Differential & Transfer case Gear Oil

This question may be asked many times, but can I use store available gear oil for differentials and transfer case?

I have 2013 Tacoma Double Cab Off-Road, 4x4 with the rear e-locker etc.

45,000 miles

Want to change the differentials (both) and transfer case oil.

Manuals calls
1. differentials: "Toyota synthetic 75W-85"
2. Transfer case "

$36 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75W-90"

Both GL-5

On stores ther is Valvoline and Mobil 1 synthetic 75W-90. It is ok to go with that, or do I have to purchase the expensive 75W-85 from Toyota (approx $25 per Qt)?

Do I need any other additive?

 

I've always used oil off the shelf at NAPA or what not. As long as it is the correct weight and type, go for it. Most oils will list what they're compatible with (GL-5, etc.)

No LSD additive for you, as you do not have a mechanical limited slip.

 

Yes

$36 75w-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75w-90 if fine for both. Only need an additive if you have a LSD diff (TRD Sport)

 

Thanks!
Also,

1. What about replacing spark plugs every 30k miles for the 1GR-FE (tacoma V6)?
2. Replacement of coolant? Needed at 45k miles?
3. Brake fluid?

 

I did spark plugs at like 90k. I wouldn't replace coolant or brake fluid that early unless you just want to do it to do it.

I do not do all the maintenance by the book. Sometimes i do it early, sometimes later. Kind of go by feel based on how I've used the truck and events.

 

If the oil you buy or find says it has the LSD additive, don't worry as it won't hurt anything if it's in the oil even tho you don't need it.

 

Most guys on here have said they use 75/90 on all three and no issues. Don't get sucked in to the dealer telling you that only the Toyota brand fluid works...its BS and VERY expensive.

Synthetic 75/90 fluids can be had for less than $15/qt at any auto parts store. Less than that for the non-synthetic obviously.

 

Flushing the brake system with new fluid is almost always neglected. Most corrosion related failures could be avoided by doing this. I would do it at least every 100k.

 

Manual says

Replace coolant at 100k, then every 50k. But I always change like every 3 years to my previous cars, and that is recommended by every expert. Coolant is coolant.

The same with break fluid, always has changed like every 3 years to other cars.

 

Yes. Will go with Valvoline or Mobil 1 synthetic.
Toyota is ridiculous!

 

I thought the LSD additive was only for pre-2009 sport models as well?

 

I would do the plugs, it's a 20 minute job and costs next to nothing. Coolant is 100k miles, brake fluid is when it gets dark imo.
I also do the throttle body and the MAF sensor every 15k and both diffs / tcase every 30k with 85-140.

 

Why 85W-140? Isn't too thick?

What about the tb and maf, clean with throttle cleaner?

 

ECGS recommended 85-140 with the nitro gears, been using it without issues for over 50k miles. And there is special MAF cleaner and TB cleaner you can get from autozone, I bought a cab of each years ago and it's still got some left in it. Use it outdoors or with a mask.

 

Brake fluid takes on water faster in cold climates, so I flush mine every 2 - 3 years. Down in PR, I'd imagine you could stretc

Holy shit. I can barely get the passenger side plugs changed in 20 minutes, let alone the driver side.

 

It helps that my intake is disconnected from the manifold

 

I did my plugs at 30K, piece of cake.($15 for densos)
I did a drain and fill at 30K on my coolant (toyo pink pre-diluted($19)
I had the dealership flush brake fluid at 40K.($120)

I also had dealership drain/fill auto trans at 30K ($190)

 

If your truck is still under warranty I would stick with 75w-85 and you can get it in Red Line for a lot less than the Toyota brand. The manual calls for plugs every 30k so I would stick with that recommendation also.

 

I did my first 30k spark plug change last week. My gas mileage increased by 1.5 mpg, so I'd say go ahead and do it.

 

The transfer case needs MANUAL TRANSMISSION FLUID that is compatible with BRASS SYNCHRONIZERS.
I would avoid the mobile 1 for the transfer case, they are *really terrible* for synchronized gear sets, despite the claims on the bottle. I had that crap in my transmission for roughly 2000 km, and it really made shifting difficult when cold. The transfer case has one synchronizer, which is for engaging the front drive. While it is electronically operated and you can't feel it, I'd be concerned about stressing it out over time.

Can't speak to the valvoline stuff, never tried it.

Amsoil MT fluid is good in the transfer case and manual transmission.
The mobile 1 will be fine in differentials.