2.5 Gen Tundra vs 2nd Gen Sequoia Transfer Case

The manual for my 2021 Tundra states Toyota Genuine Gear Oil LF, 75W for the transfer case. The manual for the 2020 Sequoia states Gear Oil API GL-5

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

75w-90 for the transfer case. I know there a lot of similarities b/w these two vehicles, and I realize that the transfer case in the Sequoia provides the option run it locked or unlocked whereas the Tundra transfer case is just locked all the time.

What would be the difference b/w these two transfer cases causing Toyota to state two different types of gear oil to be used? I assumed the Sequoia would be Toyota 75W LF as well, but after looking it looks like I'll just use the Amsoil Severe Gear 75w-90 that I have on hand.

 

I would bet that the Sequoia is still using the old Asian Transfer Case. The '14 plus Tundras use a Borg Warner unit with a "soft engage" 4x4 clutch.
There has been a ton of debate on using 75W90 in these cases.
IMO, say with the 75W fluid.

 

I do use the Toyota 75W LF Gear Oil in the '21 Tundra. My question was more around the 2020 Sequoia TC and the Manual's recommendation of

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

75w-90 GL-5 (and my comparison to the Tundra's).

 

As stated - not the same t-case.

 

That's clear based on the differences in their operation/capabilities. Simply looking for any insight as to how their function would make one gear oil appropriate for one and a different gear oil for the other.

 

The BW case has soft metal that GL5 will eat - so it’s not a function issue but a materials used issue.

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/transfer-case-oil-for-borg-warner.56170/

 

It is the soft-engage 4x4 clutch that is basically a syncro from a manual transmission.
It is the same technology that GM and Ford are using in their Auto 4x4 transfer cases.

 

In the Tundra transfer case, is what you are referring to, right? If so, then from the little I know it's the metals used in those syncros that GL-5 is bad for. Right? I guess the Sequoia TC doesn't have those soft engage clutches?

 

Notice in the manual how Toyota gives us a range of oil weights for the engine. Not so for the transfer case...

Each transfer case is given one spec only for oil.

• 2007-2013 Tundras and 2007-2022 Sequoias (recall that the Sequoia never had a mid-generation refresh) use an Aisin TC that calls for

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

75W-90.

• 2014-2021 Tundras (2014 Tundra got a new transfer case while the Sequoia kept using the Aisin) use a Borg Warner TC that calls for 75W.

 

Just a heads up. Redline makes a gear oil for manual transmissions and transaxles called MT-LV, and it is supposedly a suitable replacement for traditional 75w gear oil. And it's a fraction of the ridiculous price Toyota charges for their 75w gear oil.

I've run it the past 6 months and the transfer case engages 4HI/4LO very nice, smooth, and quick.