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transfer case oil

Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by apes115, May 4, 2021.

  1. May 4, 2021 at 6:48 AM
    #1
    apes115

    apes115 [OP] New Member

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    tony
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    Greetings to all. I'm new to the forum,live in CT. had two Tacomas and upgraded to a '14 Tundra a couple of years ago to plow snow and tow my enclosed motorcycle trailer. I'm in the process of changing fluids at 38k mi. My main question and would appreciate any advice is what oil to use in the transfer case. I've looked at some previous threads and all I got was confused. I've bought some single malt scotch for less than what I've seen the genuine Toyota 75W LF that is recommended in the manual. Are there any alternatives?
     
  2. May 4, 2021 at 8:04 AM
    #2
    15whtrd

    15whtrd Mr. Blonde

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    TRD Pro suspension, +2 Coachbuilder shackles, 2015 TRD Pro headlights, 20% ceramic tinted windows, clear ceramic tinted front windshield, aFe drop in pro s dry air filter, TRD airflow accelerator, TRD oil fill cap, TRD 18 psi radiator cap, BDX Bullydog tuner, Weathertech floor mats front and rear, rear seat fold down mod, DNA hard trifold tonneau cover, Linex with uv protection, TRD rear swaybar, TRD center caps, TRD Pro grille insert with color matching surround and bulge, TRD PRO headlights, aluminum oil filter canister, Real truck tailgate seal, Pop-n-lock tailgate lock actuator, rear diff breather relocate, RCI front skid plate. 275/70 R18 BFG KO2s
    Since you’ve read the other threads you’ll know it’s still a debate that was never really concluded. I’m running Ravenol, no issues. I have enough of the stuff to do one more change. And honestly I may just switch over to the Toyota stuff after that. Just for peace of mind. Some will say you can use the same stuff that you use in the front and rear differentials. That stuff was spec for the 07 through 13 models until they changed the transfer case. I suggest against using that and sticking with a 75W. And the only 75W that I’m aware of, fully approved, is the Toyota stuff. It’s pricey that’s for sure, but it’s a no-brainer that it will work with zero discussion. Some are running the differential gear fluid and claim no issues. That’s your decision to roll the dice on that one. I wont. I ran the gear oil and had disengaging issues. It wouldn’t disengage until I turned the wheel around a turn. And I swear with 4 hi engaged, it would pull to one side on the decel.

    This is just my experience, I was part of the discussions and some folks didn’t believe my claims. Take it all with a grain of salt and come up with your own decision. For some reason with the current updated transfer case, they require 75W Toyota spec lube. I think someone sent in a sample of the ravenol to Blackstone for analysis. It was close but not exactly the same as the Toyota mystery oil. But so far I’ve been running it for probably 20,000 miles with no issues.
     
  3. May 4, 2021 at 8:42 AM
    #3
    C.I.

    C.I. Surf, off road, sleep, repeat

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    Ravenol (I'm also using this) and Royal Purple Synchromax (claims to be the a direct replacement for Toyota's) are the most popular. There's quite a few reputable brands making 75W gear oil for the euro market, so far I've been unable to find any of those nearby; lots of high quality 75w80 being used on t-cases 'round here with no bad reviews.

    Whatever you do, don't go above 75w80.
     
    15whtrd likes this.
  4. May 4, 2021 at 9:13 AM
    #4
    Bakershack

    Bakershack Critical of Noncritical Thinkers

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    I wouldn't deviate from the Toyota spec without a LOT of evidence that is works as well and doesn't damage anything. Toyota's reliability record comes from their maintenance schedule, including their fluids. And welcome from LA (Lower Alabama)!
     
    15whtrd likes this.
  5. May 4, 2021 at 10:57 AM
    #5
    Dr Doobie

    Dr Doobie Growing member

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    Welcome from Alaska. Use oem if possible
     

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