Forgive me if there were other threads. A quick search really didn't show much.

I like to have a baseline for my vehicles so plan to change out the front & rear diff fluid as well as the transfer case fluid and then change again in 30K miles. Manual says every 15K miles if you tow but my vehicle use will be like 10-15% of the time towing so I think 30K will be fine. Vehicle is currently a little over 35K miles.

Front Differential
Oil capacity 1.48 qt. (1.40 L, 1.23 Imp.qt.)
Oil type and viscosity* Toyota Genuine Differential Gear Oil LT 75W-85 GL5 or equivalent

Rear Differential
Oil capacity 2.85 qt. (2.70 L, 2.38 Imp.qt.)
Oil type and viscosity* Toyota Genuine Differential Gear Oil LT 75W-85 GL5 or equivalent

Transfer Case
Oil capacity 1.5 qt. (1.4 L, 1.2 Imp.qt.)
Oil type*Toyota Genuine Transfer Gear oil LF or equivalent
Recommended oil viscosity SAE 75W

I'm gonna use Amsoil for the front and rear diff but since I can't find an equivalent for the transfer case gonna have to do OEM with their "gold" fluid at around $50-60/quart....

Amsoil @ $12/quart
http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produc...?code=svgqt-ea




The liquid gold fluid for transfer case is this ---->

https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forum...75w-voa.269462


PN: 08885-81080

Apparently served up in the above can as well :-)

I've seen a lot of discussion on other Toyota forums but it seems questionable on any of the AWD TC's... many with the PT Transfer cases will just use the standard front/rear diff fluid. Not gonna chance it as this is only a cost that would be incurred every 3-4 years for me.

I think most expensive fluid I have every purchased. Oh well.. plan to keep this rig a long time.

EDIT: Cheapest place I have found with 50% shipping discount for OEM transfer case fluid. Let me know if you find a place cheaper.
CODE: CLUBLEXUS

 

I am curious as well. Our other 4x4's use ATF, preferably ATF+4. The old Quadratrac fluid was specific, and very expensive. I'm curious what the techs say about it when no one else is listening.

 

Do you know where I can a diy with pic on how to do this?

 

I haven't really found any...I think many of the 4Runner videos are probably closest to it. I plan to take some pictures at least and some videos when I do mine in about 3 weeks. I'll put back into this trhead.

This one will give you idea of process even though an older 4Runner. It is a V8 model which is AWD though.


I plan to add PN for drain/fill washers. Usually you can get more use out of them in my experience but gonna just swap it as this will be good for 3-4 years for me.

 

Using this part site for my '12 GX here are PNs for washers


Front Diff Fill - (41110N) 1215710010
Rear Diff Fill (42110B) - 1215710010
Transfer Case Fill (36114C) - 90430A0003


Front Diff Drain - (4110Q) 9043024003
Rear Diff Drain (42110D) - 1215710010
Transfer Case Drain (36114C) - 90430A0003

 

Torque specs for drain/fill plugs from GX FSM:

Front Diff Fill: 29 ft-lb
Front Diff Drain: 48 ft-lb

Rear Diff Fill: 36 ft-lb
Rear Diff Drain: 36 ft-lb

Transfer Case Fill: 27 ft-lb
Transfer Case Drain: 27 ft-lb

 

All of my local Toyota and Lexus dealers wanted the nearly $80/quart MSRP for OEM transfer case fluid listed above. No one had in stock and 1 week to get in.

I found TRDParts.com had it for $55.11/quart and free shipping over $100 so I ordered from them. I did buy the last two quarts they currently had in stock so you may need to inquire about availability. Most other places are charging $15-$20 shipping.

 

Geez, rare and pricey!! Why is that?

 

Wow that is some expensive fluid...liquid gold is right!
Sorry I haven't read the manual but is it called for changing the front and back diff and transfer every 15k miles or 30k? Mine is @ 38k and probably thinking of changing it too...I may go with Mobil 1 75w-90 since I used that before and it was good plus I still have a few bottles left LOL haha.

 

IIRC...30K miles is the most aggressive schedule if you are towing. Or as most of manufacturers say ...sooner if you have submerged things in water although it looks like breathers go up into the body. I'll post any diagrams I see of breather routes from FSM.


Mobile 1 will be plenty good. I can only imagine what the dealer would charge for this even if I am into it for $160 in fluid.


This TundraTalk thread may have more info or ?'s :-). If there was more definitive info on using alternatives I would be open to it but since there is a lot of doubt gonna stick with OEM on this one since I'd rather not risk it on an expensive drivetrain component.

EDIT: Not gonna change it this weekend but gonna get under and confirm what sockets or allen wrench sizes are needed for fill/drain plugs. I imagine it is similar sockets to Tundra and 4Runners.

Found this kit on eBay with all the crush washers. Sorry...direct link brought this big picture in.



These make job easier as well.

 

Picked up a set of allen/hex wrench sockets today. I have a set at my other place but use that on my quads. IIRC... #10 is what is needed for the allen wrench heads.

 

Going to be following this to see how it goes. I'll be bringing my GX in next week to the dealer for a drain and fill on the transmission but would much rather do the diff and such on my own if possible. Lexus Seattle charges $140 for the transmission service, Tacoma and Bellevue (same auto group family) won't touch it because "sealed unit".

 

Good to know on Lexus of Seattle. That is closest dealer to me. That is where I bought my second FOB. I might have them do a service on transmission in 20K miles. I've only got 35K miles so far and this rig doesn't appear that it did any towing by the pristine condition of hitch.

How many miles on your GX?

 

I'm gonna use my ramps when I change fluids. I have two sets. I like having extra room. Might drop the rear spare tire if it makes it easier but we'll see.

 

Right now its a few hundred short of 90k. It shifts fine but I'm skeptical about lifetime fluids and would much rather change it out for peace of mind.