Front & Rear Differential Oil

[Woz1976-MT]

The Toyota factory differential oil seems to go bad after a few thousand miles. I used Mobil 1 and will stick with Mobil 1 after reading this article: http://www.goodsenseoil.com/G2457-GearOilWhitePaper.pdf

It basically says RP is not very good for being so expensive but Amoil is the best. I think you get the colored story. However, Mobil 1 is considered very good value.

And the source... Amsoil. As a former middle school teacher, I would not consider that a very reliable, unbiased source. I have known many people -- with very lengthy engine building experience -- who swear by Royal Purple and it's high quality in the lubrication field (along with very good oil analysis reports from BobIsTheOilGuy).

However, I also am an Amsoil fan (and a "preferred customer") and I know their products are quite stellar.

 

[ADK Explorer]

After letting my oil sample set for two days the sediment settled out and the oil turned clear. I squirted some onto my finger and the sediment is very fine, barely able to feel it. I'm still changing it though. Dealer said that the trucks come stock with synthetic diff oil in them and that you can go from regular oil to synthetic but not vice versa. I've called distributors within 50 miles of me and no one carries Amsoil so I'll buy online and drive easy until it gets changed.

 

[ADK Explorer]

Changed the oil today. This is what the magnet had on it after 5000 miles. I'm done hogging the thread now. Thanks for all of your input.

 

[4Running303]

I am glad I saw this thread...it motivated me to change my rear diff fluid this morning and boy am I glad I did. I'm at ~13,000 miles and after seeing my magnet and the black (sort of milky) oil that came out, I wish I had done it earlier.
Used Mobil 1 75w90 synthetic.
Thanks again forum!

 

[oobaa47]

Looking to do my rear differential oil. I'm at 7000 miles. I called the dealership and asked them what kind of rear diff oil they use, they said 80/90w. They said they buy it in bulk from Exxon. What are the advantages or disadvantages using this oil versus 75/85 or 75/90 I see some guys using? I'm still under Toyota care, so it's just easier for me to have them do it, while I still get the free oil changes, but I'd like to switch to amsoil or red line eventually. Just not sure what weight to go. Thanks ....

 

[catrains]

the front rear diff gear oil is not an odd ball lube . many dealerships use mobil synthetic 75-90wt.

these diffs are not with any special components clutches etc..
some have a locker but my 4runner is an open diff.

I do my oil changes no not the dealership ..so I found at 3K miles the rear diff oil was gray and when I changed it the magnet did have some metal sludge on it.

after the oil and rear gear lube change my MPG increased 2MPG..
checked all drive train fluids 3 months ago .. looked good..16K miles..

oil changes at any service center will do the quick lube. so what happens is all the old oil will not come out it takes 45min for the oill to drain out on these engines.. GM engines 20 min..

 

[DougEFresh2]

ALL FLUIDS GUIDE: Beginner Fluid Maintenance

This is all of my fluid intervals and information I use.
:jump: