    Male
    Orange County, CA
    Vehicle:
    2016 TRD Pro Super White
    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
     
  15. Feb 19, 2021 at 10:48 AM
    #75
    Ronin73

    Ronin73 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2018
    Member:
    #21994
    Messages:
    460
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tundra Crewmax SR5 4x4 5.7 Magnetic Grey Metallic
    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...
     
    scpete24[QUOTED] likes this.
  16. Feb 19, 2021 at 10:54 AM
    #76
    Buckaroo

    Buckaroo New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2019
    Member:
    #39114
    Messages:
    245
    Gender:
    Male
    Central Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra 5.7L 4WD DC TRD
    2020 GD 2670MK Travel Trailer
    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/
     
    scpete24[QUOTED] likes this.
  17. Feb 19, 2021 at 11:11 AM
    #77
    scpete24

    scpete24 Duuuuuuude

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2017
    Member:
    #6387
    Messages:
    698
    Gender:
    Male
    Orange County, CA
    Vehicle:
    2016 TRD Pro Super White
    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!
     
    Ronin73[QUOTED] likes this.
  18. Feb 23, 2021 at 3:46 PM
    #78
    Melancholy Bear

    Melancholy Bear New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2021
    Member:
    #58418
    Messages:
    15
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tundra SR 4WD
    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.
     
    bulldog93 likes this.
  19. Mar 7, 2021 at 6:20 PM
    #79
    JeffMac

    JeffMac 2 Words, 1 Finger

    Joined:
    Oct 31, 2019
    Member:
    #38081
    Messages:
    280
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    South Florida
    Vehicle:
    2015 Black Tundra OVTUNE
    Suspension: Bilstein 6150 Front Max Setting CB Shim 2x Driver 1x Passenger Bilstein 5160 Rear CB +3 Shackles Firestone Airbags w/ Daystar Craddles Engine: OVTUNE - 87 w/ Torque Modifier SABM w/ K&N Filter TB Coolant Bypass Fumoto Drain Plug Wheels/Tires: ProComp Bandidos 0mm Offset Nitto Exo Grappler AWT 285/70/18 Exterior: TRD Pro Grille Spyder Headlights/Taillights Ecoological Bumpershellz LED everything Tinted windows Bakflip MX4 Tonneau Cover K-Source Tow Mirrors Interior: Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX Radio 2x 10” Pioneer Subwoofers 1200W Pioneer Mono Amp 2000W Pioneer 4 Channel Amp
    Red is the correct color. I spoke with Ravenol personally to verify because I’ve never seen anything but ATF red.
     
    scpete24[QUOTED] likes this.
  20. Feb 22, 2023 at 6:02 AM
    #80
    TheRaymonder

    TheRaymonder New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2023
    Member:
    #92526
    Messages:
    9
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ray
    Vehicle:
    2020 Tundra SR5 CrewMax
    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!
     
    bulldog93 likes this.
  21. Feb 22, 2023 at 6:09 AM
    #81
    NWPirate

    NWPirate Tesla kool-aid connoisseur

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2019
    Member:
    #40251
    Messages:
    9,103
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Zach
    WA
    Vehicle:
    2017 SR5 TRD CM 2004 TRD Snow Goat
    Welcome from WA. :hattip:

    Yeah, I would pass on that TC fluid. Not worth it.
    Get Ravenol or Toyota.
     
    Rocko9999 and Terndrerrr like this.
  22. Feb 22, 2023 at 7:11 AM
    #82
    Charliebrn

    Charliebrn New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2020
    Member:
    #51912
    Messages:
    231
    Gender:
    Male
    NW Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2017 DC Limited 4x4 Tundra
    Tyger Folding Tonneau cover Polished stainless running boards LED interior lighting VLED Footwell Kit LED Bed lighting
    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.
     
    Wallygator likes this.
  23. Feb 22, 2023 at 7:21 AM
    #83
    Terndrerrr

    Terndrerrr guzzling dealer repellent

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2019
    Member:
    #32965
    Messages:
    4,910
    Gender:
    Male
    Music City
    Vehicle:
    Dual 5.7s
    TRD Fox, RAS, 285/75 DTs, dual battery, SS3 Pro
    Wallygator and NWPirate like this.
  24. Feb 22, 2023 at 8:03 AM
    #84
    Rocko9999

    Rocko9999 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2020
    Member:
    #56832
    Messages:
    953
    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.
     
    Wallygator likes this.
  25. Feb 22, 2023 at 9:07 AM
    #85
    TheRaymonder

    TheRaymonder New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2023
    Member:
    #92526
    Messages:
    9
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ray
    Vehicle:
    2020 Tundra SR5 CrewMax
  26. Feb 22, 2023 at 9:17 AM
    #86
    Wallygator

    Wallygator Well Zippedy Da Do!

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2020
    Member:
    #44761
    Messages:
    2,539
    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.
     
  27. Feb 22, 2023 at 9:19 AM
    #87
    TheRaymonder

    TheRaymonder New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2023
    Member:
    #92526
    Messages:
    9
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ray
    Vehicle:
    2020 Tundra SR5 CrewMax
    Wally...unfortunately you'll need two. The manual says it's 1.6 qt // 1.5 L capacity on the transfer case.
     
    bulldog93 and Wallygator like this.
  28. Feb 22, 2023 at 9:22 AM
    #88
    TheRaymonder

    TheRaymonder New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2023
    Member:
    #92526
    Messages:
    9
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ray
    Vehicle:
    2020 Tundra SR5 CrewMax
    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 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.
     
    Wallygator likes this.
  29. Feb 22, 2023 at 9:24 AM
    #89
    Wallygator

    Wallygator Well Zippedy Da Do!

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2020
    Member:
    #44761
    Messages:
    2,539
    Dam! :spending: Ok thanks!:thumbsup:
     
  30. Feb 22, 2023 at 9:35 AM
    #90
    Rocko9999

    Rocko9999 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2020
    Member:
    #56832
    Messages:
    953
    Can you get a definitive answer on what fluid they will use?
     
To Top