Replace Transfer Case Oil 1.1QT? 1.0QT? Use old oil?

https://www.toyota.com/owners/resources/warranty-owners-manuals

Model Year 2011:


Model Year 2021


So it would seem that you are correct. However, I think a 75w-90 should be perfectly fine in a 3rd gen.


Here's some VP Racing 75W for $9.99. https://www.google.com/shopping/pro...&ved=0ahUKEwiwnorbyabyAhWLQc0KHZfvDz4Q8wII7wo

Though I haven't found it online yet, Valvoline also makes a straight 75W: https://www.valvoline.com/en-austra...smission-and-driveline/valvoline-gear-oil-75W

 

I changed all my truck's lubes (engine oil, both diffs, transmission and Xfer case) about 3 months ago. I initially changed everything, except the Xfer case lube, at 5K miles. This time the tuck was at 65K miles, and I changed the Xfer case lube for the very first time. I used the Redline MT-LV. [and yes, I have regularly changed engine oil & filter every ~10K miles since that first change at 5K]

 

My honest guess is that a straight 75W is harder to find, so more people are likely to purchase the overpriced fluid from Toyota. I would not hesitate to put

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

75w-90 in the transfer case on a 3rd gen. I'd venture to guess that is the go-to for most DIYers on here. Toyota is very slow to change things, which is what makes them so reliable.

 

Toyota engineers specified this particular lubricant, that happens to ship from Japan, I trust that if a more off the shelf product would achieve the engineering goals they would have used it.

The idea that a special lubricant is specified so that Toyota can make a huge profit selling said lubricant doesn't seem very likely to me.

1) Outside of enthusiasts (like TW members) probably the majority of transfer cases won't ever get serviced unless there is a problem.
2) There have been many instances here that Toyota dealerships put the incorrect lubricant in the transfer cases, thus missing the opportunity to make this huge profit.

If Toyota truly wanted to make more money on parts and service they could increase the price on every set of brake pads by just $1 rather than shipping cans of specialty oil from Japan.

 

Fwiw, I've used "lesser oils" in the xfer case and seemed like I experienced more hangups. Especially in colder weather. Ended up using ravenol. I think @Stocklocker had the same experience

 

You missed the part about that being a guess. Unless you are one of the engineers or in management at Toyota, you cannot claim to know better. You can just have a better guess.

For the most part, I trust Toyota engineers too. In fact, most of the non-toyota parts that I have put on to replace worn out OEM stuff hasn't lasted near as long. When it is feasible, I'm forking out the extra money for the OEM stuff. That being said, Toyota has HUGE markup on their parts and oil. Maybe they found that 75W is better long term than

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

75w-90 (though they are both 75 weight). I don't know. I stand by my statement that I would not hesitate to use 75w-90. Especially if you are changing it at the recommended service intervals.

 

I made no claim of knowing better and I have no need to guess, the knowledge of a team of engineers was included when purchasing the truck, they provided their recommendations in a nice book.

 

Yes. I risk repeating myself, but I experienced shift problems when using synthetic 75/90 in the T-Case in cold weather. Went back to the Toyota LF and no issues ever again.

 

There was a member not too long ago who posted a UOA from his transfer case using 75w90; I can't seem to find it. Looked alright for wear metals.
As others have said, it might give you trouble in cold weather.

 

One Toyota can will do it. I used the Redline stuff, and a quart was enough.

 

I just bought a gallon of the redline stuff. And a gallon jug pump thingy.

Between the two it was almost $100, but that is enough for the next 100k+ out of my truck. I will probably change it more often at this rate.

 

Thanks all for the info, Im going to buy the Ravenol 75W for $20.

 

Just know the Ravenol is sub standard oil. Folks have run UOA's on it, and it rates very poorly because of a lack of good additives.

Redline has a better additives package than OEM Toyota brand.

 

Show it.

 

I've never used this site before, but for $9.99 and free shipping, I'd order 6 qts and have it on hand for the diffs too. Or at least 2 quarts so that you have enough for this time and the next if you only want to use it in the xfer case.

https://motomummy.com/products/vp-racing-g-500-gear-oil-75w-1-liter.html?sku=431022

And yes, I realize the diffs utilize 75w-85 in the 3rd gen.



Again, I don't think there is enough of a difference to matter.

 

Based on a cost per mile analysis, I don't see the issue. I do 7500mi OCI and pay $.0037 per mile for just the oil, that's not including the filter and washers ($.005 per mile for those curious with the filter and washers). I let my TC go to 58k before I changed it and paid $.0014 per mile for the Toyota LF. The manual does mention to change it at 30k miles for "special uses" which include towing and 4x4 which I do, but whatever. Even if I had changed it at 30k miles, it would have been only $.0027 per mile of usage.

I get not wanting to pay just for the sake of paying $82 for some TC fluid, but until someone can show some actual facts and not shilling for a particular brand, I will continue to pay my $.0027 to $.0014 per mile and be broke I guess.