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What type of diff oil do I need for my 97 taco?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by FatalFoxCry, Oct 12, 2017.

  1. Oct 15, 2017 at 7:39 AM
    #21
    old grouch

    old grouch Well-Known Member

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    Well it seems my owner's manual went down the black hole in my garage that occasionally "disappears" stuff, so I can't give you the specs I promised.
     
  2. Oct 16, 2017 at 6:15 AM
    #22
    onakat

    onakat Well-Known Member

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    I still have mine :)

    so, according to owner's manual:

    Manual transmission
    75w-90

    Auto transmission
    automatic transmission fluid DEXRON-II or DEXRON-III

    Transfer case
    75w-90
     
  3. Oct 16, 2017 at 11:14 AM
    #23
    95Taco80

    95Taco80 Blue is the fastest

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    Gents
    From my 1995 factory service manual I made this table which shows the types and quantities for the front and rear diff, manual trans, and xfer case.

    Hope it helps and I hope you can read my chicken scratch.

    Note that most 80w90 oils are rated for use in 75w90 applications - check the spec on the specific oil you’re considering.

    I did not need any friction modifiers (like you might need for a LSD) and I don’t think anyone should...but I could be wrong there.

    If our doing all 4, 2 gallons will do with about 1/3 of a gallon extra...you can use the extra next time, or use it to flush which is what I did.

    Also, Buy a hand pump hat screws into the top of the container. It’s worth the $10.

    37FF522E-96C7-44CB-B1F2-102EB869BD56.jpg
     
    Crow_of_judgement likes this.
  4. Oct 16, 2017 at 4:13 PM
    #24
    ThunderOne

    ThunderOne Well-Known Member

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    No.
     
  5. Oct 16, 2017 at 4:15 PM
    #25
    ThunderOne

    ThunderOne Well-Known Member

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    Unless you are doubling your OCIs, no it’s not.



    I would rather not go 10k miles before crawling under the truck again. That’s just me.
     
  6. Oct 16, 2017 at 4:19 PM
    #26
    ThunderOne

    ThunderOne Well-Known Member

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    ECGS will tell you to run even higher weight than recommended for better cushioning. They also recommend Dino, NOT synthetic for gear oil.
    https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/ft-2536-ecgs-gear-oil-recommendation.html
    Their speciality is gears, they take back cores and inspect them all the time, and the results show. That being said, get whatever you want. 75-90, 80-140 or whatever. It depends on if you are hard on your gears or not. If not, go thinner. Heavier weight oils may make a minuscule change in MPG.

    Make sure to wipe off the drain and fill bolts. I know the drain bolt is magnetic and will catch metal. I have replaced my diff fluid multiple times and never replaced the washers. I also buy the cheapest shit, but will probably get Lucas Dino after my regear. 185k with no issues except for when the dealer continually cannot properly install an axle seal
     
  7. Oct 16, 2017 at 5:14 PM
    #27
    95Taco80

    95Taco80 Blue is the fastest

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    On my truck all four locations had crush washers on both the fill and the drain. And they’re not all the same.

    It’s $10 to replace all the crush washers...seems like cheap insurance against leaks.
     
  8. Oct 16, 2017 at 5:23 PM
    #28
    ThunderOne

    ThunderOne Well-Known Member

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    I’ve never had a leak and done it multiple times. Just posting my experience
     
  9. Oct 16, 2017 at 9:07 PM
    #29
    2004TacomaSR5

    2004TacomaSR5 Nemesis Prime

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    It's been proven time and again that synthetic works better, regardless of OCI. It flows easier in the cold and doesn't break down so fast in extreme heat, which are the two most critical periods where you don't want the lubricant to fail. Way I see it, if you intend to keep the vehicle for a long time, use synthetic. If you plan to get rid of it after a few years, use the cheap stuff.
     
  10. Oct 21, 2017 at 1:24 PM
    #30
    FatalFoxCry

    FatalFoxCry [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Just 31's on it. (Currently being built, lots to come)
    So I should be using gl5 for the oil or gl4? Or is there much of a difference?
     
  11. Oct 21, 2017 at 2:59 PM
    #31
    95Taco80

    95Taco80 Blue is the fastest

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    According to my 1995 FSM, you can use gl5 everywhere.
     
  12. Oct 21, 2017 at 4:52 PM
    #32
    FatalFoxCry

    FatalFoxCry [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Just 31's on it. (Currently being built, lots to come)
    I got the rents to grab me some oil while they were in town but they got me gl4. Should I return it and get gl5? Or will in not make a difference
     

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