Differential and Transfer Case Fluid

What is everyone running in the differentials and transfer case? I have a 02 4Runner. Will the Mobil 1 75W-90 LS work for all? I searched the forum and didn’t find an answer. I apologize if I missed it. From what I see the LS additive won’t be an issue. Thanks in advance.

 

From the 2024 4Runner Manual:

Transfer Case:
Part-time 4WD: 1.1qt. (1.0 L, 0.9 Imp. qt.).
Full-Time 4WD: 1.5qt. (1.4 L, 1.2 Imp. qt.)
Oil Type: Toyota Genuine Transfer gear oil LF or equivalent
Viscosity: SAE 75W (Recommended)

Transmission
Capacity: 11.3 qt. (10.7 L, 9.4 Imp. qt.)
Type: Toyota Genuine ATF WS

Front Differential (4WD Models)
Part-time 4WD: 1.6 qt. (1.55 L, 1.4 Imp. qt.).
Full-Time 4WD: 1.5 qt. (1.4 L, 1.2 Imp. qt.)
Oil Type: Toyota Genuine Differential gear oil LT or equivalent
Viscosity: 75W-85 GL-5 or equivalent

Rear Differential
W/O Rear Differential Lock: 2.9 qt. (2.70 L, 2.4 Imp. qt.).
With Rear Differential Lock: 2.8 qt. (2.65 L, 2.3 Imp. qt.)
Oil Type: Toyota Genuine Differential gear oil LT or equivalent
Viscosity: 75W-85 GL-5 or equivalent

 

Watch out, OP posted in the 3rd gen forum, not sure how much will apply

Unfortunately I do not know myself

 

I have an 02. Same information in my manual. Just wanting to see what others have had success with. The LS additive is what throws me. Mobil 1 doesn’t have an option without it.

 

At least on our end, I believe people have been throwing in 75W-90 with LS additive without a second thought (I did in both my 4Runner and Sorento’s diffs) since it’s pretty much a box of gears (diff) or a chain (transfer)

 

Sorry about that, I didn’t catch the “3rd Gen Forum”…….

Perhaps, this site will be of some help….
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/alternative-to-75w85-gl5-in-toyota-tacoma.297081/

 

It's okay OP's status says he has a 2020 white 4runner. So I guess this thread should be in the 5th gen section

 

I have both a 2020 and 2002 so the thread is in the right place. I’m asking about my 02. Thanks

 

You're fine, LS is compatible in non-LS rear ends but you can't put non-LS in an LS rear end. Usually manual calls for 80w-90 on the 3Gen, so 75w-90 will work. Wouldn't put that GL-5 in the tranny though.

 

I appreciate it. Hoping to change it this weekend. I will use it in both differentials and the transfer case.

 

good luck, will probs take 2-3 hours, I always think it'll be faster than it ends up being. Also be aware the front diff is an 10mm Allen-Key hex and is usually a bitch and a half to get out. Loosen the fill first and clean the hex out before attempting, they strip real easy and then you're really in a pickle. Heat is your friend, if you can't get it to turn, put a torch to it for a minute before trying again (really, you do not want to strip these bolts). I swap the hex plugs out for Lexus plugs when I do this service

Lexus Front Diff Plugs:
90341-24016
90341-18060

Amazon has new washers for cheaper than Toyota:

$13 GENUINE TOYOTA GASKET KIT FOR TRANSFER AND DIFFERENTIAL SERVICE

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017V4BAXI

 

That is great information. Thank you!

 

Forgive my stupidity but when you use heat, do you let it cool down before trying to unscrew it or do you get it while it's hot?

 

I hit it while it’s hot

 

I got it done today. Not a hard job, but the front and rear differential drain plugs were extremely tight. The rear was rusted a decent amount and the front was tight as could be. I wasn’t sure it was gonna budge! The transfer pump with the clip to hold the hose in the hole by itself was a life saver for me. There is not a lot of room to maneuver around there and that made it a little easier. I am also glad I bought all new drain and fill plugs. It seemed like a waste initially, but the transfer case plugs were the only ones that could have been reused. They looked pretty good. The others were corroded quite a bit and probably wouldn’t have survived being taken out again. Thanks for everyone’s input.

 

Did you use heat on the plugs? How long do you hold the torch on them? Will a kitchen torch do the trick?

 

I did not use heat. I didn’t find it necessary. I sprayed the transfer case and rear diff with some penetrant and that’s it. I didn’t have the cover plate off the front to spray it so I took it off and proceeded to try to remove it. I would recommend spraying with penetrant if you can to increase your chance of success. For me the biggest issue was the space under the 4Runner. I did a lot of maneuvering to find a spot to lay where I could press up against something to try to get some extra torque to remove it. If you had a lift I think it would be easy!

 

I sprayed the drain bolt liberally with fluid film after I changed out my front diff fluid for the first time. I’m hoping it would keep corrosion at bay. Guess I’ll find out this summer when I change it again.

 

I might try that. I noticed my rear axle housing was rusting a little so I am going to clean it up and paint it all. That should help with corrosion in the back. Front wasn’t bad except for the bolt.