NTH

My GX is coming up on 110k miles, and I'm planning on doing front and rear diff fluids and transfer case. I read a few threads on here, and most people replace with Mobil 1. I called my local Toyota dealer, they used some crazy expensive Toyota brand fluid. Then I called local Lexus. To my surprise, they use Penzoil for $10/qt. The parts guy told me even customers vehicles get Penzoil bulk oil, not Toyota fluids. Anyone used Penzoil in the diffs or transfer case before? TIA

470SNC

I usually use AMSOIL severe gear from Napa, great stuff

IanB2

Fresh gear oil is better than old gear oil, don't overthink it. I've been using Shell Spirax synthetic, bought a 5ga pail of it and did the F&R diffs and TC in the GX, my Land Cruiser, and the rear diff in my car, and still have a little bit left.

chiph9

Penzoil is fine. I've used Castrol in the past. As long as it meets the API specification and weight for your location, you're good.

Change it per the schedule in the owner's manual, or more often if you tow or go off-road a lot.

Only one you need to pay super attention to so far as fluid choice is the transfer case, since it has a limited-slip in there.

Chip H.

IanB2

Transfer case doesn't require any special additives or fluids, same stuff as the F&R diffs will be fine. It's an electronically controlled diff, not mechanical like most LSD rear diffs would be.

NTH

Wow thanks for the great feedback guys. I just didn't expect Lexus to use Penzoil instead of Toyota fluids. I will be picking up some Mobil 1 and DIY this weekend following Mann's stickie. Thanks all!

SC3coupe

iTrader: (4)

the spec for F R diff is 85W90 or straight 90 for 0F or above environments, this is like impossible to find though.
for t-case is 75W90

I bought amsoil 75W90 severe gear for everything. 6.3 Qt is total for F R Diff and t-case.
It's like $15.8 a qt which same price as royal purple and redline but few dollars than mobil 1. Not really sweating a few dollars difference though since my other vehicle has a small sump (0.5 qt each) I wanted some durable oil so I ordered the same for both cars.

Does anyone have the DIY for the transfer case, the guide in the sticky only cover the diff.

I have found this too I think it's very similar on the GX

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/mainte...-included.html

NTH

Here's a link for the T case in Mann's stickie

http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3369

burny

i just did mine at 30k miles. used Mobile 1 synthetic 75w-90 all the way from front to back

Ali SC3

iTrader: (10)

Transfer case is actually a T-3 torsen mechanical diff (how its really AWD). it just so happens the T-3 does not need special additives so you are right on the first part. the electronics just move a fork, nothing special there.

FJ cruiser AWD transfer case (no electronic fork)


GX470 AWD transfer case (electronic fork for center diff lock, slides plate over LSD gears to lock together)

oil to use

IanB2

Thanks for the additional info Ali.

Ali SC3

iTrader: (10)

anytime I have a huge collection of slightly useful information on all my vehicles.
That chart does make me wonder how our cars would feel with a 3.0L 1KZ or 1KD turbo diesel motor though... oh well at least our engine is much larger 4.7 v8.

IanB2

I had a 1KZ-TE in my '96 Hilux Surf, and I can tell you it would feel underpowered in the bigger 4th gen platform. 1KD might be a different story. That Surf was a great truck though, loved that thing!

NTH

Updated part number:

Transfer case fill gasket: 90430-A0003
Transfer case drain gasket: 90430-A0003
Front diff fill gasket: 12157-10010 no change
Front diff drain gasket: 90430-24003 no change
Rear diff fill gasket: 12157-10010 no change
Rear diff fill gasket: 12157-10010 no change

SC3coupe

iTrader: (4)

You can get the new or old part number for the transfer case washer they are still available depending on the region.
What it seems like is an aluminum washer for the transfer case, which is also made of aluminum?