5th gen 4Runner transfer case oil.

[The Dragonfly]

I've been reading that the 5th gen 4Runner uses GL-4 gear oil, which is typically used in manual transmissions—though I'm not sure why Toyota made that choice. I know Redline offers gear oil that's compatible with the 4Runner transfer case, including their 75W-90, which seems to perform well. But here’s what I’m curious about: would Amsoil’s 75W-90 Manual Transmission & Transaxle Gear Oil, which is also rated GL-4, be suitable for the 4Runner transfer case?

 

[dnewton3]

Yes, the Amsoil product would work fine. Any GL-4 that is not also GL-5 rated will work for that application.
You might find that the 90 grade is a tad thick when cold and will slow the shift of the Xfer case in cold climes.

I recently helped a buddy to a full service on his Tacoma; used RL in the manual trans (75w-90) and xfer case (70-75w).

 

[MD1908]

A large number of Toyota owners run this, including me.
https://www.blauparts.com/ravenol-manual-transmission-fluid-mtf-3-75w-1l.html

 

[dnewton3]

A large number of Toyota owners run this, including me.
https://www.blauparts.com/ravenol-manual-transmission-fluid-mtf-3-75w-1l.html

I've always been curious how a GL-4 intended for yellow metal applications (such as manual trans and xfer case) can be used in a differential (generally hypoid gears require GL-5). I've seen some products be rated GL-4/GL-5, but I've not trusted them for such applications.


And, Dude - where you been for the last 22 years ???

 

[barbersurgeon]

Motul has a GL-4 75w as well. Got mine from summit.

 

[drtyler]

I've always been curious how a GL-4 intended for yellow metal applications (such as manual trans and xfer case) can be used in a differential (generally hypoid gears require GL-5). I've seen some products be rated GL-4/GL-5, but I've not trusted them for such applications.


And, Dude - where you been for the last 22 years ???

That Ravenol oil is for the transfer case, not differentials.

 

[MD1908]

Correct, I was going off of his subject heading "5th Gen 4Runner transfer case oil"

 

[The Dragonfly]

Yes, the Amsoil product would work fine. Any GL-4 that is not also GL-5 rated will work for that application.
You might find that the 90 grade is a tad thick when cold and will slow the shift of the Xfer case in cold climes.

I recently helped a buddy to a full service on his Tacoma; used RL in the manual trans (75w-90) and xfer case (70-75w).

I live in the Chicagoland area, so the winters do get a little crazy from time to time. I noticed Redline, Amsoil, and others still work even at -20.

 

[Hirev]

I've used Amsoil’s 75W-90 Manual Transmission & Transaxle Gear Oil GL-4 in 3 toyota manual transmissions and 2 toyota transfer cases over the years and it work very well for me. But about 15 deg F is about as cold as it gets around here. I would not hesitate using this stuff in any manual transmission or transfer case needing a GL-4. It has worked well for me.

 

[edyvw]

I live in the Chicagoland area, so the winters do get a little crazy from time to time. I noticed Redline, Amsoil, and others still work even at -20.

Does yours take 75W or 75W90? You can use both! HPL has 75W MTF. I think @Astro14 is using it in his Tundra.

 

[The Dragonfly]

The manual says to use SAE 75W Toyota gear oil. However many sources, along with The Car Care Nut said 75W90 can be used. I do tow once in a while.

 

[zfasts03]

I have HPL diff life 75w-90 waiting to go in all 3 holes of my `18 T4R next month, unless I hear differently.

 

[edyvw]

The manual says to use SAE 75W Toyota gear oil. However many sources, along with The Car Care Nut said 75W90 can be used. I do tow once in a while.

Yes you can.
I would get enough and do front and rear differentials too. Good choice for such task would be Mobil1 Delvac 75W90. It is darling among Porsche enthusiasts.
HPL 75W90 is excellent choice. They sell 6qt boxes.

 

[02SE]

Redline 75w90 in all three (diff, T-case, rear axle) of my 5th gen TRD ORP. It has the exact same Aisin VF2A transfer case that my '97 4Runner SR5 did. Toyota speced 75w90 GL4 OR GL5 in it, and nothing has changed internally. You take it to any Toyota dealer, and 9 times out of 10 you'll get bulk 75w90.

The 70w spec in the 5th gen 4Runner is all about veeeeery slightly better MPG for the CAFE.

If it matters, I'm a former Toyota Master Tech.

 

[The Dragonfly]

Redline 75w90 in all three (diff, T-case, rear axle) of my 5th gen TRD ORP. It has the exact same Aisin VF2A transfer case that my '97 4Runner SR5 did. Toyota speced 75w90 GL4 OR GL5 in it, and nothing has changed internally. You take it to any Toyota dealer, and 9 times out of 10 you'll get bulk 75w90.

The 70w spec in the 5th gen 4Runner is all about veeeeery slightly better MPG for the CAFE.

If it matters, I'm a former Toyota Master Tech.

I was wondering about that because the 4th gen takes GL-5 in its transfer case, and I'm like, what changed in the 5th gen for Toyota to switch over to GL-4? It is for better MPG, like how the US market uses 0w20 instead of 5w30 like the rest of the world for the 4.0 engine.

 

[Sequoiasoon]

And, Dude - where you been for the last 22 years ???

5 posts in 22 years......He was able to find everything he needed without needing to add. Flying below the radar.

Rumor has it he used German Castrol, PUP, M1 0W-40, ARX, some VRP and went incognito to the HPL open house and has used that also.

 

[Astro14]

The manual says to use SAE 75W Toyota gear oil. However many sources, along with The Car Care Nut said 75W90 can be used. I do tow once in a while.

I use a 75W oil. It is exactly what Toyota specifies.

I got it from HPL

 

[02SE]

I was wondering about that because the 4th gen takes GL-5 in its transfer case, and I'm like, what changed in the 5th gen for Toyota to switch over to GL-4? It is for better MPG, like how the US market uses 0w20 instead of 5w30 like the rest of the world for the 4.0 engine.

Typo in my previous post. Toyota specs 75w (not 70w) in the T-case. Toyota speced lower viscosity oils in the drivetrain for slightly better CAFE numbers in the USA. As you noted, the same engines and drivetrains in other countries are speced for the more traditional (read higher) viscosity oils.

 

[tvaughn]

I used Liqui Moly 75w (GL4) in my GX460 transfer case, $9 a liter from FCP Euro. And Mobil 1 Delvac 75w90 for the diffs.

 

[edyvw]

Interestingly my Sequoia has 75W90 as fluid for TC. Tundra has 75W. Same TC.