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

Probably wont make much of a difference at all since the specs (outside of a teeny bit on the hot side weight) is different. But if you want to change it again, try some redline--

$31 Red Line (50504) MT-85 Manual Transmission 75W85 GL-4 Gear Oil, 1 Quart

https://www.amazon.com/Red-Line-Transmission-Transaxle-Lubricant/dp/B004D4URV6 and if you need MT fluid, they got you covered too --

$24 Red Line (50304) MT-90 75W-90 GL-4 Manual Transmission and Transaxle Lubricant - 1 Quart

https://www.amazon.com/Red-Line-503...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=GAC9TDADTBXKF72TYH67

 

My understanding is that the transmission/transaxle product has different modifiers for the sake of Transmissions (being more "slippy" and kinder to the internal components is one of the reasons).

OA

 

Good write-up. I was thinking of using Red Line products when I change my fluids but they don't offer a oil for the Transfer Case (SAE 75W). Anyone find a exact spec or equivalent that will satisfy the Toyota warranty? May have to stick with OEM for now.

 

Based on my research there is no equivalent for the transfer case fluid. A few pages back that got discussed and we pulled the safety sheets on the OEM Fluid.

Cheapest I've found the cans online is $50ish per quart. Toyota decided to pull another dick move and spec 1.1 quarts. So you'll need two cans and barely use the one.

OA

 

I understand that OEM transmission fluid is Toyota labeled 75/85 w. Isn't their fluid good enough? If there is something proven to be better I might be interested in trying it but I don't want to blow my warranty. I bought the extended 6 year 100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. Note: your true warranty from Toyota corp expires at 36,000 miles or three years. The additional warranty I bought does not come from them as I thought!!! It's from a secondary company. You can't call and complain and get the case number and corporate field rep from Toyota corporation to come to the dealer and go to bat for you after your original warranty expires. So buy a second vehicle to use to keep the warranty in effect for the full three years and keep your mileage at 35,999. Dannyblues

 

And at $50 plus a quart and the need for that extra .1 quarts what do you think the dealership is using? I'm certain it's in unmarked drums. Dannyblues

 

Transmission is

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

75w-90 and the Diffs are 75w-85, that straight 75 is for the Transfer Case.

 

Nice, well written write up.
Duane

 

OP = Thanks for all of your efforts in getting this great info to us. Nice work all around! I'm hoping it will be useful in helping my truck make it well past the 300k plus mile mark. Cheers!

 

That's the same conclusion I came to. Was hoping I missed something. Sucks, but I will bite the bullet when the time comes.

 

So explain it like I'm 5...

When should I have the rear diff fluid changed? 10k? 20k?

 

I will use the Toyota Maintenance as a guide and will replace the DF by 15k which is listed under the "Special Operating Conditions". Even though I do not really qualify for SOC I also use this schedule to change engine oil and other fluids. It's just what I do and I like to do it.

 

My opinion, FWIW:

• Front Diff, Rear Diff, MT Fluid - Break-in change between 5k and 10k
• Front and Rear Diffs every 20k after
• MT fluid every 20k or 30k after
• I'll be using non-OEM oil for the subsequent changes (due to price and probably quality)

I used to be someone who bought into the Toyota literature and the fact that they say "everything is broken in when it gets to you!" The blackstone results tell me for the most part, that simply isn't true.

OA

 

Did you forget the transfer Case..??

 

Yes, the toyota oil was too expensive .

 

I didn't forget it, just expected it to have much less use/wear since I'm not in 4wd often. I'll probably get it at my next service interval and just bitch about buying $50 cans of oil.

OA

 

Owch that is crazy pricy..! I had to top up my rear and front diffs, but the trans case was full (they musta made a mistake on that one)..hehe

There has to be something cheaper than $50 damn dollars... My Dog..!

 

With regards to the front diff. fluid being darker then expected, is the front differential always turning on these trucks in 2wd. I tried finding a good explanation of the A.D.D system online but I wasn't sure.

 

The diff spins but is not locked/engaged.

Its a typical open diff.

 

Most of my knowledge here comes from my last vehicle (5th gen 4Runner). But piggy backing on @Broccoli here, my understanding is it operates as an open diff with only the side gears spinning. The ADD slides over to lock the passenger side axle in when in 4WD.

OA