Is LF fluid obsolete?

Agreed.

 

I thought it was determined the VF2CM was manufactured by Aisin and not Borg Warner.

As far as this subject goes again, I've been in these transfer cases and am very comfortable with Redline MT-LV. I would not run

$29 75w-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75w-90 GL-5 or the like.

 

I asked this in another thread but didn’t get a response. Has anyone tried the smurf blood (lightweight shockproof) from redline in the t case? It seems like it would be the perfect mix of lubrication for engagement purposes and protection.

 

All that is said is that it is a 75w140 gear oil. No GL spec, but I'd have to guess GL5?

With this being the T case spec, I wouldn't risk it.


There is a sncyro in the T case for 2Hi to 4Hi, so soft metal warnings should be heeded?

 

Its a very specialized fluid with a film thickness greater than 75w140 but a fluid friction closer to 80w. I used to run it in my WRX gearbox and it was great but don't know what the results would be in our T-Case. I wouldn't mind being the guinea pig other than I think it is damn near impossible to get the color out once you use it and if I tried it, had to go back to stock, and then the t case blew up, Toyota would definitely be aware!

 

Shockproof had a big following for the Russian PoS (Ural) crowd. I'm not knocking it, but the T case spec is there for a reason and we don't know what the reasoning is. In the end, if you're wanting to stay away from $60/liter cans of fluid, Ravenol or the Redline-LF seems like the best idea.


If you want to play guinea pig, I would say to own up to the failure if it happens? That's me though.

 

I have no problem owning up to failure that I caused (I have paid to have a bunch of work done due to off road damage, racing damage, etc. over the years). My issue is that in my experience, Toyota sees a failure and blames it on ANYTHING they can before even attempting a diagnosis.

Maybe I'll try a little half and half with Redline LF and see how it goes.

 

I understand where you are coming from, esp with the rando dealer policies.

I can only speak for myself and am sticking with the spec until more is known. I have had zero issues with Ravenol even using the 2LM almost daily. Given that amount of use, I do want the bigger additive package in the Toyota fluid.


Are you having a separate issue that you want to switch?

 

Just looking for more protection without affecting the ability to shift into 4wd. Doing a lot of towing now so the more protection I can get from the fluid the better.

 

Towing has no effect on the T case. Rear diff, sure.


If you're talking about issues getting into 4Hi / 4Lo, note @Stocklocker 's posts when he used multigrade GL5.

 

If the T-case is rotating which it is while towing it definitely is effected by towing. That being said, I also tow in 4HI on occasion depending on where base camp is so again, definitely effected by towing. I think this particular fluid should prevent the 4WD engagement issue which is why it is of interest to me.

 

Quit fuckin around and get that ravenol. Idk anything about oils and specs, but my corazon feels ravenol is solid. Keep in mind I had syncromax previously and noticed the difference.

 

In 2Hi, it is just a straight shaft turning. There's no load on any part. Nothing happens until the dog is engaged and the chain starts turning.

 

There is load on that shaft (and the bearings) which increase when towing. Maybe I’m overthinking this, but it stands to reason that there is increased load on every rotational component of the drivetrain when towing.

 

If that is the case I must have misread somewhere. I thought it was said they were a borg-Warner T-case, but if they are Aisin, all the better as that is a Toyota house-brand.

Either way.......for the cost of a can of special fluid you rarely replace, I can’t see a strong argument not to use Toyota LF, unless it isn’t available where you live.

 

I called a local dealer here in Edmonton (Canada) and the are out of stock but got 130 cans on backorder...$75 CAD a can (1L). I even called Amsoil and they don't have a substitute but Red Line does...it's new!...$20 CAD a quart. And Red Line it's synthetic...Toyota OEM i think it's straight mineral...otherwise they would say it's synthetic!

 

I will need to find the redline here locally, the shipping is expensive.

 

been using Mobile 75/90 LS with no issues

 

But Ravenol is not available!...so Red Line then...or pay huge $$$ for OEM that's probably mineral oil...while Ravenol and Red Line are full synthetic!

 

This is a big reason for finding LF. With the factory fill I have had sluggish shifting in low temps around 50kkm. This is both 4hi and low until the drivetrain warms up