Gear Oil Brand for Transmission / T-Case / Diffs

[Koko4]

I just bought a '98 4Runner about a month ago, and for good measure I want to replace all of the fluids. I already have Redline MT-90 GL-4 for the transmission, but I am trying to decide what to use in the transmission, differentials, and transfer case. They all call for 75w-90 GL-5, but I'm trying to decide on the brand.

I basically need to choose between Mobil 1, Valvoline SynPower, and Lucas. (I am going to get them at Advance Auto and have a $20 off $100 coupon). I know that Mobil 1 has smaller molecules and IF there is going to be a leak, for example the axle seal, that Mobil 1 will slip past that leak easier.

What do you guys recommend? The $2 difference or so between quart prices isn't really a big factor..especially since I only have to do this every 30,000 miles or so.

Also, for the engine, I was thinking about going with Mobil 1. Is that pretty much the standard that everyone here uses?

Sorry for this question in advance - I'm sure it gets asked a lot, and I know for many it's a matter of personal preference. I just want to get off to a good start with the 4Runner and keep it running well for a long time to come. I have looked at other threads, but they mainly tout Redline for the transmission being the gold standard (hence why I got it - I'm curious to see the improvement).

Edit: Do I need to search for something that specifies "Limited Slip"? Or use any type of additive? I read about the newer 4Runners needing the additive to avoid rear diff chattering.

 

[Nunyabiz]

Why not just buy 2 gallon jugs of the Redline MT90?

Or Amsoil Severe Gear?

Engine I would also use either Redline or Amsoil oil

 

[Kanoe]

Transfer Case

I'm pretty sure the transfer case likes GL-4 same as the transmission. Syncros?? Hopefully someone else will verify.

I went redline MT-90 transmission and transfer and Amsoil GL-5 in the 2 diffs.

 

[Koko4]

The manual says GL-4 or GL-5 for the transfer case. I tried to find Amsoil at NAPA, but other than that I'm having NO luck finding it at all (so I wasn't going to go with that because I simply couldn't find it).

I could always order more MT-90 from Amazon for the transfer case. I was hoping to knock this out today, though! I couldn't even find Amsoil on Amazon...

Do either of you know about if I need to add the limited slip additive into the differentials?

 

[Koko4]

So I have decided I will either go with Redline 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil or Royal Purple 75w-90. I can get 6qts of the RP for around $103 locally at Advance Auto, or 6qts of Redline 75w-90 for $98 shipped but I'd have to wait for shipping from Amazon.

Do you have any thoughts on the whole Redline vs. Royal Purple debate? I'm leaning towards Royal Purple for the TC, front and rear diffs, even though I'll be running the Redline GL-4 in the transmission. Am I overthinking this..?

 

[Scirocco84]

I thought it was about 5 quarts for everything but the tranny. Are you sure you need 6?

I do think you are overthinking this. I've never seen any data that shows royal purple is inferior to redline. I usually steer clear just because of the price. If it's cost neutral go with what you can get right now.

 

[Nunyabiz]

I would go with the Redline if its between those 2 Redline or RP.

and you can buy Amsoil online as well, just from the Amsoil website.
You can also find an amsoil dealer in your area and more than likely just pick it up today.

AMSOIL - Synthetic Oil, Motor and Engine Oil, Lubricants, Air Filters, Oil Filters and Greases

AMSOIL Dealer and Installer Locator

Amsoil Dealers of Atlanta, GA

Either way I would stick with one of those 2 personally.

 

[TheDurk]

I only use MT-90 in the trans. TC has no synchros or other yellow metal so GL-5 is superior. I use any cheapo synthetic GL-5 75w-90 in TC and diffs. Last change was SuperTech from Wal-Mart. I prefer to invest less and change more often. These aren't race cars and the biggest risk is contamination from mud, sand or water. Fancy Amsoil or Redline is no better against these, only frequent changing helps.

 

[Brique]

I'm Mobil 1 for the engine, so I went with Mobil 1 for the tcase and diffs. Haven't had any problems, so I'd say it's working as intended.

 

[Kanoe]

I'm not so certain about that, using GL5 in the transfer case. I am, however, a newbie and no disrespect intended.

I have read quite a bit that says GL4 or GL4/5 compatible in the transfer case, not straight GL5. If you use the Amsoil car selector tool it recommends GL4 for the TC ...and GL5 for the diffs of course.

Your choice but I'd do a bit of research first.

 

[TheDurk]

I'm not so certain about that, using GL5 in the transfer case. I am, however, a newbie and no disrespect intended.

I have read quite a bit that says GL4 or GL4/5 compatible in the transfer case, not straight GL5. If you use the Amsoil car selector tool it recommends GL4 for the TC ...and GL5 for the diffs of course.

Your choice but I'd do a bit of research first.

There is no such thing as GL4/5 compatible. GL5 has sulfur additives, GL4 does not. You can't have it and NOT have it. Some manufacturers may claim to be compatible with both (Valvoline) but they can't list it--they just say GL-5. Who makes a listed GL-4/GL-5? Post it up, I'd love to see it and learn something new. I have done plenty of research on this. Are you talking about 3G 4Runner TC's? Because I have never seen a rec for GL-4 only for OUR TC's--not that it will hurt anything.

I don't give a crap what Amsoil says any more than I do what Valvoline says. Do you believe Prestone when they say use their green goop in everything?

 

[Kanoe]

Sorry, did not mean to step on toes.

He asked a question and I gave an answer based on my research, I have a 96 3rd gen.

I will mind my own business in the future.

Thanks

 

[Scirocco84]

There was an older spec gear oil GL-5 that has more of those sulfur phosphate compounds and that was the one that was really corrosive on for the yellow metals. Modern GL-5 isn't as bad, but GL-4 is better for trannys because of the yellow metals and the friction required for the syncros. I think the GL-4/ GL-5 designation comes from the days of that older spec, but I agree it is a bit of a misnomer.

 

[TheDurk]

Sorry, did not mean to step on toes.

He asked a question and I gave an answer based on my research, I have a 96 3rd gen.

I will mind my own business in the future.

Thanks

Hey, if you have good info feel free to put it forward. But don't claim I haven't done my research if you can't back it up. If there are no yellow metals in the TC, and there aren't, why would GL-4 be better? Please explain what your research says.

Don't worry about toes. There is a lot of bad info on the net. If I am repeating some, I'll be happy to know. If your research is exclusively what Amsoil says, then I will counter with my years on this forum and extensive reading on BITOG on this subject and continue with my current position.

By the way, here is Amsoil's recs for the TC for my truck. Looks like they recommend GL-4 and GL-5 for both standard and electronic. Where is the rec AGAINST GL-5 you refer to?

Do you have ANYTHING to back up your position?

 

[Kanoe]

No. It appears I spoke too quickly.

I am under informed about this.

I'd say I shouldn't believe everything I read on other forums.:wink2:

My apologies, I know you post a lot of good stuff here.

 

[BlackCat914]

I have Valvoline synthetic in everything except the engine, which is non synthetic.

 

[slapdappy]

99 Ltd

trans: Valvoline maxlife
engine: mobil 1
diff, trans case: mobil 1 75-90
Radiator: Zerex asian (Valvoline product0

 

[Scirocco84]

It looks like Kanoe was misguided, but I don't think that strong of a reaction was warranted.

I think his original comment about research was directed at the OP not at TheDurk. Sort of a make your own call type of thing.

 

[3rzrunner]

I would go with the Redline if its between those 2 Redline or RP.

and you can buy Amsoil online as well, just from the Amsoil website.
You can also find an amsoil dealer in your area and more than likely just pick it up today.

AMSOIL - Synthetic Oil, Motor and Engine Oil, Lubricants, Air Filters, Oil Filters and Greases

AMSOIL Dealer and Installer Locator

Amsoil Dealers of Atlanta, GA

Either way I would stick with one of those 2 personally.

Agreed! Why not just get AMSOIL or is that not possible?
I only run Amsoil severe gear....

 

[TheDurk]

ivy

It looks like Kanoe was a misguided, but I don't think that strong of a reaction was warranted.

I think his original comment about research was directed at the OP not at TheDurk. Sort of a make your own call type of thing.

Perhaps. I thought otherwise. I didn't think I was out-of-line given what I feel is bad info. He did not say either or--he said GL-5 was bad. The only strong statement I made was directed at manufacturer's websites, not Kanoe...although now it appears I was slightly unfair to Amsoil.