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Would you use this instead of the $70 toyota fluid

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by Ramrod88, Mar 16, 2020.

  1. Nov 10, 2021 at 11:02 AM
    #31
    akkording

    akkording New Member

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    I used Ravenol as well in my TC
     
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  2. Nov 10, 2021 at 11:44 AM
    #32
    TrailGuy2016

    TrailGuy2016 New Member

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    If it's 75w then yes.
    I used Redline in my diffs and transfer case.
     
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  3. Nov 10, 2021 at 1:28 PM
    #33
    MNT_GOAT

    MNT_GOAT New Member

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    Another vote for Redline MT-LV 70W/75W GL-4 oil for the transfer case. Also go with Redline 75W85 GL-5 gear oil for the axles.
     
  4. Nov 10, 2021 at 2:08 PM
    #34
    Slopemaster

    Slopemaster Slope Survivalist

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    The Car Care Nut said in a couple of his videos that gear oil other than Toyota 75w is perfectly fine in transfer case. E.g. 75-90, 75-80.
     
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  5. Nov 10, 2021 at 5:05 PM
    #35
    j cat

    j cat New Member

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    toyota transfer case fluid phosphorus/zinc/magnesium over 1000/2000 PPM .... Revenol MTF-3 has a low amount of the fluid supplements around 100-200PPM.. that is why it is el cheapo ..
     
  6. Nov 10, 2021 at 5:08 PM
    #36
    blksubykid

    blksubykid New Member

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    just swapped to this a few weeks ago. Getting into 4hi and 4lo are much smoother imo
     
  7. Nov 10, 2021 at 5:48 PM
    #37
    j cat

    j cat New Member

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    changing the drive train fluids then the drive train runs smoother ..the Toyota transfer case fluid has high materials that creates much less wear ...look up your new drive train fluids on the spec laboratory sheet ..that you installed..
     
  8. Nov 10, 2021 at 5:52 PM
    #38
    josephp732

    josephp732 New Member

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    I agree on the additives - I have seen the Blackstone VOA's. It's interesting to wonder why a transfer case would need that level of Zinc with a 30k OCI.... The Toyota fluid uses an "el cheapo" hydrocracked base stock group III oil - where the Revenol MTF-3 uses a poly-alpha-olefins (PAO) base stock group IV* oil. You can see in the cst viscosity ratings that the Revenol has better flow characteristics. Which probably explains the comments around smoother 4WD engagement. Also the Revenol's TBN is much higher, again probably doesn't matter much with 30k OCI's.

    I do think the some of the reasons the Toyota fluid cost more is that it's made in Japan by Idemitsu, to Toyota's spec's in small batches, in vintage 1950's oil cans (LOL), has to be imported and is only sold through dealers that need to make a descent markup.

    *PAO oils have a higher oxidative stability in extreme temperatures, and also have exceptionally low pour points, which makes them much more suitable for use in cold weather as well as in hot weather.
     
    Last edited: Nov 10, 2021
    BionicRandy likes this.
  9. Nov 10, 2021 at 6:08 PM
    #39
    ElectroBoy

    ElectroBoy Ad astra

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    Re-read post 13, the letter from Toyota. Their 75W isn’t some magic formulation that is necessary for their transmission. Their goal was to get the thinnest oil possible for a microscopic increase in fuel economy. And their additive formulation was necessary bring back the protection properties, to approach what most 75W-90s already offer.
     
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  10. Nov 10, 2021 at 6:10 PM
    #40
    j cat

    j cat New Member

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    I have a dexron transmission fluid can bought my 1967 olds 442 in july 1967..still have that can ...
    I also have the metal can spout tool to drain the fluid out of the oil cans in the old days ..
    I dumped Dexron III in 2000 ... used mobil synthetic dex/merc transmission fluid my vehicles had no failures ...dexron III has wear issues creates acid !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    now 3 years ago engine oil has to increase zinc or moly higher levels PPM ....oil spec is SN PLUS !!!!!!!!!
     
  11. Dec 19, 2021 at 3:24 PM
    #41
    SYTY

    SYTY New Member

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    THE ARM PIT OF AMERICA NY STATE THE ROTTEN APPLE
    Not the rite spot for post oops.
     
    Last edited: Dec 19, 2021
  12. Dec 19, 2021 at 3:55 PM
    #42
    LandCruiser

    LandCruiser I have Toyotas

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    I change the fluids on my 200 and my 5th Gen and my daughter’s 5th when it hits 30k.

    I use Toyota brand. It’s not that much more expensive.

    Like EB said, I don’t think it matters as long as the weight is the same.
     
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  13. Dec 19, 2021 at 11:49 PM
    #43
    Trekker

    Trekker Regular Member

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    I would worry more about how often the fluid was changed rather than what brand of gear oil was used. If they meet the standards expected let it ride.

    Manual transmission fluid is the only thing I really have some sort of preference towards, GL4 Redline.

    I use the cheapest Oreilles Master Pro brand in my diffs and TC case and they didn't seem to act up. The cheap gear oil I put in my diffs is surely better for their health than whatever brand of gear oil was there before with 20k+ miles on it.

    Change it often and do it on time and you'll be golden no matter what brand you go with.
     
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  14. Dec 20, 2021 at 2:17 AM
    #44
    Matt83

    Matt83 New Member

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    I used the Toyota fluid.
     
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  15. Feb 19, 2022 at 7:18 AM
    #45
    krravi

    krravi New Member

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    I never trust stealerships operational decisions. They go for the cheapest oil they can find to maximise profits. Just because stealerships don't use that oil doesnt make it a standard. They go for cheap, fast and what is convenient for them rather than doing the right thing.

    I have had many unpleasant encounters with Stealerships in the past. One was so extreme, I had to contact Toyota directly and have them deal with it, which of course resulted in the firing of the service manager and other staff at the stealership. The issue was they never changed oil and had my vehicle for a day. Drove it for around 100 miles and noticed no change and hence checked the oil that was still very dark. Took a sample of it after changing the oil immediately at a local Castrol Service center and the dealer said "We were busy and had no space for your vehicle, so we asked the mechanics to take your car to a Jiffy lube center to get the oil changed. They had lunch and forgot to change the oil. Sorry about that. We will refund you the service charge". Didn't say a word, got my refund and mailed the oil sample to Toyota headquarters.

    Anyways,oil analysis tests have shown that the OEM Toyota 75W has a different additive package more than even the equivalent Ravenol. Thats why it could be pricey. And what if the stealerships don't stock it? You can always buy it online. I rather spend the money on the OEM oil as its a transfer case after all and wearing them out prematurely is an expensive exercise.

    I mean you buy a 40k + vehicle and you are nickel and diming a essential oil that you probably service every 35k miles? If you don't intend to keep the vehicle long,then do what works for you.But regardless, I think you should use the right oil.

    https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/toyota-transfer-gear-oil-75w-voa.269462/#post-4389571
     
    Last edited: Feb 19, 2022
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  16. Feb 19, 2022 at 8:25 AM
    #46
    captrussia253

    captrussia253 New Member

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    75w is just to get maximum fuel efficiency. 75w90 will be just fine and dandy in our transfer cases.
     
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  17. Feb 19, 2022 at 12:22 PM
    #47
    krravi

    krravi New Member

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    captrussia253[QUOTED] likes this.
  18. Feb 19, 2022 at 1:37 PM
    #48
    josephp732

    josephp732 New Member

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    Pretty good video of a Toyota Tundra's transfer case and how it works. The 4Runner's part-time transfer case would be similar.
    Obviously on a TRD you are the actuator. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UoBCIjWIoU
     
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  19. Feb 21, 2022 at 12:43 PM
    #49
    krravi

    krravi New Member

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    Last edited: Feb 21, 2022
  20. Feb 21, 2022 at 1:07 PM
    #50
    Singleminded

    Singleminded New Member

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    This is going to start (or re-start!) a whole other thread! :laugh:
     

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