[jdm-v35]

Looking to do a f/r diff and transfer fluid change. Wondering if anyone has used Redline Heavy Shockproof in all 3?

Debating either that or redline 75w-85 GL-5 in all 3.

I see lots of people using redline 75w-85 or 75w-90 but not much on the shockproof

Just seeing if one is better than the other and any experience/comparisons. Any info appreciated. Thanks

[1jzgte]

Red Line Synthetic Oil

the transfer case is GL-4 friendly only

[02SE]

If it's the part-time 4wd T-case with the lever, it's the Aisin VF2A. The same T-case I had in my '97 4Runner. I used various 75w90 gear oils in it over the years. Including Redline MT90. It was also speced for GL-4 or GL-5.

No issues.

The current oil viscosity recommendations for the engine, diffs, T-case, in the USA are CAFE driven.

But if people want to go strictly by the recommendations in the current owners manuals, they are certainly welcome to.

[NorthPark]

I just did Redline MT-LV for the transfer case and Amsoil Severe Duty for the diffs.

The Amsoil bags made it stupid easy to change the diffs.

[BlueRidge77]

Originally Posted by 02SE

The current oil viscosity recommendations for the engine, diffs, T-case, in the USA are CAFE driven.

This. I changed my oil over to 5w30 and the engine has never sounded better. Smooth! Less Toyota tick and valve train noise. Should have done that a while back. Just changed the rear diff to 75w90 (GL-5) and will do the front soon. (Rear diff fluid looked extremely good and golden even at 68k miles) Transfer case I’m still thinking about. Not sure yet and I don’t need to change it yet either…

Originally Posted by NorthPark

The Amsoil bags made it stupid easy to change the diffs.

Yes! Get the bags!! Other manufacturers are using them now. Took less time to do the diff than engine oil…

[jdm-v35]

Originally Posted by 02SE

If it's the part-time 4wd T-case with the lever, it's the Aisin VF2A. The same T-case I had in my '97 4Runner. I used various 75w90 gear oils in it over the years. Including Redline MT90. It was also speced for GL-4 or GL-5.

No issues.

The current oil viscosity recommendations for the engine, diffs, T-case, in the USA are CAFE driven.

But if people want to go strictly by the recommendations in the current owners manuals, they are certainly welcome to.

Would you recommend the Heavy Shockproof then? it says it is a 75w-90 equivalent but behaves as a higher viscosity. I am just not sure if it would have positive or negative effects. for the 4wd Lever tcase and f/r diffs

[HanginInUtah]

Originally Posted by BlueRidge77

This. I changed my oil over to 5w30 and the engine has never sounded better. Smooth! Less Toyota tick and valve train noise. Should have done that a while back. Just changed the rear diff to 75w90 (GL-5) and will do the front soon. (Rear diff fluid looked extremely good and golden even at 68k miles) Transfer case I’m still thinking about. Not sure yet and I don’t need to change it yet either…

So... I can totally buy this, but I'm just wondering about the fuel mileage. Notice it drop a little with the change in oil? If it's CAFE driven, I'd think it would affect it some.
The only time I've seen a viscosity problem was years ago, on a CAT C9 engine in a fire truck, below freezing weather the 15w40 (typical diesel) oil was too thick for the fuel pump (if I remember correctly, or fuel injector?) and it gave a no-start condition until the oil was changed out to 5w30 diesel grade that was spec'd.
And if it solves that wonderful ticking noise, I'm on board. I'm so going to miss that sound...

[1jzgte]

dont bother w/ the pump and hose. Get a funnel and a long hose. Put my funnel above my rear wheel and tied/taped it there as i filled the rear diff. Then then for the transfer/transmission/front diff just use the same funnel/hose setup route it to the top of the engine bay. Let gravity do the work. So much easier and cleaner and less time on your back.

[jp.vegas]

Originally Posted by jdm-v35

Would you recommend the Heavy Shockproof then? it says it is a 75w-90 equivalent but behaves as a higher viscosity. I am just not sure if it would have positive or negative effects. for the 4wd Lever tcase and f/r diffs

You don't need, and shouldn't use, an oil not designed for the application in question.

Are you lifting a wheel, keeping it spinning at high speed, and then dropping it down while it's spinning onto a high traction surface like asphalt, rock or concrete? That's what causes shock loading in diffs and what Shockproof is meant to mitigate.

ATRAC or MTS won't allow that to happen so unless you're repeatedly abusing the vehicle by doing those very specific things, there's no benefit to using an oil that's not designed for your use case.

Redline makes excellent oils, I used them in my race cars for years and years but use their regular 75-90 in the diffs for the 4Runner.

[BlueRidge77]

Originally Posted by HanginInUtah

So... I can totally buy this, but I'm just wondering about the fuel mileage. Notice it drop a little with the change in oil? If it's CAFE driven, I'd think it would affect it some.
The only time I've seen a viscosity problem was years ago, on a CAT C9 engine in a fire truck, below freezing weather the 15w40 (typical diesel) oil was too thick for the fuel pump (if I remember correctly, or fuel injector?) and it gave a no-start condition until the oil was changed out to 5w30 diesel grade that was spec'd.
And if it solves that wonderful ticking noise, I'm on board. I'm so going to miss that sound...

I’m all for following the directions from the manufacturer, but I’m also an engineer and I know there are MANY factors that go into establishing specs. CAFE and other things may not result in the longest vehicle lifespan at the expense of slightly better fuel economy. Regardless of my opinions on this, someone in another thread posted the oil recommendation from an Australia 4Runner Owners Manual and it recommended several viscosity specs. There is absolutely nothing sacred about 0W-20. You do need to be aware of temps, but for me, it does not get cold enough in Virginia to be a concern.

I have not noticed any difference in economy. My assumption on that is the aggregate nature of CAFE. If they can pick up 0.1 or 0.2 mpg per vehicle, it’s important to them over tens of thousands of units. But it’s meaningless to you or me. I’m just speculating that… Give it a shot. The tick isn’t gone but definitely less noticeable.

[jdm-v35]

Originally Posted by jp.vegas

You don't need, and shouldn't use, an oil not designed for the application in question.

Are you lifting a wheel, keeping it spinning at high speed, and then dropping it down while it's spinning onto a high traction surface like asphalt, rock or concrete? That's what causes shock loading in diffs and what Shockproof is meant to mitigate.

ATRAC or MTS won't allow that to happen so unless you're repeatedly abusing the vehicle by doing those very specific things, there's no benefit to using an oil that's not designed for your use case.

Redline makes excellent oils, I used them in my race cars for years and years but use their regular 75-90 in the diffs for the 4Runner.

I was under the impression that it was a slicker 75w-90 that sticks to the parts better. I did see someone in another thread as well as in 3rd/4th gen forums mentions of using it and things ran a lot smoother, hopefully also increasing longevity. If not i will probably just use the standard redline 75w90 in all 3.

[Hammer0313]

I've been running 0w30 and 5w30 in the engine and I'm very happy with how butter smooth the engine sounds. Gas mileage is about the same! Rear/Front diffs and TC all got Amsoil 75w90 and all is good, the bags that the Amsoil comes in makes maintenance a breezzzzz.
As for the shock proof I'm not sure you'll need it, from what i understand it's Loaded with additives. I think Amsoil or Redline 75w90 is a fantastic choice.