1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Would you use this instead of the $70 toyota fluid

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

  1. Mar 16, 2020 at 3:22 PM
    #1
    Ramrod88

    Ramrod88 [OP] 4Runner on Corolla budget

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2016
    Member:
    #3167
    Messages:
    200
    Gender:
    Male
    New Orleans
    Vehicle:
    22 TRD OFF ROAD
    Would this be ok or should I get the liquid gold

    EC473564-12C9-4FB6-B7A1-C0E56781927E.jpg
     
  2. Mar 16, 2020 at 3:51 PM
    #2
    Georgia Native

    Georgia Native New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2019
    Member:
    #10874
    Messages:
    77
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2019 OR Prem and 2017 Tacoma SR5 4x4
    I use toyota for my transfer case and redline for front and rear differentials.
     
    Last edited: Mar 25, 2020
    Matteo7239, Jynarik and Ramrod88[OP] like this.
  3. Mar 16, 2020 at 4:05 PM
    #3
    Ramrod88

    Ramrod88 [OP] 4Runner on Corolla budget

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2016
    Member:
    #3167
    Messages:
    200
    Gender:
    Male
    New Orleans
    Vehicle:
    22 TRD OFF ROAD
    Last change I did I used redline in front and rear and the overpriced toyota in the transfer. Just trying to cheap it down a little bit, that toyota 75w can’t really be that necessary
     
  4. Mar 16, 2020 at 7:22 PM
    #4
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2017
    Member:
    #3777
    Messages:
    4,473
    First Name:
    Jake
    California
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5P
    What if you took a small oil sample from the transfer case and sent it to Blackstone? They could analyze it and tell you if the oil was still good or if it needed a change.

    Could save you some coin. :notsure:
     
    suaveflooder, A&P and Toy4X4 like this.
  5. Mar 16, 2020 at 7:28 PM
    #5
    Georgia Native

    Georgia Native New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2019
    Member:
    #10874
    Messages:
    77
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2019 OR Prem and 2017 Tacoma SR5 4x4
    No debate it is overpriced. However, there are some additives that aftermarket products don't have. I just decided to be cautious. Plus, I change it every 30,000 miles, which is about three years of driving.
     
    A&P and Ramrod88[QUOTED][OP] like this.
  6. Mar 16, 2020 at 7:33 PM
    #6
    Jynarik

    Jynarik I like boobies

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2019
    Member:
    #10510
    Messages:
    2,199
    Gender:
    Male
    Austin Texas
    Vehicle:
    2019 trd pro voodoo
    When I do mine, I’ll use royal purple syncrhomax. It’s rated same as Toyota fluid.
     
  7. Mar 17, 2020 at 3:15 PM
    #7
    j cat

    j cat New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2016
    Member:
    #2223
    Messages:
    857
    massachusetts
    spacer lift front 1inch
    I will use the Toyota transfer case fluid because it has many additives .. my GM truck I use the GM trac II fluid in transfer case ...of my 2000 silverado.
    yes that Toyota transfer case fluid is very expensive but I do not want any repairs on it .. I plan on changing that transfer case fluid at 40K miles...fluid still looks good at 30K miles. when I do the change on it I will put in a 32OZ amount and if I need to add another small amount I will put mobil 75-90wt in it to get it to the proper level .. I think I might have to add 1-2 oz to get it at the top.. not gonna buy another $70 bottle..

    I HAVE THAT TOYOTA TRANSFER CASE OIL SPEC SHEET ..VERY DIFFERENT THAN THE OTHER FLUIDS ..
     
    Ramrod88[OP] and Georgia Native like this.
  8. Mar 17, 2020 at 3:46 PM
    #8
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,649
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    I was planning on using Ravenol. It's available on Amazon and available in the proper viscosity.

    If that stuff is the proper weight and specs, I wouldn't hesitate.
     
    Toy4X4 and Ramrod88[OP] like this.
  9. Mar 21, 2020 at 2:08 PM
    #9
    Living the dream

    Living the dream New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 3, 2018
    Member:
    #7661
    Messages:
    276
    Gender:
    Male
    ABQ
    Vehicle:
    2019 T4R Off-Road KDSS
    Synchromax is my choice, used it in my 3rd gen Tacoma, now in my 5th gen 4Runner. Not expensive and is a direct replacement for Toyota LF.
    http://www.royalpurple.com/wp-conte...le_Transmission_Lubricant_Cross_Reference.pdf
    Regular synthetic gear oil (Mobil 1 etc.) is not recommended because of high phosphate levels that may damage the soft metal (copper, brass) in the transfer case synchros. That being said if you talk with some service guys at Toyota dealerships they say the just use 90w gear oil they buy in bulk, I think I’ll pass on that one.
     
    Last edited: Mar 21, 2020
    Toy4X4 likes this.
  10. Mar 21, 2020 at 4:58 PM
    #10
    mcat707

    mcat707 MURDERED TRD

    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2019
    Member:
    #12235
    Messages:
    335
    Gender:
    Male
    NOR*CAL - Solano County
    Vehicle:
    2015 TRDPro - Attitude Black Metallic 218
    There has been long discussions on this topic on the other 4Runner forum, along with the Tundra and Tacoma forums (as they also require the same liquid gold in their transfer cases). Even taking it further to the Bobistheoilguy forum. From what I read is after going through these numerous threads, Toyotas OEM Transfer Gear Oil LF 75W #08885-81080 is the safest way to go. Some have posted that Ravenol 75W is the equivalent or the exact same oil as the Toyota LF 75W. Toyota dealerships have their service techs fill transfer cases with 75W-90. On a side note, it seems like the majority of people who use aftermarket oils in their transfer cases report no issues. Take it as you will and choose wisely.
     
    Moon Landing likes this.
  11. Mar 21, 2020 at 5:05 PM
    #11
    mcat707

    mcat707 MURDERED TRD

    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2019
    Member:
    #12235
    Messages:
    335
    Gender:
    Male
    NOR*CAL - Solano County
    Vehicle:
    2015 TRDPro - Attitude Black Metallic 218
    OP, if I had to go aftermarket I would go Ravenol 75W or Royal Purple Synchromax and not that Valvoline.
     
  12. Mar 21, 2020 at 6:29 PM
    #12
    Ramrod88

    Ramrod88 [OP] 4Runner on Corolla budget

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2016
    Member:
    #3167
    Messages:
    200
    Gender:
    Male
    New Orleans
    Vehicle:
    22 TRD OFF ROAD
    well now it looks like im gonna go with the synchromax and use that valvoline as an undercoating
     
    BionicRandy likes this.
  13. Feb 18, 2021 at 8:09 PM
    #13
    captrussia253

    captrussia253 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2020
    Member:
    #15320
    Messages:
    521
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ruslan
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra Platinum 2016 T4R SR5P
    Just received this email from Toyota Corp. I called 5 local Toyota and 2 Lexus dealerships and all use 75w90 in transfer case. Most never heard of 75w fluid...

    FEF0C607-77B3-4562-9928-907260162F28.jpg
     
  14. Feb 18, 2021 at 10:10 PM
    #14
    Tuco S.

    Tuco S. New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2019
    Member:
    #9653
    Messages:
    329
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Off Road w/KDSS in silver
    Thank you for this!

    It's also my experience that most Toyota dealers don't stock the Toyota 75W t-case fluid, and apparently some won't even special order it. I was already planning to use the same 75W-90 (Motul Gear 300) I'm using in the front and rear diffs, so this is nice confirmation. Why complicate things?
     
  15. Feb 18, 2021 at 10:32 PM
    #15
    captrussia253

    captrussia253 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2020
    Member:
    #15320
    Messages:
    521
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ruslan
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra Platinum 2016 T4R SR5P
    Exactly! No dealership locally stocks the fluid or even knows about it. I even talked to the technician and he said 75w90 will be fine.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  16. Feb 19, 2021 at 12:46 AM
    #16
    ElectroBoy

    ElectroBoy Ad astra

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2020
    Member:
    #15823
    Messages:
    1,938
    Gender:
    Male
    Bay Area, CA
    Vehicle:
    2018 ORP
    Well, you certainly cleared up this long time mystery. Looks like it’s another attempt by Toyota to squeeze a little better gas mileage out of these big hogs, like specifying 0W-20 engine oil. Thanks.
     
  17. Feb 19, 2021 at 5:43 AM
    #17
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,649
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    I think you nailed it. It's interesting that they spec 0W-20 for US vehicles, but 5W-30 in Puerto Rico.

    It makes me wonder if I would be better off running 5W-30 as I intend to drive this thing into the ground.

    :notsure:
     
    Singleminded and captrussia253 like this.
  18. Feb 19, 2021 at 5:55 AM
    #18
    mcat707

    mcat707 MURDERED TRD

    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2019
    Member:
    #12235
    Messages:
    335
    Gender:
    Male
    NOR*CAL - Solano County
    Vehicle:
    2015 TRDPro - Attitude Black Metallic 218
    yeah at least 0W-20 is pretty common in most stores like Walmart and such.

    but for 0W-16 that is required for some of Toyota’s 4cyl engines which is very tough to find at local stores. Most folks need to buy it at the Toyota parts dealer.

    I’ve also read on the Toyota Nation forums that 8th gen Camry owners use 0W-20 in their 4cyl engines (requires 0W-16) with no problems. They also believe Toyota requires it so the vehicle can have better MPGs.
     
    Thatbassguy[QUOTED] likes this.
  19. Feb 19, 2021 at 6:11 AM
    #19
    7Runner

    7Runner New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 13, 2021
    Member:
    #19736
    Messages:
    103
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 Silver SR5P
    I've used Ravenol 75w and am now using Redline MT-LV. The Ravenol seemed to engage a little quicker than the Redline but went with the Redline for the beefier additive package.
     
    captrussia253 likes this.
  20. Feb 19, 2021 at 6:17 AM
    #20
    captrussia253

    captrussia253 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2020
    Member:
    #15320
    Messages:
    521
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ruslan
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra Platinum 2016 T4R SR5P
    Yup! I’m thinking about running a 0w40 in both the 4runner and gx460
     
    7Runner likes this.
  21. Feb 19, 2021 at 6:19 AM
    #21
    captrussia253

    captrussia253 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2020
    Member:
    #15320
    Messages:
    521
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ruslan
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra Platinum 2016 T4R SR5P
    I also used redline mt-lv in the GX but going with a 75w90 in the 4runner and will be doing the same with the GX when it hits 100k
     
    7Runner[QUOTED] likes this.
  22. Feb 19, 2021 at 12:38 PM
    #22
    ElectroBoy

    ElectroBoy Ad astra

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2020
    Member:
    #15823
    Messages:
    1,938
    Gender:
    Male
    Bay Area, CA
    Vehicle:
    2018 ORP
    That's what I did for my latest oil change. QSUD 5W-30. No perceivable change in MPG.
    I think it sounds a little quieter too.
     
  23. Feb 19, 2021 at 1:26 PM
    #23
    captrussia253

    captrussia253 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2020
    Member:
    #15320
    Messages:
    521
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ruslan
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra Platinum 2016 T4R SR5P
    Pouring in 0w20 doesn’t make me feel good. It’s like water haha
     
  24. Feb 19, 2021 at 2:16 PM
    #24
    captrussia253

    captrussia253 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2020
    Member:
    #15320
    Messages:
    521
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ruslan
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra Platinum 2016 T4R SR5P
    They just emailed me on my concern for using GL5 over GL4 fluid.

    Toyota Corp recommends both 75w and 75w90

    68AAF66A-DB04-44D5-AD0A-6AC69F30B8FF.jpg
     
    ElectroBoy likes this.
  25. Feb 19, 2021 at 2:25 PM
    #25
    Tuco S.

    Tuco S. New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2019
    Member:
    #9653
    Messages:
    329
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Off Road w/KDSS in silver
    I have a decent stock of various 0W-20 oils on hand for both my 4R and wife's Subaru. I'm perfectly comfortable using this viscosity in both engines, but plan to run a factory spec 5W-30 in mine for one interval during the warmer months, just to see for myself. If it quiets the engine a bit without reducing fuel economy, I may stick with it. It rarely gets below freezing where I live.
     
    ElectroBoy and captrussia253 like this.
  26. Feb 21, 2021 at 6:56 AM
    #26
    j cat

    j cat New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2016
    Member:
    #2223
    Messages:
    857
    massachusetts
    spacer lift front 1inch
    Toyota states in the manual 5-30wt oil is correct in the Caribbean..temps are always above 50F...
    the reason is when the temps drop below 50F then the oil passageways will cause a wear problem. these engines when I drain my oil the oil drains 45 mins... on my GM old V8 engines it drains 25mins...
     
  27. Feb 22, 2021 at 11:36 AM
    #27
    Tuco S.

    Tuco S. New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2019
    Member:
    #9653
    Messages:
    329
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Off Road w/KDSS in silver
    The owner's manual calls for oil that meets ILSAC GF-5. This spec has a wide range of viscosities, including 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-20, 5W-30, and 10W-30.

    0W-20, 5W-20, and 5W-30 (and I assume 0W-30 even though it isn't shown on the graph) all have a similar operating temperature range which goes well below 0 degrees F. The graph also indicates you could use 10W-30 all the way down to 0 degrees, so I'm not concerned about running a 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-20 or 5W-30 that meets the spec. As I said, it rarely drops below 32 degrees where I live. These engines don't seem to be too tough on oil.

    [​IMG]
     
    captrussia253 likes this.
  28. Feb 22, 2021 at 5:46 PM
    #28
    captrussia253

    captrussia253 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2020
    Member:
    #15320
    Messages:
    521
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ruslan
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra Platinum 2016 T4R SR5P
    We will be towing a camp trailer with both the 4runner and GX so a heavier oil would be better
     
  29. Feb 23, 2021 at 7:00 AM
    #29
    j cat

    j cat New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2016
    Member:
    #2223
    Messages:
    857
    massachusetts
    spacer lift front 1inch
    well if your in texas driving on the hywy at 90MPH you can put in the 10-30wt synthetic . last week the temps drop suddenly and temps in texas are zero degrees F so we in the usa do have high and very low temps .. now in the Caribbean Mexico areas you can increase the viscosity..
    change you oil in the spring to increase the viscosity in a hot spot ..
     
    captrussia253 likes this.
  30. Nov 10, 2021 at 10:54 AM
    #30
    josephp732

    josephp732 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2020
    Member:
    #12714
    Messages:
    505
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2019 Silver Limited, 2021 White TRD OR Premium
    In my 4Runner's I like to use Ravenol MTF-3 75w oil in the transfer case it's a direct replacement for the Toyota 08885-81080. Runs about $16 a liter. I also replaced the factory transfer case drain plug with a magnetic one. The size is M18x1.5×12. I used a Dimple Motor Oil Magnet but there are a few others on the market.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top