Diffs and Trans Case Gear Oil Change

Looking to do rear diff, front diff and trans case fluid change on my 2011 V6 4 X 4 SR5 double cab long bed. Read a good bit of existing rear diff threads and another thread on front diff and trans case.

Few questions,

1. Do I have the LSD on the SR5 model and if so do I need to use the LS additive if I go conventional oil on the rear diff?


2. I was thinking of going conventional oil for all 3 cases since I read some possible issues using synthetic in the rear diff. I can use the same

$29 Mobil 1 104361 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75W 90conventional in front diff, rear diff and trans case correct?

3. Was leaning towards mobile 1 75W 90 conventional, but was wondering if anyone had better results with any other brand oil? It is my understanding Toyota doesn’t sell gear oils or I probably would have just grabbed that if price wasn’t stupid.

4. What are you guys finding to be a good and economical pump for the transfer case and front diff that doesn’t take forever to fill the cases?

Also, as a side note went to Advance yesterday and they only had synthetic, Mobil 1 and Royal Purple in 75W 90. Guy said most places don’t sell conventional anymore.

Thanks for any tips!
Andy

 

Look in your Owner's Manual or the Maintenance Schedule. It will likely indicate what you need for viscosity and LSD.

Truth is if you use a lube with LSD and your truck doesn't need, you won't do any harm.

FWIW, my '06 has a sticker on the rear diff indicating LSD is required. IIRC, I used Valvoline 75W90 synthetic gear oil with LSD in front & rear diffs and the Xfer case.

 

2008 was the last year for MECHANICAL LSD.

You can run Synthetic if you like.
A lot of guys have used

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

75W-90 for all 3.

I personally didn’t, but would not have a problem if I did use the same in all 3.

 

Walmart supertech 75w90 in all 3 for me.

 

Why on earth would you want to run conventional fluids???

 

I run Mobil 1 full synthetic

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

75W-90 in all three boxes in our 2005 Tacoma. No issues.

 

https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/ft-2536-ecgs-gear-oil-recommendation.html

 

nailed it.

 

WOW... there are some really bold statements in the first two paragraphs:

Scientifically it has been proven that when measuring diff temps, the actual “metal objects” stay cooler using a quality dino oil with an additive package over synthetic oils.
OK... what additives and I'd be interested to see the equipment used to measure the "oil" and the "metal"

Synthetics thin out quickly once hot and lose their cling ratio to the metal object, when the oil is stuck to the gear it provides a cooling factor for the metal.
Is this a flat out claim that synthetics (some) loose viscosity once hot?

I may read more of that but was intrigued after the first two paragraphs.

 

Yeah....I read the 1st paragraph. Didn't go farther, too many caveats set up to support their conclusion.

 

There is really no need to over complicate it. Pick one and pour it in.
I’ve had 4 different types and viscosities in my diffs.

Stick with something close to OE spec.
And change it fairly regularly.

 

I’m in favor of Dino oils
I believe the thicker composition flowing thru the bearing contact points makes for better protection. Also if you keep up on regular maintenance then old oil with debris is removed rather than leaving it in for extended mileage which could lead to accelerated wear of parts
Your thoughts on my thoughts?

 

My thoughts on your thoughts are.

If it’s working for you, keep on keeping on my man

If I were to admit even half the stuff I do (incorrectly). I’d be run off from TW. With some one on permanent watch to not let me within 100 internet miles of this place.

Seriously though, I usually try to give the best advice I can, even if I don’t follow it myself.

 

Ahh......

The age ol'... What you should do vs what you actually do. My Dad once shouted to me....."DO LIKE I SAY! NOT LIKE I DO! (whack)"

 

Or you could ask Toyota themselves instead of listening to a bunch of claims from random "experts" on the internet LOL. Shoot them an email and let us know what they say!

I'd be curious to know what Toyota has to say about syn vs dino for gear oil, especially since they spec that oddball 75W-85 gear oil

 

Any GL-5 oil 75 w or higher is fine. Toyota builds strong diffs; failures are very rare. As long as you change the oil every few years the diff will last half a million miles easy

 

Absolutely, that’s an option.
And an option I didn’t choose when preforming my fluid change. Life’s full of choices, make one and go with it.

I chose spend my time changing the fluid with the one I wanted, rather than spending time on a phone or writing and email.

Plus, it was my choice. And I was fully ready to take responsibility for what “might” happen.

Have things happened?
Sure they have, but life goes on.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/front-diff-leaking-gear-oil-from-the-breather.744067/

 

I should add that I use the same stuff in all three boxes of my avatar truck. No issues there either.

 

I'm no expert, but ECGS is all about gears so I figure they know a thing or two. I've been using synthetic cause it seems like the cool thing to do but maybe time to switch back.

 

From East Coast Gear Supply's website.....
**oops, sorry...just now seeing the number of posts referring to ECGS**