Transfer Case Fluid

[MTN4RNR]

I'm pretty sure that this T-case fluid debate rivals only that of the "when will the supercharger finally arrive" debate in both magnitude and skepticism... After reading 4Runner, Tundra, and FJ forums the conclusion that I come to is that no one really knows, not even service techs, what the real answer is and what the long term effects might be in running a 75w-90 oil versus the Toyota spec'd 75w LF fluid. What a cluster****. Ha!

 

[Geaux504360]

Transfer Case Oil

I called Summit Racing and the rep stated we can use 75W-85 in the transfer case; which is great cause we can use it in everything (front/rear diff to). The Summit Rep also stated Toyota won't release the chemical make up or additives of their mysterious way overpriced TC oil.

 

[jhebert9]

Transfer case fluid

I wanted to change TC fluid. Dealer wanted $80 per quart for genuine Toyota fluid, so I went to another dealer. The parts man at the second dealer told me that Toyota buys their oil in bulk from Mobil and then re-packages it. I think you will be fine with Mobil synthetic.

 

[1jzgte]

Plan on using Redline 75w85 GL5 in the near future. Much cheaper than OEM at $17/quart on amazon

https://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=40

 

[Brian3676]

Most dealers around me don't even carry the OEM Toyota 75w in stock. 1 dealer parts guy had never even heard of it.

They talked to service and said they just use synthetic 75-90 in everything. The straight 75 is just a silly Toyota thing to get that extra MPG with slightly thinner oil. Later I talked to my buddy who is service manager at Toyota, he said they only time they ever use the OEM Toyota stuff if for warranty issues where they are required to use it, and Toyota pays.

 

[ElectroBoy]

Just like lots of folks said, you do not need to use the liquid gold Toyota 75W transfer case oil.
In case someone missed this, a guy posted on the other 4R forum a letter from Toyota stating that their special 75W is for better fuel economy, and that using a 75W-90 is fine too. No need to overthink this.

Would you use this instead of the $70 toyota fluid | Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com]

 

[Tuco S.]

Looks like the oem 75W liquid gold Kool-Aid drinkers will need to find a new hobby.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

Using Mobil Delvac Synthetic 75w90. Have 250K happy miles on a 2014 SR5. Don't listen to the OCD OEM oil people. Fear of the unknow is their worst enemy.