Differential and Transfer Case Fluids

I'm planning on changing out my fluids and I'm a little perplexed about what would be a good choice for my 2017 Sport 4X4. I've been searching and it looks like any top brand of

$30 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75W-90 is a good choice (Toyota recommends 75W-85) but also read that the sport model requires a limited slip additive but I'm not sure that applies to the 3rd gen or just 1st or 2nd gens. Also not sure if the same fluid is used for the transfer case and front/rear differential. Dumb question I know but want to make sure I get the right oil. Thanks

 

amsoil for diffs redline for t case

 

I've read that those are a good choice but it's the weight and LS additive that I am most concerned about. Thanks

 

Only 2nd gen early models had LSD addtives required, your truck only need GL5 75W85 or 75W90. (auto LSD is electric traction aid, not a real lsd)

I personally just use cheap oil on my diffs and change it more frequently.

Make sure to pick up gaskets for the drain plugs from a dealer first.

 

This stuff on the TC.

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

For the diffs, any good quality 75/90 will work.

 

Good info. Thanks guys

 

I personally have been using Amsoil in just about everything / every vehicle I've owned over the last 20+ years. A Ford F250 diesel, a 2001 Dodge Cummins (both 4x4s), a Harley-Davidson Sportster, and now my Tacoma. Only exception being that I am still running on the original factory lube in the transfer case... I haven't yet changed it out. I did both diffs and 6 speed trans at around 4K miles, with various Amsoil lubes, just not the transfer case. I'll do that this summer, might use the Redline for that, as it seems a popular choice among TW forum members, and I have read other threads here that Redline more closely matches the OEM stats than Amsoil does for the transfer case.

 

Am I to assume that redline is for MT? I have an AT

 

The 3rd gen T-case needs special low-viscosity fluid. Use either Redline MT-LV or the Toyota unicorn tears from the dealer at $50 a can, or you'll have problems shifting into 4WD, especially on cold days.

 

Thanks. Looks like redline for me then. I just didn't know if the MT on the redline bottle meant it was just for a manual transmission or was good for both since mine is an automatic.

 

if you look at the first post in this thread, you'll find the torque specs for all the drain and fill plugs.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-diy-maintenance-quick-reference.406712/

 

How many miles you got? I changed em all at 30k on my taco and the transfer case fluid still looked new.

Ravenol worked well for my t-case

 

Yea I've seen that and have it bookmarked. Thx

 

Just turned over 38,000 this past week so plan on doing it soon. Thx

 

I switched to Lucas dinosaur squeezings. I change F&R dif and transfer case oil every 30k. Synthetic has gotten expensive.

 

I went with Ravenol for diffs and T-case. Happy so far and really don’t see a difference but I’m just a normal driver for now.

 

Transfer case, not Transmission.

 

Gotcha. I just wasn't sure if it was different transfer case oil depending on the transmission type. I've never changed that before. Thanks.