Differential fluid in Limited trim.

Hey everyone! I have a 5th gen Limited which is all time 4wd. I recently changed the diff fluids at 25k. The rear differential fluid was the color of coffee as expected. Surprisingly the front diff fluid was clear color of green tea like it was fresh out of can. Hardly any difference between the new and old diff fluid. What gives? Any Limited owners have same experience?

 

That's pretty standard for all models. The front diff just doesn't see the wear the rear does. All the weight transfers to the rear when you accelerate.

 

I use Mobil 1 75w90 in diffs and transfer case, change every 100k. I have used it in all my 4runners and no issues. It's supposed to be good for 500k, but I'm not that lazy.

 

The non limited takes GL5. The manual for our 2005 4Runner with the limited type transfer also calls GL5.

 

The front sees no action at all. That's why.

 

Synthetic oil doesn't lose its lubrication properties when contaminated with water. You can let it set and drain the water from the fill plug in a pinch. I saw a demonstration many many years ago. They put oil in a jar, added water, shook it into a mess, and the water separated instantly from the oil upon settling.