Rear differential oil specification...

[PoshSnoop]

My question: wtf?

No, really... my question: If I'm trying to go with Toyota's guidance for their product, what hypoid gear oil specification do I for my 2002 T4R?

Here's what I've tried:

My 2002 T4R Limited 4x4 owner's manual says
Differential
Oil type: Hypoid gear oil API GL–5
Recommended oil viscosity:
Rear
Above –18C (0F) << this one. I'm above -18C
SAE 90
Below –18C (0F)
SAE 80W or 80W–90

I've had no success finding 3 quarts of Hypoid gear oil API GL-5 SAE 90 at Amazon, local car parts stores, Google shopping, etc. Apparently I can order a tanker-load for huge piles of money.

So, yes, I've Googled, binged, poked around in the Toyota owners site, used the special T4R 3rd Gen Google search instructions, and found that answers generally fall into several categories:

• Use SAE 110. Oil weight suffers inflation over time as well. What used to be SAE 90 in the dim, distant past is now SAE 110.
• Use SAE 90 from a marine store
• SAE 90 is so 1950s
• Use 75W-90
• Use whatever you want
• don't worry about it
• silly monkey

I called the parts guy at the local Toyota dealership and asked if he sells the gear oil for the rear diff for my truck. He said, "We only have that in bulk for our service department. You can buy it at any car parts store."

...which has not aligned with my experience to date.

Ideas? Good advice? Just pick an answer from my list?

 

[repo]

I just use 75w90 for everything.

 

[02SE]

75w90 is fine. I've used that viscosity in the front diff, transmission, (5-speed) transfer case, and rear axle, since I changed all of the factory lubricants out early in my 4Runner's life.

For the first 13 years of ownership, I used Mobil 1 75w90 gear oil. Now I'm using Redline 75w90 gear oil. Except for in the transmission where I'm using a blend of a couple different Redline products.

For a readily available 75w90 gear oil which just about any auto parts store will carry, Mobil 1 is still a fine product.

 

[3rzrunner]

Mobil 1 75w-90 is a good product ^

But if you can source it Amsoil severe gear 75w-90 is a bit better.

I run the amsoil in all my cars.

just a thing to keep in mind if you do any water crossings make SURE you have extended the diff breather so you don't mess up your diff.

 

[jreask]

You can buy the Mobil1 75-90 at O'reilly's for $6.99 a quart. You have to ask them for that price. I buy it all the time for that price. The list price is $10.99 I think.

 

[PoshSnoop]

Thanks for the cheers & jeers, guys. I now have 6 qts of Mobil 1 75W-90 waiting for me to slide under the truck and get to work.

 

[PoshSnoop]

...if you do any water crossings make SURE you have extended the diff breather so you don't mess up your diff.

Hey, good reminder. I spotted that little mod a few months back and put it on the list. I don't currently have specific plans to do any water crossings, but I know that as soon as we head out into the sticks again we'll pull up to some water that we need to cross. I'll go ahead and make sure the breather is clear and extended when I do the oil change.

 

[Riceye]

Just a reminder - loosen the fill plug before pulling the drain plug!!!

 

[PoshSnoop]

Just a reminder - loosen the fill plug before pulling the drain plug!!!

yup... it would be annoying to have to turn the truck upside down to get the oil back in there.

 

[sakoluvr]

You can buy the Mobil1 75-90 at O'reilly's for $6.99 a quart. You have to ask them for that price. I buy it all the time for that price. The list price is $10.99 I think.

How does this work? Anybody else get Mobil 1 this cheap??

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

How does this work? Anybody else get Mobil 1 this cheap??

Yeah, over 3 years ago...:wink2:

 

[sakoluvr]

Yeah, over 3 years ago...:wink2:

Yeah, I thought it was worth a shot if they still offer a discount. :israel: I have three 4runners in the family and the next maintenance for all 3 is a triple fluid change. Front and rear diffs and the tcase. It adds up!

Looks like ebay is a decent source for gear oil. Looking to put 80W-90 in the rear and 75W-90 in the tcase and front diff.

 

[Lindenwood]

I honestly wouldnt be worried about throwing in some 80w-90 dino oil in the diffs. You can get a gallon for roughly $15-17.