Help me understand all these different gear oils

[syndini]

Got 3 different vehicles, all calling for different gear oils but they seem to be really close. Help me understand what I'm looking at here.

91 Plymouth Voyager AWD:

Rear end assembly--Multi purpose gear oil SAE 80w-90 GL-5
Front Diff Assem--Multi purpose gear oil SAE 80w-90 GL-5

97 Toyota 4Runner:

Rear end diff--Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 90 GL-5
Front end diff--Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 75w-90 GL-5
Transfer Case--Multi purpose gear oil 75w-90 GL-4 or GL-5
Manual Trans--Multi purpose gear oil 75w-90 gl-4 or GL-5

2006 Ford F-350

Front end diff--Motorcraft SAE 80w-90 Premium Rear Axle lube
Rear end diff--Motocraft SAE 75w-140 Synthetic Rear Axle lube

I'm a believer in following the manufacturers specs, but can somebody shed some light on these specs to enable me to understand the differences and can I buy a quantitiy of one type of lube that would properly cover the manufactures specs and give me excellent lubrication at the same time. I understand that a manual transmission gear lube is best without friction modifiers so that the sycronizers work properly, so..... to simplyfy my question, Can somebody help me understand the different lubes descriptions here and can I cut down the number of different lubes specified here to maybe one or two and cover all the requirements of these different components.

 

[oilboy123]

Try this I put the Ford one below. Though I don't know what engine. I will assume diesel. Looks like synthetic is required for the rear diffs, but not the front. You need to read between the lines. The OEs want you to be confused and buy their overpriced gear lubes. Good luck.

http://www.amsoil.com/mygarage/vehiclelookup.aspx

2006 FORD TRUCKS F350 PICKUP 6.0L 8-cyl Engine Code [P] Turbo Diesel
LUBRICANTS & FLUIDS:
Engine Oil
Grade 1......CI-4+

SAE 15w40 Synthetic Heavy Duty Diesel and Marine Motor Oil (AMEQT)

Synthetic 15w40 Diesel Oil (DMEQT)

Synthetic 15W40 OE Diesel Oil (OEDQT)
-9 To 90 F......10W-30 [1]
-20 To 30 F......5w30, 5W-40 [2]
-20 To 0 F......0W-30 [2]
above 10 F......15W-40 [3]
Manual Transmission,S6-650 (6-SPD)......MA
All TEMPS......
Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATFQT)
Torque-Drive Synthetic Transmission Fluid (ATD1G)
Automatic Transmission,5R110W......MSP
Low Viscosity Synthetic ATF (ATLQT)
Standard Differential, Rear Ford 10.5 RG......GL-5
All TEMPS......75W-140 [4]
SEVERE GEAR 75W-140 Synthetic EP Lubricant (SVOQT)
80W-140 Synthetic Long Life Gear Lube (FGO05)
Limited Slip Differential, Rear Ford 10.5 RG......GL-5*
All TEMPS......75W-140 [4] [5]
SEVERE GEAR 75W-140 Synthetic EP Lubricant (SVOQT)
80W-140 Synthetic Long Life Gear Lube (FGO05)
Standard Differential, Rear Dana 80......GL-5
All TEMPS......75W-90 [4]
SEVERE GEAR 75W-90 Synthetic EP Lubricant (SVGQT)
75W-90 Synthetic Long Life Gear Lube (FGRQT)
SAE 80W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube (AGLQT)
Standard Differential, Rear Dana S110......GL-5
All TEMPS......75W-140 [4]
SEVERE GEAR 75W-140 Synthetic EP Lubricant (SVOQT)
80W-140 Synthetic Long Life Gear Lube (FGO05)
Standard Differential, Rear Dana 135......GL-5
All TEMPS......75W-140 [4]
SEVERE GEAR 75W-140 Synthetic EP Lubricant (SVOQT)
80W-140 Synthetic Long Life Gear Lube (FGO05)
Limited Slip Differential, Rear Dana 135......GL-5*
All TEMPS......75W-140 [4] [5]
SEVERE GEAR 75W-140 Synthetic EP Lubricant (SVOQT)
80W-140 Synthetic Long Life Gear Lube (FGO05)
Standard Differential, Rear Dana S130......GL-5
All TEMPS......75W-140 [4]
SEVERE GEAR 75W-140 Synthetic EP Lubricant (SVOQT)
80W-140 Synthetic Long Life Gear Lube (FGO05)
Differential, Front Dana 60......GL-5
All TEMPS......90
SEVERE GEAR 75W-90 Synthetic EP Lubricant (SVGQT)
75W-90 Synthetic Long Life Gear Lube (FGRQT)
SEVERE GEAR 75W-110 Synthetic EP Lubricant (SVTQT)
SAE 80W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube (AGLQT)
Limited Slip Differential, Rear Dana 80......GL-5*
All TEMPS......75W-90 [4] [5]
SEVERE GEAR 75W-90 Synthetic EP Lubricant (SVGQT)
75W-90 Synthetic Long Life Gear Lube (FGRQT)
SEVERE GEAR 75W-110 Synthetic EP Lubricant (SVTQT)
SAE 80W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube (AGLQT)
Transfer Case,......MA
Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATFQT)
Torque-Drive Synthetic Transmission Fluid (ATD1G)
Fluids
Brake Fluid......HB
AMSOIL Brake Fluid DOT-3 (BF3SN)
Clutch Fluid......
No AMSOIL Product Recommendation
Power Steering Fluid......MA
Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATFQT)
Power Steering Fluid......MA
Torque-Drive Synthetic Transmission Fluid (ATD1G)
Clutch Fluid......HB
AMSOIL Brake Fluid DOT-3 (BF3SN)
[1] Ford TSB 05-16-6 states that SAE 10w30 is acceptable
to use in operating temperatures from -1 °C (31 °F) to
32 °C (90 °F).SAE 10w30 is the preferred viscosity if the
operating varies from -20 °C (-4 °F) to -1 °C (31 °F).
[2] Ford TSB 05-16-6 states that the shown viscosity is
acceptable to use in the shown temperature range.
[3] Ford TSB 05-16-6 states that SAE 15w40 is acceptable
to use in operating temperatures from -12 °C (11 °F) to
-1 °C (31 °F). SAE 15w40 is the preferred viscosity if the
operating is above -1 °C (31 °F).
[4] Synthetic oil is required.
[5] Add 8 oz. (236 ml) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or
equivalent formulated to meet Ford Spec EST-M2C118-A
for complete refill of limited slip axles.
FILTERS:
Oil Filter Absolute Efficiency Oil Filter (EA15K88)
Oil Filter AMSOIL Ford 6 L Oil Filter (SDF88) [1]
Oil Filter P550528 Oil Filter [1]
Air Filter P603577 Power Core Air Filter [2]
Air Filter P603577 Power Core Air Filter [3]
Air Filter WIX 49490 Air Filter [4]
Fuel Filter Fuel Filter for Ford 6.0L Diesel Powerstroke Applications (FFK60) [5]
Fuel Filter WIX 33899 Fuel Filter [5]
Transmission Filter WIX 58624 Auto Tran Filter [6]
Transmission Filter WIX 57702 Auto Tran Filter [7]
[1] Has No Lid Attached to Filter
[2] Standard Powercore Version
[3] Standard Powercore Version
[4] Replacement element for 24490 housing.
[5] Two Elements per box
[6] 5R110W
[7] Bypass Element
NGK PLUGS AND WIRESETS:
No Recommendations
WIPER BLADES:
Blade Class Driver Passenger
ExactFit T201 T201
NeoForm T16200 T16200
Winter T37205 T37205
CHASSIS LUBRICATION:
4WD
0-7 Fittings, 0 Plugs..........LM
Series 2000 Synthetic Racing Grease NLGI#2 GC/LB (GRGCR)
Synthetic Multi Purpose #2 (GLC3P)
Synthetic Water Resistant #2 (GWR3P)
2WD
4-10 Fittings, 0 Plugs..........LM
Series 2000 Synthetic Racing Grease NLGI#2 GC/LB (GRGCR)
Synthetic Multi Purpose #2 (GLC3P)
Synthetic Water Resistant #2 (GWR3P)
CAPACITIES:
Engine, with filter..........15 quarts [1]
Cooling System, Initial Fill..........27.5 quarts [2]
AMSOIL Antifreeze and Engine Coolant
Automatic Transmission, 5R110W Initial Fill..........7.5 quarts
Automatic Transmission, Total Fill
5 speed 5R110W..........19 quarts
Manual Transmission, S6-650 (6-SPD)..........11.6 pints [3]
Manual Transmission, S6-650 (6-SPD)..........12.7 pints [4]
Differential, Dana 60 Front..........5.9 pints
Differential, Dana 80 Rear..........8.5 pints
Differential, Ford 10.5 RingGear Rear..........7 pints
Differential, Dana 135 Rear..........23.2 pints
Differential, Dana S110 Rear..........16.1 pints
Differential, Dana S130 Rear..........16.1 pints
Transfer Case, ..........4 pints
[1] When refilling, remove dipstick to provide adequate venting
and allow oil to flow into crankcase.
[2] Includes heater and 5.0 qt (4.7L) in coolant recovery
[3] Without oil cooler
[4] With oil cooler
TORQUES:
Oil Drain Plug.....32 ft/lbs
Manual Transmission ZF S6-650
Fill Plug 26 ft/lbs
Drain Plug 26 ft/lbs

 

[syndini]

Wow! A lot of info...... but...... not sure it really clears up any of my confusion. Don't want to sound unapreciative though, maybe I just don't understand what I'm reading there. Any more input would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks

 

[oilboy123]

Like I said it shows Syn oil for the rear axle but not for the front.

Do a search on hypoid gears and I think it will help clear things up for you. Like I said they try to keep things confusing for many reasons. One of which is to get you to throw up your hands and just take your vehicle into the dealership. It's pretty hard to educate someone on these types of things with a paragraph.
There is a big difference between knowing what gear oil you need for a vehicle and knowing all about gear all the lubes for transmissions and axles.

Maybe this can shed a little light.

http://www.ehow.com/about_5729620_hypoid-gear-oil_.html

 

[JZiggy]

Run 75w-90 GL-5 gear oil in everything but the last item which wants 75w-140. Almost all gear oil will be GL5.

 

[syndini]

One thing that puzzles me is that the Toyota 4runner rear end calls for a straight grade 90 weight. Why use a sraight grade oil in this day and age of high quality multi gradess. Would there be a good reason for this? One thing I've learned is that the manufacturer knows it's products the best and what's best suited for it's proper lubrication, but I still don't understand why they would spec a straight grade gear lube with todays technology in oils. Any thoughs, advice or insight from you oil phd's?

 

[JZiggy]

Well, there's no reason why a straight grade would be "better" than the multigrade. Perhaps Toyota is telling you that you have the option to run 90wt (maybe its cheaper for you somewhere). However, for some reason they only want 75W-90 in the front diff. Could be because it rarely gets up to high temperatures?

 

[oilboy123]

One thing I've learned is you can drive yourself crazy trying to make sense of everything the factory has for requirements.

For starters how often do you see straight 90 gear lube in 1997 and especially in 2012.......I rest my case.

 

[yonyon]

If I am not crosseyed the short version is that a 75w-90 GL-5 will do for everything except for the F350's rear which requires a 75w-140. You need at least two gear lubes.

If you are okay with adding a third, then the 4Runner should be happier if you get something special for its trans.

 

[CErnst]

My Outlander wanted 80w for the tcase and 90w for the rear diff. I put Mobil 1 75-90 in both and things have been going very well. They must have a wonderful deal on straight weights over in Japan.

 

[Rand]

I would get 75w90 for all the fronts and rears and transfercases except the f350 rear you need 75w140

and get a specific gl-4 MT lube for the transmission.

That way you can buy a friction modified gear lube for better efficiency in the axles, but something for the MT that has the right friction for synchros and shifting.

so really I would buy 3 different products.

the transfer cases dont have hypoid gears so they dont need gl-5 but it would be fine.

the best gl-5 for axles/gears would not shift well in a MT due to you wanting the exact opposite friction characteristics in those applications.

If that does not make sense I could explain farther with examples.

 

[DWC28]

If you define a multi-viscosity product as containing a viscosity index improver (VII), than both 80W-90 and 90 are straight grades. With the use of today's high quality base oils, gear oils will almost always cross grade without VII. In olden days when gear oils used the lowest cost base oils it was different. A 75W-90 will almost always contain VII today.
For the same reason you can always use an 80W-90 where a 90 is called for.

 

[syndini]

I've come to pretty much the colclusion that I will need at least 3 gear oils as stated. I usually buy Scheaffers motor oil for the f-350 and if I could narrow down the oils to 1 or 2 then maybe I could justify buying a case and saving money. Doesn't look like that's gonna happen though. Too many different gear oils and applications in small quantities. Better off to get it right than try and pinch a few pennies and spend big money cutting corners. 75w-90 does seem to make more sense, but with the age of some of these vehicles I just wnat to make sure I'm taking PROPER care of something that would cost more than the vehicle is worth to repair or replace those components. As a running working vehicle they are priceless though!!!!!! Maybe I'm being over cautious or anal but to get answers from guys that know oil helps.

 

[syndini]

I noticed the other day that a local auto parts store had all these weights, GL-4 and GL-5 rated oils from amsoil. So I know this stuff is still being made in all these weights and specs. I think scheaffers even makes all these different speced oil, even a straight grade. Puzzling! What is the proper term for an oil expert/engineer? Is it tribioligist? Need one of those guys to chime in, unless one or more of you wise all knowing oil pro's already has. Who ever knew there was so much going on inside that slippery liquid.
Thanks

 

[MolaKule]

Originally Posted By: yonyon
If I am not crosseyed the short version is that a 75w-90 GL-5 will do for everything except for the F350's rear which requires a 75w-140. You need at least two gear lubes.

If you are okay with adding a third, then the 4Runner should be happier if you get something special for its trans.



Yes, two gear lubes should suffice for the differentials and TC's.

With today's Multi-vis GL-5's, it's silly for the Mfg. to specify a mono-grade differential gear oil.

For the Toyota MT, I would seriously look at one of the application specific MT lubes in 75W90.

WRT Schaeffer's, and with the exception of their specific automotive oils, most of their monogrades are for Industrial gear box applications.

 

[artificialist]

Originally Posted By: CErnst
My Outlander wanted 80w for the tcase and 90w for the rear diff. I put Mobil 1 75-90 in both and things have been going very well. They must have a wonderful deal on straight weights over in Japan.

I don't know why most Japanese car manufacturers specify single grade oil, but I always replace it with 80w90 conventional or 75w90 synthetic and I never have a problem.

I say buy 75w90 for everything that ends in 90 and buy 75w140 for everything that ends in 140.

 

[bmwtechguy]

You would be smart to get the Amsoil MTG for the manual synchronized gearbox. This is a 75W-90 GL4 gear oil designed to work optimally with the friction needs of synchros, and it will shift really well at almost any temp. For all the smaller diffs and that transfercase that call for a straight 90 or 80W-90, I would consider the Schaeffers 293 75W-90, a semi-syn GL-5 gear oil. It is excellent, but I always end up buying a whole case at a time to keep the price down a bit. If a local store sells Amsoil products, you could go with that brand for everything and get exactly what you need for each car. They make a full-syn 80W-90 GL5 that's not TOO pricey, and then a 75W-140 for that bigger truck rear. You could substitute the 75W-90 GL5 for the smaller hypoid diffs, but it costs a bit more.

 

[SOHCman]

Like others have said, the diffs are easily taken care of, but you do want a gl4 trans lube for the Toyota. The amsoil mtg is a good choice and the redline MT-90 is another option. I have been running the mt-90 in my Toyota for about 4 years now. DONT use a gl5, I tried that before I knew better and it shifted like [censored].