Redline Gear Oils

[RogerKlugerAus05]

I have a Toyota Kluger (Highlander) AWD and as per 40kms service the transfer box and differential oil where changed by the dealer (still under warranty) However I wish to change out the oils and use Redline synthetic, 75W-90 GL-5, in both as I believe the oils the dealer used were of inferior quality (Valvoline) and also they used GL-4 in the transfer box which calls for GL-5. Are Redline the best option for my car?
Roger

 

[AusWRX]

Hi Roger

I beleive Redline 75w-90NS, Castrol Syntrax or Mobil SHC (replaced by Delvac branded gear oil I beleive) would be your best bets out of what is available in Aus. I've just swapped out Syntrax for Redline 75w-90NS in my WRX and so far the shift is probably a little better than what the Castrol gave me. Wasn't much wrong with the Syntrax though. 75w-90NS lacks the LSD friction modifiers present in the 75w-90. The lack of these is supposed to allow the synchros to do thier work better. You'll note the Syntrax & Mobil SHC both meet API GL-5, military specs & Mobil meets MT-1 so both are top notch. Doug Hillary, an old poster here, run a fleet of trucks and he couldn't speak highly enough of SHC & Syntrax, lowered operating temps, reduced wear, prolonged seal life etc. You'll not find much about Redline gear oils here, well I couldn't anyway. I'm suprised at the transfer case speccing GL-5 though. Can't imagine any hypoid gears in there.

 

[unDummy]

I'm using Redline 75w90 everywhere.
I don't care for the 'NS' unless you need it in a manual tranny, or trying to give life to a tired LSD.
The best option, IMO, is to use the Redline 75w90 everywhere. Depending on LSD condition, you 'might' need a little LSD additive even though its preblended with it.

 

[tdi-rick]

As WRX says, Syntrax (75W-90, GL-5) is an excellent transmission/transaxle lube. I've backed to backed it against Redline MT90 in a Nissan Patrol and I'd give Syntrax the nod there in shift performance. It's also an excellent final drive lube, if you don't have an LSD.

In Land Rover R380 gearboxes, Castrol Syntrans (75W-85, GL-4) gives better performance than R/L MTL or a brew of MTL/MT90 in my experience.

Another to consider are Caltex's synthetics, both their di-ester and particularly their borate ester technology oils, usually sold under the Caltex Delo name. These have a very, very good reputation.

Realistically, any of Redline, Castrol's synthetics, Motul 300V, Elf's synthetics, Amsoil and Neo if you can find and afford them are all very good.