When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
nuclearn8 has a spreadsheet that will show the number D/F to replace close to 100% of the fluid.
On my 2019 I changed the ATF at approx 1700 miles and didn't notice any difference and did 6 D/F on that.
My 2016 had over 45,000 on it and also did 6 D/F on that and DID notice an improvement in shifting. I don't track MPG. I'm going to do another 6 D/F on the 2016 next month. It not has over 52,000 miles on it.
If you're going to spend the time and effort to do three, I would do a few more to try and get a higher percentage of new fluid in the transmission. You could do 3 D/F and then do another 3 D/F at your next oil change.
The best thing is that you're doing more than the average GX owner.
GXOR member found possible alternative to OEM TC fluid from Germany. Much cheaper at $15-$25/quart depending on where you find it.
Still some debate on other forums... sounds like in '14 or '15 Toyota went with the 75W formula that we use in 460 TC in the Tacomas and Tundras as well.
Awesome thread. I also use Ravenol for my BMWs transfer cases. TC is a major breaking point in BMWs and only the best stuff makes the job, I would not risk going with something unknown or experimenting. Probably Ravenol is the good stuff for Toyota, but its always a hit or miss (an expensive one in the case of a broken TC).
There is also a VOA done on this Ravenol MTF-3 and also the Toyota "golden" Fluid. Much different chemistry between the two, but that's only what a Blackstone VOA sample is showing.
There is so much debate on this fluid on here and also on many other forums.
You could stick any GL-4 rated MTF in this TC and have zero issues with it. This new 75w fluid is being used to get that last 0.001 MPG increase.
It's going to depend, just like what gear lube, engine oil, ATF, or coolant someone wants to use....All of us have our favorites and the vast majority of us on this forum are a higher quality fluid than the dealers are using in their BULK containers....
I'm running the Redline MT-LV in my TC, and if you read the compatibility docs it specifically mentions both Toyota and BMW X-drive. So that would tell me the Ravenol should be compatible as well. Gives me a little pause to think about it that way, since I see an AWD Tcase to have far less demands on it versus a true High/Low Tcase. Do BMW's have selectable low range in any packages?
I'm running the Redline MT-LV in my TC, and if you read the compatibility docs it specifically mentions both Toyota and BMW X-drive. So that would tell me the Ravenol should be compatible as well. Gives me a little pause to think about it that way, since I see an AWD Tcase to have far less demands on it versus a true High/Low Tcase. Do BMW's have selectable low range in any packages?
I don't think there is a selectable range, but older BMW cases like the ATC400 are very delicate - the BMW AWD TC goes from zero to 50% power and has a wet clutch element. I have disassembled one of those to repair it and it is the clutch friction plates that fail mostly. The way that ATC TC works that friction plates are pressed together based on the amount of forward drive you need to have. Those plates fail, followed by some bearings that are not pressure resistant. If you run out of oil or the oil level is too low, the whole thing wears out or seizes and the car is 100% RWD. After my repair of the ATC400 I am running Ravenol in it for the last 30k plus and so far so good.
Thank for the tip with the Redline oil - does it work fine ? I am thinking of putting this one or Ravenol in my GX 2nd gen.
Last edited by ninja250; May 20, 2020 at 08:46 PM.
GXOR member found possible alternative to OEM TC fluid from Germany. Much cheaper at $15-$25/quart depending on where you find it.
Still some debate on other forums... sounds like in '14 or '15 Toyota went with the 75W formula that we use in 460 TC in the Tacomas and Tundras as well.
Just by curiosity - I have checked the part number of my GX transfer case - it is the same TC that is used in newer Toyota 4 Runners, and on other forums the 4Runner folks use the Ravenol and other stuff in their SUVs without any harm, looks like. I personally believe that nothing will happen, but long term - time will tell.
I'm running the Redline MT-LV in my TC, and if you read the compatibility docs it specifically mentions both Toyota and BMW X-drive. So that would tell me the Ravenol should be compatible as well. Gives me a little pause to think about it that way, since I see an AWD Tcase to have far less demands on it versus a true High/Low Tcase. Do BMW's have selectable low range in any packages?
Curious on the Redline MT-LV... it shows it is 70w75... how did you come to use that as opposed to the Redline 75w85? Also, what is the difference in Redline 75-85 and Redline MT-85?
