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Rear Diff Oil. Synthetic or Conventional

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by IB Slingin, Apr 25, 2012.

  1. Apr 25, 2012 at 10:08 AM
    #1
    IB Slingin

    IB Slingin [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Im getting ready to change my rear diff oil for the first time('07 TRD PreRunner w/ the LSD sticker). I want to use Amsoil Severe Gear synthetic gear oil. Ive read conflicting stories about people having problems with synthetic oil in the rear differential. Im planning on using a tube of friction modifier whether I need it or not. Does that sound OK? If I need to run conventional oil, which one do you guys recommend? Thanks.
     
  2. Apr 25, 2012 at 10:21 AM
    #2
    IB Slingin

    IB Slingin [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks. Good to hear. Did you have to add friction modifier. Some synthetics say they allready have the additives and none is needed.
     
  3. Apr 25, 2012 at 10:30 AM
    #3
    river rat 69

    river rat 69 Well-Known Member

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    NO Chrome,3" NFab's steps,TRD skid,Wet okie's.011 grill, k&n,5100's,All this comes right off when the old lady says let's go get a NEW ONE!!!
    Did my lsd at 30k it was dirty, also went with amsoil, no additives do not need them with amsoil,, Jim
     
  4. Apr 25, 2012 at 10:35 AM
    #4
    IB Slingin

    IB Slingin [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks Jim! Did you use 3 quarts? Would it hurt to add the friction modifier regardless?
     
  5. Apr 25, 2012 at 10:35 AM
    #5
    mikewho

    mikewho Well-Known Member

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    Sub'd
     
  6. Apr 25, 2012 at 10:39 AM
    #6
    river rat 69

    river rat 69 Well-Known Member

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    NO Chrome,3" NFab's steps,TRD skid,Wet okie's.011 grill, k&n,5100's,All this comes right off when the old lady says let's go get a NEW ONE!!!
    Not sure, just go up to filler plug hole. With amsoil add nothing the gear oil has all the good stuff in there, Thats y it cost your first born:eek:..... Jim
     
  7. Apr 25, 2012 at 2:13 PM
    #7
    aficianado

    aficianado Well-Known Member

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    back to bone stock.
    i used redline.

    they have the same formula with and without the limited slip additive.
     
    O'DubhGhaill likes this.
  8. Apr 25, 2012 at 2:16 PM
    #8
    1GR

    1GR Toyota Dealer Technician

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    As long as you have enough friction modifier, any conventional or synthetic oil will do. All based on preferance at that point. I'd personally recommend Lucas oil, or at least a blend of Lucas with conventional (Or synthetic), and the friction modifier
     
  9. Apr 25, 2012 at 5:04 PM
    #9
    badger

    badger Well-Known Member

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    I've run Amsoil and I like it, but I run Redline now because I like their additive package better. I would definitely use a synthetic if you use the truck hard. Things like towing or load hauling. The synthetics lower friction and operating temperatures. Some of the oils that claim to have LSD additives don't have enough for the Toyota. I think the additive is just a 4oz bottle from Ford, so I would add it regardless.
     
  10. Aug 31, 2023 at 12:52 PM
    #10
    cryptolime

    cryptolime Here to Help

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    i changed my rear diff fluid around 500 miles with amsoil SG 75w90. didn't think i would have any issues with good fluid in there. but dealership replaced rear diff at 28k miles due to "excessive bearing clearance". currently using lucas 85w-140 conventional based on ECGS recommendations. thought i would notice more drag but driveline just feels smoother to me. i do lots of stop and go driving so probably harder on differential than just cruising on the highway.

    and yea, i noticed the thread is 11 years old. :anonymous:
     
    Steves104x4 likes this.
  11. Aug 31, 2023 at 2:57 PM
    #11
    Sprig

    Sprig Well-Known Member

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    You’ve got a 16 year old truck that you want to do the “first” diff oil change. For 16 years it’s been trouble free with the original conventional oil. If it ain’t broke don’t try to fix it. What do you really think you are going to accomplish by changing to some different diff oil? Just fill it with the same or equivalent it came with and don’t worry about it. Run it for another 16 years and let us know how it goes.
     
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  12. Aug 31, 2023 at 5:17 PM
    #12
    Williston

    Williston Well-Known Member

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    My take on this is whatever Toyota is using as the OEM fluid fill at the factory has to be at least as good or better as any after-market brand. In extreme conditions, I might go with a synthetic and it would probably be just a: "pick any major brand" decision. I would use synthetic if I was towing anything more than a tent-trailer.
     
  13. Aug 31, 2023 at 7:21 PM
    #13
    glk21c

    glk21c Well-Known Member

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    The Amsoil severe gear with the additional Amsoil friction modifier has served me well for 500,000 miles. I’ve used it in since new, changing it every 100,000 miles.
     
  14. Aug 31, 2023 at 8:45 PM
    #14
    TacoTuesday1

    TacoTuesday1 Well-Known Member

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    normal turd gen happenings

    oil wears out and has replacement intervals. It can burn off, and collect debris.
    So you change it, just like with motor oil.

    real world professional guidelines aren't for everyone though.
    Whether people pay me, a tech, to maintain their vehicle, or fix what broke from their neglect, I still get paid in both ways; it is their wallet that changes based on either of the two scenarios
    100 cars in a line outside waiting every day.
    Minimal difference between maintenance services and heavy line. Engine trans diff you name it.

    To be be honest I don't mind if they decline recommendations, neglect their shit, resulting in it breaking; maintenance services means pulling a bunch of cars in and out
    engine job is less of that. Push car in, headphones music on, begin work.
     
    Last edited: Aug 31, 2023
    Williston likes this.
  15. Sep 1, 2023 at 6:44 PM
    #15
    O'DubhGhaill

    O'DubhGhaill Active Member

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    This! 75w90 all day, every day.
     
  16. Sep 1, 2023 at 6:45 PM
    #16
    Perfuseme

    Perfuseme Well-Known Member

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    Just put the amsoil in it and be done
     
  17. Sep 1, 2023 at 6:49 PM
    #17
    Steves104x4

    Steves104x4 Well-Known Member

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    BUCKLE UP! It makes it harder for Aliens to pull you out of your Truck.
    Ya know, it is time to do it again. Here we go..
     
  18. Sep 4, 2023 at 2:14 PM
    #18
    Sprig

    Sprig Well-Known Member

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    I just realized that the original post was 11 years ago and the op hasn’t been back since 2015. How the hell do people find these ancient posts? Amazing.
    Anyway I’ve switched to blinker fluid for all my automotive lubricant needs. Never wears out, never have to change it.
     

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