‘16-newer Transfer Cases

For those interested.
I started looking into transfer case and the LF75w fluid in ‘16 and newer Tacoma’s. Here’s what I’ve discovered.

1: Fluid- not a thing, thats not already known....pricey, came into use with the Tundra and is made by Exxon.

2: Transfer Case
Seems that the assumption of it being a Borg-Warner like the Tundras got a couple years prior is wrong. Borg-Warner has informed me that they did/do supply transfer cases for the Tundra, but never for the Tacoma.
The transfer cases changed from a VF2BM to a VF2CM, difference.. I don’t know yet. I spoke briefly to a Aisin rep and per conversation, they are produced by Aisin, all parts and assembly no relationship to Borg-Warner at all.The same company produces the AC60F 6 speed A/T which is in the Tacoma. I asked about the fluid requirement and what changed to call for it and they couldn’t answer. My contact info was supposedly forwarded to someone that could answer technical questions, but I was told there’s no guarantee of a call back and that they typically do not take calls from the consumer.
I’ve not looked into the FJ’s or 4 Runners.

 

Damn. That's some good sleuthing. Bummer they couldn't recommend anything. I just used the ravenol. I'm probably just gonna forget about it and assume it's good enough

 

The tin of transfer oil is ungodly expensive and un-necessary. Almost all dealers use 75-90 GL5 as a substitute. The transfer case is nothing special on these models. Even the AWD sequoia/4runners uses standard GL5 without issue.

I've only used the proper transfer case oil once in my career, 99.9% of the other times it's been 75-90.

The new Torque Vectoring Rav4 is the first Toyota to require specific fluid.

The new Transfer cases got a new actuator. Tundras received this as well over time.

 

The 2020 4Runner is also using the VF2CM now as well. From what I've seen of the internals/design, it is still very similar to the older Aisin cases, and nothing like the BW Tundra case.

Jeff

 

Nice research. Not that post count is indicative of IQ but you’re definitely wise beyond your ...... uh, well, post count. Most newer posters are still asking what button turns on the headlights or if they need a lift to fit 35” tires.
Anyway, welcome to the forum and thanks for the info.

 

Yeah, I contacted several dealerships and was told to use anything from 75w85 to 75w140, none knew about the 75w and their fluid spec sheets only went to ‘14 or ‘15. I want to know what the Toyota fluid is before I use something else. Is it a gl5, gl4, hypoid/non-hypoid. I found out about transfer cases trying to get answers about the 75W Fluid. And I say this with all due respect, Just because dealerships have bulk drums of 75w85 to 75w140 that doesn’t make it an equivalent to me if I don’t know what I’m equating to.

 

Translated from the Japanese SDS.

Jeff

 

Lol, Thanks, But I don’t know how wise I am letting a 75$ can of fluid aggravate the @&$# out of me.

 

Thanks, haven’t seen that yet, now I need a chemist to tell me what I’m reading.

 

Toyota started using the LF fluid in 2010. A good spot to look at what exactly changed mechanically is the 2009-2010 FJ Cruiser, as the 2009 spec was 75W90 GL-3 and 2010 was 75W LF.

Jeff

 

This has been posted before on several other forums.

There are additive (or naturally occurring?) differences between the Ravenol and Toyota 75W. Check out the magnesium, phosphorus, boron and zinc totals in particular.

 

FWIW, I'll spend the extra $45 every few years and buy the OEM.

If money becomes that tight that I have to worry about it, I'll cut back on my paid porn subscriptions.

 

With possible temps like these I'm going with the OEM LF unless something better comes along:

 

There is an absolutely huge difference in performance between 75W90 and Toyota LF in my climate. I will never run 75/90 again. A complete newb could tell the difference on a very cold morning as the transfer case works flawlessly with LF, but may not shift at all with synthetic 75/90.

OP, are the cases made in USA or Japan?

 

They answered question concerning production of parts and assembly with: both U.S. and abroad.

 

I don’t have temps like that to deal with, but I’m using the OEM until I know I have a true “equivalent”. As for differentials, I’m using Red Line’s 75w110 in my diff’s and not seeing any reduction in mpg. It really feels like truck rolls better when coming off throttle.

 

I noticed a difference in 70* weather with hang ups. Especially on the trail, sometimes I would have to change from 4h to 4l multiple times.

 

Most of the components for the transfer cases seems to be sourced from Aisin AW Thailand.

There is definitely a big difference in viscosity between the LF 75W and 75W90, and the newer transfer may have been designed with that in mind, but it is interesting that Toyota switched from 75W90 GL-3 to LF 75W without any major changes to the transfer case on the FJ Cruiser. (Ditto for other models).

Jeff