Can I use 75W-85W in all 3 diffs? Front, Rear, Transfer Case?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

Yes, I use 75w-90 in all 3

 

75W-85, 75W-90, 75W-140, whatever floats your boat.

As for transfer case the same oil can go in, some folks choose to go 75W or MT-LV for that, I promise it won't grenade either way.

 

I used regular gear oil for the case before on my Tacoma without issues but this time I went with Redline MT-LV 70W/75W GL-4 for the case. I still need to do it though.

 

If you have electronically shifted T-case, using normal 75W85 or 75W90 gear oil may cause 4WD shifting problems in winter months. Use the pricey Toyota LF fluid or aftermarket alternative like Red Line MT-LV. If your region doesn't have a real winter then it shouldn't matter.

75W85 may be OK for the rear diff. If you get chatter accelerating out of corners, switching to 75W140 may quiet it down.

 

Same as @dgtulsaguy , I currently have 75W-90 in all 3. No issues.

 

Perhaps.

 

I use Redline MT-LV for the TC and Mobil 1 - 75w90 in the diffs

 

I use the Redline MT-LV (Redline PN: 50604) for the transfer case since it is a GL-4 and meets Toyota requirements without the Toyota price. GL-4 doesn't contain a lot of the extreme pressure additives like a GL-5, so the synchro's in your transfer case will be happy. Plus the manual should state that a GL-4 is the recommendation for the transfer case.

Now for the front and rear diff the manual states a GL-5. So I use the Redline 75w-85 GL-5 (Redline PN: 50104). GL-5 has a higher concentration of the extreme pressure additives to help protect those helical gears in the differential.

If you use the Redline the cost is not as shocking as Toyota oil, especially the transfer case oil!

 

Yes, you can use that. I use molasses however, this $hit is thick and heavy.

 

I use Amsoil 75-90 heavy gear oil in all 3.

I was told to keep all 3 fluids the same, is that correct?

When I make a tight left or right turn i feel some binding / groaning noise usually only when gas applied, is that normal?

Diff's, t-case and trans have all been serviced by me.

Would using Redline MT-LV help with the binding / groaning?

2016 Limited.

 

I'm assuming in 2WD not 4WD

But absolutely not.

 

Its a 2016 Limited, so always in 4x4.

 

I do not believe that is a correlation with the oil. Sounds more like a driveline issue.

But the oil you are using is a slightly heavier oil than what is specified. My recommendation is to follow the manual, these engineers didn't just come up with a random weight of oil or specification. Use a GL-5 75w-85 for the front and rear diffs and a GL-4 for the transfer case. (just make sure it meets the Toyota spec) I believe Redline and Ravenol are the two brands outside of Toyota that actually meet their LT spec.

 

All three don’t HAVE to be the same as long as whatever you chuck in meets spec and isn’t canola oil but if you’re just buying in bulk, might as well.

 

Can? Probably... But I'd be more careful on the TCase.

Personally I use amsoil MT-LV in the transfer case since it meets oem requirements.
Any GL5 with the recommended viscosity in diffs will do

 

Extra heavy gear oil in rear diff makes sense especially in hot weather with hard usage-sand, offroad, towing etc. -
I would be concerned in cold weather -freezing & lower- about the lube film where needed to prevent wear.
Seasonal lube changes could solve the issue or just pick a year around 75w-90
Which is not much different from recommended 75w-85. Toyota is often accused of going light on lubes to gain MPG.

 

I'm in Toronto, we get rough winters -20c but our summers are hot too. What do you guys recommend for me?

 

The same fluids and intervals.

 

I´m noticing the same thing on my limited. Dealer replaced all fluids with 75W-90 5k miles ago. Is like you say, on tight turns and accelerating, I can only feel this on the front wheels. Since the fluid was replaced not long ago I wasn't planning on doing it soon, but now that you mention it I might just do it soon. I don't buy the "it's the same thing", viscosities are made for a reason. It may not harm if the vehicle is part time 4WD, but the limited is Permanent 4WD

 

I hate dealerships. I refused service when I had a free service because they wouldn’t use Toyota fluid. Kind of good to know they are not the only dealership, I thought it was just me. Also why I enjoy doing my own work because I can dictate what goes on.

 

Thanks all. After this thread and too much researching, I went with 75W-90 Amsoil in the packets that squeeze. I did Redline 75W-85 the first time I did it but the bottles, even with a pump, are a pain.

 

I use Royal Purple Synchromax in my '21 Tacoma's transfer case. It's $30/quart at Canadian Tire.

 

Once you have the bags, you can even refill them in the future if you find a deal you prefer more!

 

Dang that Mobil 1 75W-90 gear oil is only $12/qt (1/2 the price of Red Line & Royal Purple). Do you have any issues since you changed it?

 

Plenty of folks use any ol 75W-90 and they don’t grenade, I promise!

(Heck, plenty of dealers putting 75W-90 in the transfer case and no epidemic of anything that I can tell.)