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OEM versus aftermarket fluids.

Discussion in 'General Tacoma Talk' started by zanemoseley, Apr 28, 2024.

  1. Apr 28, 2024 at 8:01 AM
    #1
    zanemoseley

    zanemoseley [OP] Member

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    Getting ready to get all new fluids in my 2021 TRD OR that has 62k. I got 2 cases of OEM transmission fluid for $120 but looking at the diff and transfer case fluid I'm getting sticker shock. 6 quarts of OEM diff fluid is about $210 versus $68 for Mobil1. Then a quart of transfer fluid is $75. What do you guys think, stick with OEM or save the cash and go aftermarket?
     
  2. Apr 28, 2024 at 8:04 AM
    #2
    JMcFly

    JMcFly Well-Known Member

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    If you look at the fluid certifications they usually meet or exceed original manufacturer requirements

    nothing wrong with Mobil 1
     
  3. Apr 28, 2024 at 8:14 AM
    #3
    BLtheP

    BLtheP Constantly Tinkering Member

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    I don’t run OEM fluid on anything but coolant. If I had an automatic I’d probably use it there too. Otherwise, I don’t see the point to sticking with only OEM fluid.
     
  4. Apr 28, 2024 at 8:20 AM
    #4
    Marshall R

    Marshall R Well-Known Member

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    Toyota doesn't make their own fluids. They have other manufacturers put their fluids in Toyota bottles with Toyota's logo on them and charge you more for them.
     
  5. Apr 28, 2024 at 8:21 AM
    #5
    Archimedes

    Archimedes Demanufacturer

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    Even Walmart Supertech branded fluids are Warren / Exxon / Penz etc for good replacements. Don't be afraid to use them.
     
    Wulf likes this.
  6. Apr 28, 2024 at 8:22 AM
    #6
    Squirt

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    The only one I know I'd stick with OEM fluids would be the trans. Everything else I'd use high quality fluid brands. I always liked the using the Mobil 1 synthetics.
     
  7. Apr 28, 2024 at 8:26 AM
    #7
    joba27n

    joba27n YotaWerx Authorized tuner

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    Similar to everyone above, only fluids I go OEM on is coolant and fluid for an Automatic transmission. Otherwise I don't even take the recommended fluids as more than a suggested viscosity
     
  8. Apr 28, 2024 at 2:43 PM
    #8
    zanemoseley

    zanemoseley [OP] Member

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    Great I'll go with Mobil1 for the diffs and transfer. Thanks for the help.
     
  9. Apr 28, 2024 at 7:19 PM
    #9
    4x4junkie

    4x4junkie Well-Known Member

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    Those of you sticking with OEM coolant, curious what the reasoning is. I'm coming upon 6 years with mine and am thinking of changing it.
     
  10. Apr 28, 2024 at 7:33 PM
    #10
    Rock Lobster

    Rock Lobster Thread Derailer

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    There's a lot of confusion and conflicting information on what the exact equivalent of "WS" is.

    Until I get that figured out, I'm doing my trans with OEM. Everything else is easy to find generic equivalents.
     
    Junkhead likes this.
  11. Apr 28, 2024 at 7:39 PM
    #11
    BLtheP

    BLtheP Constantly Tinkering Member

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    RC60F Transmission ADD delete with FJ full-time tube FJ Metal Clutch Pedal OEM Mexico-Spec Condenser Fan 265/70R16 Michelin Defender LTX M/S 2 OEM 1-Piece Lug Nuts Custom Built Switch Panel for all Electrical Accessories Rigid Amber Pro D-SS Ditch Lights Rigid 30" SAE High Beam Driving Light Bar Rigid SR-Q Pro Back-Up Light Kit (Recessed) VLEDS Tail Conversion VLEDS Foot Well Light Kit KC HiLites Cyclone V2 Under Hood Lights Operable (Switched) Clutch Safety Bypass
    My only reasoning would be because I don’t really trust that the aftermarket equivalents for OEM coolants are exactly what they’re supposed to be. There are so many different types of coolants and colors to them across all makes and models that I’d rather just use the OEM stuff because I know what to get since it’s already in there.

    Also, normally other coolants aren’t usually cheaper, or at least not by much, especially considering how infrequently coolant is messed with. So another reason to just buy the OEM stuff.
     
    4x4junkie[QUOTED] likes this.
  12. Apr 28, 2024 at 7:39 PM
    #12
    Squirt

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    Don't forget OEM Blinker Fluid! Don't need to have issues with that system!
     
    Last edited: Apr 29, 2024
  13. Apr 28, 2024 at 7:43 PM
    #13
    Rock Lobster

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    I home brew my own with a grain still , two quarts of balsamic toluene, and a rudimentary rotary kiln.
     
  14. Apr 29, 2024 at 6:35 AM
    #14
    joba27n

    joba27n YotaWerx Authorized tuner

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    My reasoning behind the coolant is that for the cost usually being similar or sometimes cheaper than aftermarket along with different chemistry coolants don't tend to play nicely with other I just play it safe with coolant. I don't see much if any benefits to switching coolant unless you run the old green stuff
     
    4x4junkie likes this.
  15. May 19, 2024 at 4:03 PM
    #15
    9pm

    9pm Well-Known Member

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    Just kidding!!
    600c554df29f3980e3d6f8463c92b8b0.jpg
     
  16. May 19, 2024 at 4:16 PM
    #16
    Squirt

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    :rofl::rofl::rofl:
     
  17. May 25, 2024 at 12:44 PM
    #17
    Mallcrawler20

    Mallcrawler20 Well-Known Member

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    Oem fluids are a joke just rebranded valvoline fluids that Toyota uses .
     
  18. May 25, 2024 at 12:48 PM
    #18
    Clinch Mountain Preacher

    Clinch Mountain Preacher Serpent handler

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    I'm not a pro toyota tech, but I only go out of my way for the oem Toyota brand ATF and engine coolant.
     
  19. May 25, 2024 at 2:09 PM
    #19
    thedudeabides22

    thedudeabides22 Well-Known Member

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    OEM fluids for everything but motor oil here (mobil 1 xp).
     
  20. May 25, 2024 at 8:42 PM
    #20
    I-Give-Up

    I-Give-Up Well-Known Member

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    Toyota fluids made by Valvoline? That's an interesting assertion. Do you have some evidence for that? I wouldn't be surprised to learn that the OEM fluids are made by Pentosin.
     
    joba27n likes this.

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