Recommended transfer case oil

Looking to swap my transfer case lubricant. Don't think it's ever been done in 260k+ miles.

Is Valvoline or Mobil 1 75w90 gear oil acceptable, or should I pony up more $$$ ? Seems nuts to pay for Toyota-branded lubricants.

Thanks

 

Either one should be acceptable. I run with Valvoline myself. Might want to do the front diff too if the transfer case hasn’t been done. I assume the rear diff has been done though, right?

 

Thanks.

Had the place where I take it for oil changes do the front and rear diffs a year or so ago.

 

And you're asking about fluid preferences for the T-case? Do you even know what they put in the diffs?

 

I used Mobil1 75w90 LS (full syn) in my t-case.

FWIW, my t-case oil looked brand spanking new when I dumped it, and I'm 100% positive it had never been changed. I've heard similar commentary from others on here.

Forewarning: DO NOT overtighten the t-case fill/drain plugs. You can/will strip them out. Heed the torque specs in the FSM on those plugs.

The only major caveats with the diffs and t-case on this truck are, if you have LSD rear, you have to be really careful about what lube you choose back there (chatter/clutch pack wear), synthetic can be problematic. T-case and front aren't as picky.

 

Ha! Fair point. For 25 years, I let others do my vehicle maintenance. It's only in the last 6 months or so that I've gotten off my ass to start doing a fair amount of it myself. Getting back up to speed...

Last maintenance of any serious caliber I did was on a 70s-era Chevy with a trusty 350.

lots to learn. Thanks for all the info, tips, and patience fellas.

 

I think AISIN made our transfer cases until 2014 when Tundras got Borg Warner T-cases. The newer ones like 70W oil but the old ones are happy with 75W90 oils.

 

We're here to help! Those three items are super easy, and I think for peace of mind, I would be inclined to just do all three at the same time.

 

10-4

 

Changed fluids in the T-Case and front diff a few weeks back. Glad I did it finally after 7 years and 100K miles of ownership. The best deal on fluid is the Wally world Supertech full syn

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

75W-90 at ~$10/quart. I also used the Supertech 80W90 GL5 oil for the LSD rear diff and the stuff works perfectly with 0 LSD chatter and no need for additives. I have used Motul 90PA and Lucas 80W90 in the past and this is just as good at $5/quart.

Pic speaks for itself.

 

Where's the towel for the rear diff and it's schmear? Damn, no wonder you're not hearing any chatter. You done left it out of the picture.

 

I didn't bother with rear because that fluid only had 25K on it. I'm responsible dealing with the rear fluid for some reason. That front diff is a pain to refill so I had been putting it off for far too long.

 

I'm just ribbin' you. My front diff looked like utter ass too. Almost like water had gotten into it on the bottom half of the fluid, some glitter, pile of slurry on the magnet. Here were my pics for comparison. I did this within my first 10k-15k miles of ownership, and quickly realize I should've done the front way sooner, and rear somewhat sooner. https://www.tundras.com/threads/wha...-gen-tundra-today.2558/page-1549#post-3084622

 

Nice!

Now there's 3 known good options.

 

Dumb question: is it still necessary to swap the fluid if I rarely use 4WD? We're talking next to never. In 260k+ miles, don't think it's been swapped.

Also, what's the story with crush washers? My Haynes manual doesn't mention them. Should I plan on replacing?

 

Fluid does age/oxidize/absorb moisture. Wouldn't hurt to change it once in 250k mi.

Sure you're not using 4x4 but even in 2wd the transfer case is spinning and transferring power to the rear wheels.

 

FYI, if you want the 4WD to continue operating as normal, you NEED to engage it semi-regularly. And you need decent, not-old fluid in there to avoid anything from sticking, seizing, or corroding in place.

I know, I know, nobody can be bothered to read the damn manual, but ... Toyota warns you about this. If you don't need 4WD, go buy a 2WD.

​

 

Knew you were gonna say that!

 

@shifty is hammering home a good point and that means low range use as well. My truck sat for two years... first time using low range it was a little slow to engage. Exercised system and back to smooth engagement. I would be bummed to troubleshoot this 4x4 system.

 

Who needs to troubleshoot when you have @FiatRunner?!

Best 4WD diag thread ever.

 

Went ahead and swapped the transfer case oil with Valvoline 75w90 synthetic. Really liked the flex fill neck on the packaging. It made is easy to fill. Old stuff just kinda looked like old motor oil in color - deepish brown. Did not see any shavings. Thanks for the tips.

 

Also drove the truck 20 minutes or so in 4WD low. Hadn't done that in 19+ years if I recall. Had some kinda weird jerkiness towards the rear of the truck when getting rolling from a stop. Normal behavior for 4WD low? Pardon my igorance....likely in the Owner's Manual. RTFM

 

4LO is ultra low like granny gear. Its gonna be jumpy.

 

10-4. Thanks

 

Hey? Anyone have torque specs for rear diff drain and fill plug? Couldn’t find it on the torque spec sticky thread. Also T-case? The front diff is listed though.

*edit* rear drain and fill plugs seem to be 39 ft/lbs. t-case is 27 ft/lbs. I haven’t looked these up to confirm just what other people have posted for 00-06 tundras.

Do not over torque!!!