New ride-please help with some basics.

[907YOTA]

07 Four Runner SR5, 4x4, 112,000 miles. Just bought this and love it, I’m sure the previous owner is now where as meticulous about maintenance as I am. My question is about all the drive fluids. I know this is kind of repetative but I’ve read a lot and see many different answers on this forum.

Going to change all fluids. I see rear diff, transfer and front all take GL-5 75-90. Thought it was kind of unusual the transfer takes gear oil but anyway. I see almost everybody switches to synthetic. So, here’s my questions.

1-I’ve heard going to synthetic can cause seals to leak because the fluid is thinner, is this true or bs? I’m fine with spending the money just want to do it right.

2-does the rear take an additive for limited slip?

3-How often do you guys change transmission fluid and what do you use? I know driving conditions affect the answer but I’m just wondering what the average is.

4-Do you really use 2 crush gaskets on all drain plugs?

I think that’s it for now. Thanks for any info!

Jeff

 

[KingPrat]

07 Four Runner SR5, 4x4, 112,000 miles. Just bought this and love it, I’m sure the previous owner is now where as meticulous about maintenance as I am. My question is about all the drive fluids. I know this is kind of repetative but I’ve read a lot and see many different answers on this forum.

Going to change all fluids. I see rear diff, transfer and front all take GL-5 75-90. Thought it was kind of unusual the transfer takes gear oil but anyway. I see almost everybody switches to synthetic. So, here’s my questions.

1-I’ve heard going to synthetic can cause seals to leak because the fluid is thinner, is this true or bs? I’m fine with spending the money just want to do it right.

2-does the rear take an additive for limited slip?

3-How often do you guys change transmission fluid and what do you use? I know driving conditions affect the answer but I’m just wondering what the average is.

4-Do you really use 2 crush gaskets on all drain plugs?

I think that’s it for now. Thanks for any info!

Jeff

1. I converted everything to synthetic when I bought my 4th Gen. No issues.

2. No it doesn't. Front and rear are open diffs.

3. Recommended is 100k I believe.

4. I don't remember this. 2 seems like overkill. I only used 1 when I did everything and never had an issue, and believe I had a PDF FSM. They are expensive little shits, though.

 

[907YOTA]

Thanks for the response King. Regarding the transmission, is there also a filter like a normal automatic? I felt like a real dumb a$$ when I was going to buy it because I usually smell the transmission fluid, never heard of a closed system. Didn’t see anything in the manual about a filter but it’s sunday, my drinking day .

Kind of off the subject...When towing or climbing lots of hills is there an overdrive on these?

Sorry if the question sound dumb! Thanks!

 

[Berty_K]

1. I converted everything to synthetic when I bought my 4th Gen. No issues.

2. No it doesn't. Front and rear are open diffs.

3. Recommended is 100k I believe.

4. I don't remember this. 2 seems like overkill. I only used 1 when I did everything and never had an issue, and believe I had a PDF FSM. They are expensive little shits, though.

I also switched everything to Mobil 1 synthetic. No issues. Trying out Mobil 1 High Mileage for the first time and haven't run into any issues.

I haven't changed my transmission oil. I'm at 147K.

I also only used 1 crush gasket.

 

[Morphyne]

I have 200k on my 07 sr5 4x4. I always reuse my crush gaskets, I run Mobil 1 synthetic in everything. High mileage for the engine. I change my differential fluids every 80k or so. Transmission about the same. I use valvoline max life for the tranny. I own two 4runner's (actually one is a gx470) and Ive changed the filters in both trannys. I wouldn't bother bc the filter is just a mesh screen. If the exhaust pipes are not in the way (and on yours they shouldnt) it would be worth dropping the pan just to clean the magnets and see what's going on in there.

 

[Supersonic]

V6 or V8? I have 05 V6, but if you watch Eric the car guy on YouTube he's seen servicing a V8.

1. Yes, I'd guess it's possible a lighter viscosity could get past a seal, but I don't think here it's a problem except for the power steering, but it seems many have used the synthetic here with no issue. I used Walmart's SuperTech high mileage trans fluid for my power steering, it not a full synthetic but does have the additives for the seals, and I actually did add some Valvoline Max Life to it, but only about 1/5 quart, it also has some additive properties that I liked. That's what I also used for the transmission.

The 2005 user manual also states 80w -90 for the rear differential, warmer climate just 90w, but I believe Toyota has since had a TSB or the like that states 75w -90 is okay for all, front and rear differential and the transfer case. Just use common sense, if you think you need the heavier weight because of towing or temperatures, use it, cheaper than a new differential.

2. Not used here, just went with owners manual's 80w -90.

3. 60k would be my outside preference, but around 30 to 40k. Valvoline Max Life. I also changed the filter, on the V6 it is very easy, the V8 has part of the exhaust pipe under the pan so it has to be removed, so start putting some penetrate on the exhaust bolts at least a day or 2 before you disassemble it. You can see that in Eric the car guy's video.

4. No, 1 new gasket should be sufficient, in fact reminded of the oil filter and 2 gaskets, my buddy didin't get the old one off and ended up ruining his motor when the oil leaked out because he had both the old and new gasket on the filter. I don't think that would be an issue here, but just thought I'd put that out there.

 

[techno]

Kind of off the subject...When towing or climbing lots of hills is there an overdrive on these?

Transmission forward gear ratios are
First 3.520
Second 2.042
Third 1.400
Fourth 1.00
Fifth 0.716

So yes, 5th gear is the overdrive.

 

[6wheelin]

T4R 4x4 Newbie

After a ton of research and looking at abused Jeep Cherokee's I picked up a new to me 2005 T4R.

As I've just joined this forum I can't create a new post/thread apparently so sorry for hijacking this thread. I'm super happy to be in this forum with so many folks with a ton of knowledge and experience, it's gonna be fun.

The info already contained in this thread about fluids is really helpful. I'm dropping off the new rig with my mechanic to do a thorough diagnostic of the rig, engine, fluids, serpentine belts, cooling sys (hoses), brakes and anything else.

I have plans to make this an overland rig to explore the deserts here in California. So I have a question about Baja Racks. I reached out to them today but it's some kinda mexican holiday their accountant told me. What I'm wondering is how their basket rack works with my vehicle and the sunroof. Ideally I'd like to still be able to use it. Anyone running one of these racks? I also plan on mounting a RTT perhaps from these guy's

Anza 1400 (2-3 Person) - Overland Pros

And their awning. Anyone been using these?

I hope to learn a ton more about my vehicle and overlanding so I can safely get out and back.

~Hugh

 

[907YOTA]

Thank you all for the responses, I really appreciate it. Man, all this would be so easy with a lift.

So I guess when towing you just switch over to the 4 and leave it?

And I do have the V6 supersonic.

One more question I forgot to ask. While I'm down there I want to grease the driveline fittings. I saw that you're supposed to use two different types. Do you really need some special types of grease? I usually just use marine grease on everything...vehicles, atv, trailer, boat drive, etc.

 

[907YOTA]

So I just got Mobil 1 75-90 to do the diffs and transfer case. After I got home I noticed it said LS for limited slip additive. I'm hoping that's what all you guys are using even though we don't need the additive? Did I get the wrong stuff???