3rd Gen Differentials and Transfer Case Fluids

[shizupple]

Been doing some digging on here to find what people have been using for fluids on their 3rd gens (I have a ’97 SR5). I see a lot of info out there for 4th gen fluid swaps but little on 3rd gens. A lot of people are saying they’re using 75W-90 on both differentials and their transfer case.

The ’97 Owner’s Manual says to use the following:

Transfer Case: Multipurpose Gear Oil API GL-4 or GL-5 Recommended SAE 75W-90
Front Differential:
-A.D.D.: SAE 75W-90
-Except A.D.D. Above 0°F : SAE 90
-Eccept A.D.D. Below 0°F : SAE 80W or 80W-90
Rear Differential:
-Above 0°F : SAE 90
-Below 0°F : SAE 80W or 80W-90

How do I know if my front diff has an Automatic Disconnecting Differential? Is it okay to use 75W-90 on all three? What are the pros and cons to going 75W-90, and are the temperature ratings just for ambient conditions when the vehicle is not running? Any tried and true recommendations?

Also, if anyone can direct me to the part numbers for the crush washers for the fill and drain plugs that’d be great.

Thanks!

 

[truedef]

I plan to change mine soon with Mobile1 75W-90, and read it takes about 3 quarts.

 

[<<<<]

I used this in my both 2004 and 2015 4Runners, it will work just as well on 3rd gen:

 

[Tundra9er]

I used 80w90 Valvoline on the rear of my 3rd gen and Mobil 1 synthetic 75w90 on the transfer case and front diff. Seemed to work out just fine. I would suggest PB Blasting all the drain and fill plugs asap and let them sit overnight or longer before attempting to remove them. I stripped the front diff drain plug and had to take it to a shop to remove it :sobbing: