3rd Gen Differential and Manual Transmission (6MT) Fluid Change

Thanks for this information!

 

I am just getting ready to change the fluids in my 2018 TRD Sport 6MT. Looking at the Ravenol, it actually states Toyota 08885-81081 NOT 08885-81080 which I understand to be the LF fluid that Toyota recommends. I am not familiar with Toyota's part number system, so maybe 08885-81081 supersedes 08885-81080. Also, there appears to be a significant difference in the amount of Zinc, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium and Boron based on the oil analysis of the two: https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/4389571/1

For an extra $50 or so, I think I am just going to order the Toyota fluid online. I found a place that sells it for $56: https://www.oempartsource.com/oem-p...sRa3_xe75l98EOK8WW1glPIsMhnTUiHsaAgmsEALw_wcB

One question - Do we need the differential fluid with the friction modifiers or not?

 

Regarding your last question; we don't need any sort of extra friction modifiers (e.g. for limited slip diffs and the like). The "Auto LSD" function our trucks have is a simulated LSD via braking.

OA

 

There seems to be an online consensus that 08885-81081 and 08885-81081 are the same.
It's unclear whether it's, foreign vs U.S. market or parts number update.

How's your Russian?
https://www.oil-club.ru/forum/topic/24314-toyota-transfer-gear-oil-lf-75w-08885-81080-i-08885-81081/

 

Open it in Chrome and it will translate it to English.

 

So much good info in this thread, many thanks to the OP and others who have contributed.

At 1,000 miles I changed my engine oil & filter, Blackstone Lab oil analysis came back fine. At 6,000 miles now I just changed my engine oil & filter, manual transmission, transfer case, and front & rear diff fluids. I am a lousy wrencher and had no real issues, so if I can do this anyone can. I did have access to a lift which helped a lot, but this could be done with the truck on the ground or on jack stands as long as it's level. Followed Toyota fluid & torque specs. Used Toyota fluids in engine & transfer case, Redline fluids in transmission & diffs. Used all new washers. All stock fluids were full up to bottom of fill plugs, all looked decent when draining, and front & rear diff magnetic drain plugs were coated with gunk as previously noted. Added Dimple magnetic drain plugs to engine, transmission & transfer case. Added Liqui-Moly MoS2 Anti-Friction Gear Lube to transmission and front & rear diffs (should be good for any gear case w/o filters or clutches, wasn't sure about t-case). Removing left front & spare tires would make front & rear diff access easier, but I didn't and had no issues. Gloves definitely recommended, gear oil is slippery nasty smelly stuff, and if you're like me with these cheap pumps you WILL spill some.

Engine: Used exactly 6 quarts of Toyota OE 0W20 motor oil and a Toyota filter. The skid plate is a minor hassle to remove & re-install, the filter housing is a bit fussy but doable, oil drain & fill is straightforward. Replaced the stock drain plug with a Dimple magnetic one. Torqued all bolts to spec. Sent an oil sample to Blackstone Lab, which I expect will return fine after 5,000 miles on oil.

Transmission: Used about 2.6 quarts of Redline MT-90 75W90 GL4 gear oil. Fluid drain & fill was straightforward, except had to use a combo wrench instead of socket on fill plug because O2 sensor wire was in the way, no biggie. Drained stock fluid, replaced stock drain bolt with Dimple magnetic one and torqued to spec. Used Redline one gallon jug and a pump, pumped in til it ran out the fill hole, added 50g (one tube) of Liqui-Moly MoS2 mid-fill, and tightened fill plug with combo wrench as I couldn't fit a torque wrench.

Transfer Case: Used 1 Liter can of Toyota OE 75W LF fluid, $55 from dealer, though that Ravenol might work as well. Fluid drain & fill was very straightforward, nothing to be scared of here. Drained stock fluid and replaced stock drain plug with Dimple magnetic one, added a second washer as it's longer than stock and didn't want it sticking further into t-case, torqued to spec. Poured Toyota gear oil into empty Redline one-quart bottle and pumped it in til it ran out the fill hole, torqued fill plug to spec.

Rear Diff: Used about 4.3 quarts of Redline 75W90 GL5 gear oil. Fluid drain & fill was straightforward. Could hear air escaping while removing fill plug, guess I need to check vent line(?). Drained stock fluid, blew in fill hole to blow more out drain hole, replaced stock magnetic drain plug and torqued to spec. Used Redline 1 quart bottles and a funnel to pour fluid directly into diff til it ran out the fill hole, added about 75g (1.5 tubes) of Liqui-Moly MoS2 mid-fill, tightened fill plug to spec.

Front Diff: Used about 1.6 quarts of Redline 75W90 GL5 gear oil. Fluid drain & fill was straightforward, 10mm hex bolt access, removal & replacement was not a big issue. Drained stock fluid, replaced stock magnetic drain plug and torqued to spec. Used Redline 1 quart bottles and a pump, pumped in til it ran out the fill hole, added about 25g (0.5 tube) of Liqui-moly MoS2 mid-fill, tightened fill plug to spec.

Feels good changing out the stock fluids following a reasonable break-in, and knowing where everything is and that it's all done right. I plan to change engine oil & filter at every 5K til 20K, then every 10K after that. I plan to change all other driveline fluids at 30K intervals. The driveline will probably last longer than me. Hoping to see a little better mileage with new fluids now, averaging 18.2 so far and will see if that goes up a bit over time. Stock shifting was always good with very occasional slight grinding if shifting too fast when cold, seems slightly better now but could just be Placebo Effect

Hope this helps a bit. Have fun with your truck
Cheers, Dave

 

I just changed my rear differential fluid on my 2017 OR M6 and went with the recommendation of 4.3 quarts from this thread. I know the service manual calls for 4 quarts with the M6, any issues filling to 4.3?

 

Overkill, but well done. Who ever buys your truck second-hand will be getting a gem.

 

4.3 Quarts sounds just right as I think that is what is called for.

 

The manual calls for 4 but OP and other members have said they filled to 4.3 quarts. Right around 4.3 mine dripped out a little and I wiped it and closed the full plug.

Just wanting to make sure running 4.3 ok.

 

Add diff fluid til it runs out the fill hole then cap it up.

I suspect the 6MT 8.8" rear diff takes 4.3 qts, the auto 8" rear diff takes 4.0 qts.

 

Also, which magnetic drain plugs did you get?

 

"...Added Dimple magnetic drain plugs to engine, transmission & transfer case..."

"...Engine: ...Replaced the stock drain plug with a Dimple magnetic one..."

"...Transmission: ...replaced stock drain bolt with Dimple magnetic one..."

"...Transfer Case: ...replaced stock drain plug with Dimple magnetic one..."

 

Here you go...

https://www.drainplugmagnets.com/toyotalexus.php

 

Why add the Liqui-Moly Mos2 to the fluid? Is it required or help?

 

This is the stuff:

$13 LIQUI MOLY MoS2 Antifriction for Gears | 50 g | Oil additive | SKU: 2019

https://www.amazon.com/Liqui-Moly-2019-Anti-Friction-Lubricant/dp/B00CPL8UPY

It's not required but it's helpful, increases lubricity and reduces wear. Don't use it where there's clutches or filters, only essentially gears on gears (like manual trannies & open diffs). My experience is two drain & fills with quality fluid plus this makes the manual tranny notably better-shifting than new, and probably for a long time. YMMV and recommend you do your own research first if you wish. HTH.

 

Very helpful! Thanks for the link to the magnetic plugs too

I plan on keeping this truck a very long time.

 

Changed these fluids for the first time at 29K miles. I didn't take photos since my hands were dirty. FWIW:

• MT oil:
  • Original oil seems flawless, didn't seem to need changing.
  • Refilled with Redline MT-90
• Front Diff:
  • Original oil nearly black with 1/8" of wet oil/metal powder collected onto the magnet
  • Refilled with Redline 75W-85
• Rear Diff:
  • Original oil is a translucent light gray color and had only a little wet oil/metal powder collected onto the magnet. It must have been changed by the dealer during warranty work, but no records state that it was changed.
  • Refilled with Redline 75W-85

 

^ Well Done ^

Document your work, a good future owner will care, and your early maintenance will stand out from a sea of uncaring sellers. Cheers, Dave

 

Just want to confirm - the plug for the manual transmission is this one?

M18x1.5x12 Magnetic Drain Plug for Toyota Truck