Synthetic Differential Oil

[t4rfan]

After searching the site, I noticed that a lot of 4Runner owners have good things to say about Amsoil. I'm thinking of putting Amsoil synthetic into my V8 diffs, but the Amsoil site does not list SAE 90 viscosity (as recommended in the Toyota manual for the V8). Is there much harm in putting the SAE 80W-90 into the diffs if the temperature will never be below 0?
Thanks!

 

[toybox]

After searching the site, I noticed that a lot of 4Runner owners have good things to say about Amsoil. I'm thinking of putting Amsoil synthetic into my V8 diffs, but the Amsoil site does not list SAE 90 viscosity (as recommended in the Toyota manual for the V8). Is there much harm in putting the SAE 80W-90 into the diffs if the temperature will never be below 0?
Thanks!

search for it, there was a long thread on the diff's, I think I may have even been the one who started it. I forget what I used but I think it was 75-90.

 

[T4RMatt]

Re: Re: Synthetic Differential Oil

I just changed out both axles and transfer case fluid today. I used Mobil synthetic 75w-90 in the front diff and tcase, and Lucas 90 in the rear. I dont know if you could use the 80-90 or not, but I could not find any synthetic in the 90. The Lucas product is a very good gear lubricant and probably as good under the circumstances used as the synthetic would be, especially since going the synthetic route would mean using the incorrect viscosity. Good luck with your search. BTW, if was very easy to change all three diffs.

 

[Casper]

75-90 especially in such a high quality produce at Amsoil Severe Gear is more than enough

 

[no1sportz]

The Amsoil 75W90 Severe Duty synthetic is designed to replace 90W. It is what I have been using since it came out. It is awesome stuff. Check out Amsoil's site or you can call their tech line and speak to one of their service techs if you have any questions. They are very helpful.

This is what you want.

<img src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c375/no1sportz/Amsoil7590.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting~original"></a>

 

[Koz]

The Amsoil 75W90 Severe Duty synthetic is designed to replace 90W. It is what I have been using since it came out. It is awesome stuff. Check out Amsoil's site or you can call their tech line and speak to one of their service techs if you have any questions. They are very helpful.

This is what you want.

<img src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c375/no1sportz/Amsoil7590.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting~original"></a>

:iagree: I second the 75-90 Severe Amsoil for the diffs and the transfer case. 5 qts. will do it all.

koz

 

[Whoknows]

75W-90

Also what I'm using.

 

[OUTRNNR]

How hard is it to do this? How long would it take? Could I do it the same day I change my oil? I've been wanting to upgrade to synthetics in the diffs and transfer case for a while now...

 

[Baba Booey]

How hard is it to do this? How long would it take? Could I do it the same day I change my oil? I've been wanting to upgrade to synthetics in the diffs and transfer case for a while now...

Theoretically, it's easier than changing the oil. However, I believe you will need to remove the front skid plate in order to access the front diff. I haven't done this to my 4Runner yet, but I have done it to other vehicles.

You probably want to invest the $10 or so into a gear oil pump to make the job much easier. Also, it's a good idea to open the fill plug first before opening the drain plug in each diff and the t-case. This way, if you have a problem getting the fill plug open, you won't be sitting there with a dry diff waiting for a tow truck.

Also, the fluid usually shoots out farther than you would expect, so be prepared to get some oil on the ground or be extra careful with your catch pan placement.

The capacities are listed in the owner's manual. You pretty much just drain the old fluid out and put the new fluid in until it reaches the top of the fill plug hole.

P.S. You probably want to pick up a few new crush washers from the stealer.

 

[NCarolina4Runner]

Amsoil 75-90 is what I've got in mine also.

I've always used Amsoil in my cars, but they've always been bought new, and had Amsoil from day one. I've never bought a used vehicle until my 4runner (and I've enjoyed it so much I'll never buy another new car again). So, naturally I wanted to change everything over to Amsoil.When I had oil changed out, I just replaced everything in the truck with Amsoil.

Front and rear diff, T-case, radiator fluid, brake fluid, transmission, and of course the engine oil.

Amsoil...great stuff. Been using it for years, and will continue to as long as they make quality products.

 

[Koz]

It should take approx 2 hrs on the ground with a pump (you must have a gear oil pump). The skid plate needs to be removed. On a lift it will take alot less time. There are seals on each plug that should be replaced (Stealer items).

Koz

 

[Whoknows]

I can't remember how long it took, but I also recommend replacing the crush washers -- and the pump is pretty much a must. The filling of the new oil is what I remember taking time -- that and just getting oriented to everything -- making sure I made no mistakes. But, as said, pretty much like changing any other oil -- drain and fill.

 

[Louie]

75-90 is 90 weight. It's just a multigrade version of 90 weight, a better product for startup with the oil has yet to hit normal operating temperature.