Cost of Transfer Case Fluid

$60 for one liter?
https://www.oempartsource.com/oem-parts/toyota-transfer-gear-oil-lf-75w-0888581080?origin=pla

Is 75w-90 synthetic gear lube okay to use?
https://www.amsoil.com/p/severe-gea...MIwtz2vaij6wIVtP7jBx0udgm3EAQYASABEgKfFPD_BwE

 

That's a good deal!
and
No.

There have been multiple threads on this, on this site and others. Short answer is it's complicated.

There is nothing else on the market with anything close to the same additives package as in LF. Not even Ravenol. So just take the hit and get it.

 

I went down this rabbit hole when changing out our 4Runner's T case oil. After a month of research, what I demised is that the dealer is going to put whatever they have in the barrels in the shop in it and not follow the Toyota recommendation, but if you want to do it correctly, drop the money on the factory recommeded stuff and just be mad about it for awhile. I had to order 2 for the 4Runner only using about 4 oz of the second can. I will also say that I used AmSoil for the diffs and reused the bags the diff fluid came in to get to the T-case fill port. It worked well. YMMV.

 

I think the concensus is using RAVENOL 75w instead of the Toyota branded

 

I went through all of this last year...
Ravenol makes a replacement
https://www.ravenolamerica.com/transmission-fluid/75w-manual-transmission-fluid-ravenol-mtf-3/

RAVENOL J1C1003 SAE 75W Gear Oil - MTF-3 Full Synthetic (1 Liter)

https://www.amazon.com/Ravenol-J1C1003-Manual-Transmission-Fluid/dp/B00QPCL7ZE?th=1

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/transfer-case-fluid.594913/

 

Same went through it and there are several very close ones to use but no one has an exact. Toyota does not disclose the formula they use. Many use others like ravenal. I used amsoil last time but went with the Toyota for peace of mind. It’s pricey but figure there’s something thru out in it and if it keeps the truck going running and I feel better why not.

I still can’t believe it’s $60.

 

Me over here knowing I put Valvoline transfer case fluid in mine

 

There's fluid in transfer cases????????????????????????????

 

maybe, maybe not, Schrodinger's Gear Box

 

Serious question: What is so special about these transfer cases that they need fluid this specialized? I can sort of buy off on it for the transmission, but a transfer case is a relatively simple mechanism....

 

Bob is the oil guy forum has independent lab tests on the additives in both LF and Ravenol. They are not equivalent.

Others up north have indicated that in sub zero temps, LF is the only reliable option.

 

There's a gerotor pump that probably prefers pumping the thinner fluids and the shift on the fly 4wd places demands on the one set of syncros much greater than what the transmission sees. Those syncros are asked to spin up and speed match a lot of inertia from rest up to the equivalent of 60 mph.

There's nothing to suggest traditional oils won't work but something closer to what it was designed to function with helps some of the unique demands.

I run Redline MT-LV.

 

The Redline MT-LV is very good.

https://www.redlineoil.com/mt-lv-70w75w

Many people are also using the Ravenol and are pleased with that oil as well.

RAVENOL J1C1003 SAE 75W Gear Oil - MTF-3 Full Synthetic (1 Liter)

https://www.amazon.com/Ravenol-J1C1003-Manual-Transmission-Fluid/dp/B00QPCL7ZE/

 

I did the ravenol about 20k ago, haven't had any issues, I switch to 4hi almost weekly on my short 8mis of back roads to the interstate (if not more) and vice versa heading home.

I'll be doing it again likely with ravenol in another 10k. I tow firewood intermittently year round, live off a dusty dirt road and put 400mi/work week for driving perspective.

 

I use redline MT90 in mine, haven't had any issues. That snake oil toyota is selling you is the same types of services they try and bend you over for at the dealership. Any oil is better than no oil