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DrivelinE Fluid changes

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by Charliebrn, May 31, 2021.

  1. May 31, 2021 at 5:21 PM
    #1
    Charliebrn

    Charliebrn [OP] New Member

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    Bought my 2017 last September when it had 40k on the clock. Just hit 44 and wanted to get a good bead on how things are wearing and changed the front and rear differential fluids along with the transaxle for good measure.

    The rear diff was first, a pain manually pumping the M1 75w-90 gear oil in. The fluid was very dark, clearly overdue. No issues and the magnet didn’t have any chunks, just a little gunk on it. Think I’ll be changing it every 30k in the future.

    the front wasn’t as dark, kinda smoky colored. Same at the magnet, again a pain to pump but not as much at a little more than 2 quarts. Again, will prob change every 30k.

    the transaxle was looking brand new…feel like I wasted that expensive 75w from Toyota. I think it could easily go to 50 or 60k at that rate, when I also plan on having someone to the tranny fluid.

    Is this more or less what everyone else is seeing?

    Anyhow, thought this might be interesting to someone.

    Oh, one important note: I had a quiet whine from the diffs before. That is completely gone. I’m not imagining it, even my wife noticed, and that takes some doing… heh.
     
  2. May 31, 2021 at 6:03 PM
    #2
    Taco-Spike

    Taco-Spike Gateway from Tacoma World ~ ended up here

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    Mine have been about the same.

    Some people might have a darker color at less miles if they tow often and or driving habits.
     
  3. May 31, 2021 at 6:28 PM
    #3
    14burrito

    14burrito IG @14burrito

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    Ravenel makes a 75w a lot of us use, less $ than the Toyota stuff.

    But let's be honest, is $100 every 30k really going to hurt your pocket that much knowing your keeping up on fluid changes?

    Is it a little frequent, for 95% of Tundra owners - more than likely. Cheap piece on mind IMO.
     
    Jaypown, Ely010606 and 15whtrd like this.
  4. May 31, 2021 at 6:32 PM
    #4
    Oats87

    Oats87 Dirt Rider

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    Well, your rear diff is always dealing with power, the front one doesn't necessarily get driven all the time at its input but is still spinning whenever the wheels are moving.

    How often are you running in 4x4? If you're not running in 4x4 (especially not running in low) very often I wouldn't really expect much wear within the transfer case, as the chain should not be under load. If you shift into 4LO then you are engaging the planetary gears/chain/etc. and would probably end up with the highest amount of "wear" i.e. contamination of the oil.
     
    Ely010606 and HulkSmurf14 like this.
  5. May 31, 2021 at 8:06 PM
    #5
    Ely010606

    Ely010606 New Member

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    Welcome from Nevada, I m about to do mine also. Yeah, the Toyota 75W is pricey , but i have no regret.
     
  6. Jun 1, 2021 at 4:52 PM
    #6
    crewmaxlmt

    crewmaxlmt How dare you!

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    Since nobody knows specifically what Toyota adds to their 75W, it’s probably a good idea to stick with it. I agree with those above, frequently changed fluids are cheap insurance. Heck, I change the oil in my CRF after every ride; and I use a fully synthetic ester in it.
     
  7. Jun 1, 2021 at 6:50 PM
    #7
    Dirtytruck

    Dirtytruck Overkill it

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    I changed both diffs at about 11.5k on my ‘21 SR5. I tow frequently. The rear had a very noticeable dark streak in it when it drained out. Bye, bye metal flakes. The plug magnet had what looked like a ginormous black booger on it. The front was like yours. Clean.
    I four wheel a lot. It’s more of a necessity than for fun and I might be biting the bullet soon to change out the tc fluid. Still on the fence with ravenol versus Toyota fluid.
     
  8. Jun 1, 2021 at 8:01 PM
    #8
    Wallygator

    Wallygator Well Zippedy Da Do!

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    Will mention it here again, Royal Purple Synchromax is a compatible replacement for the Toyota 75w golden child oil(LF). They have done the research/testing and list it as a compatible replacement. No way in hell I'm buying that ridiculously priced oil from Toyota when there is a much cheaper compatible replacement. Used the Synchromax in my 4Runners transfer case without issue.

    http://www.royalpurple.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Royal_Purple_Transmission_Reference.pdf
     
    TILLY likes this.
  9. Jun 1, 2021 at 8:42 PM
    #9
    Dirtytruck

    Dirtytruck Overkill it

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    Is that stuff really purple?
    I’ve also heard some dudes are using AMSOIL SG85w90 and seem to like it.
     
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  10. Jun 1, 2021 at 8:47 PM
    #10
    Dirtytruck

    Dirtytruck Overkill it

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    Sorry, meant AMSOIL 75w90
     
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  11. Jun 1, 2021 at 8:56 PM
    #11
    Dirtytruck

    Dirtytruck Overkill it

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    The link shows the oil compatible with the ‘93 and up turbo Supra. I’m just saying......
     
  12. Jun 2, 2021 at 5:01 AM
    #12
    Wallygator

    Wallygator Well Zippedy Da Do!

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    Yes and it also shows it's compatible with Toyota Genuine LF gear oil (golden child) right underneath where it shows it's compatible with the '93 and up turbo Supra V-160. The left column is the manufacturer/application. The middle column shows the oil spec of the manufacturer. The right column shows Royal Purples replacement recommendation.
    An never looked if it's really purple or not.
     
    Last edited: Jun 2, 2021
  13. Jun 2, 2021 at 12:55 PM
    #13
    Dirtytruck

    Dirtytruck Overkill it

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    Anybody heard of synergyn oils?
    Just got off the phone with a dealer who puts it in a 2015 tundra. Expensive stuff but he runs 75w140 in both diffs and the transfer case. He purportedly gets very good mpg.

    My experience with the AMSOIL in the diffs is not what I expected. Nearly 5 mpg drop since putting it in. 11-12 city and 13.8 highway. Prior to the change to AMSOIL I was averaging 14-15 mpg city 16.8-20.1 highway no load and 12.0-13.5 towing 1500lb trailer.

    I asked him about the 140 in his oil as compared to the 90 in the AMSOIL. He had no relevant answer except to say he gets really good mpg in his 2015 Tundra like I had been getting.

    His transfer case should be identical to mine.......post 2014 Borg Warner.

    appreciate feedback good or bad but help me out here with Officer Joe Friday’s “just the facts, ma’am”.
     
  14. Jun 3, 2021 at 3:21 AM
    #14
    Charliebrn

    Charliebrn [OP] New Member

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    a 5mpg loss with Amsoil in the diffs? That’s a huge loss and I’d be immediately pulling it out and putting in Toyota brand. What weight? What’s in the transfer case? Just seems like somethings wrong….
     
  15. Jun 3, 2021 at 3:53 AM
    #15
    Dirtytruck

    Dirtytruck Overkill it

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    SG75w90 in diffs
    Transfer case has factory fluid.
     

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