Transfer case fluid for 2nd gen tacoma? GL4 or GL5?

[diesellover]

I might be answering my own question. It's quite controversial.

On a 2011 toyota tacoma what is the correct transfer case fluid? Sources are 50/50 on 75/90 gL4 or GL5.

In my mind I would rather error on the side of caution and use 75w90 GL4. GL5 can break down any soft metals inside the gear box over time.

I found two quarts of 75w90 GL4 online for $39.99 free shipping, otherwise it's not easy to buy in a brick and motor store.

 

[ARB1977]

I might be answering my own question. It's quite controversial.

On a 2011 toyota tacoma what is the correct transfer case fluid? Sources are 50/50 on 75/90 gL4 or GL5.

In my mind I would rather error on the side of caution and use 75w90 GL4. GL5 can break down any soft metals inside the gear box over time.

I found two quarts of 75w90 GL4 online for $39.99 free shipping, otherwise it's not easy to buy in a brick and motor store.

75W90 should be fine.

 

[slo town]

Forget what the forums say, what does Toyota specify? The owners manual? IMO, this is a choice you want to get right.

Scott

 

[tblt44]

Fifth gen 4 runner is GL-4 i'm not sure about your generation.
Use whatever the manufacturer recommends.
If it's the real expensive 75W fluid in a can you can use red line MT-LV

 

[GSCJR]

75/90 gL4 or GL5

This

Toyota recommends either or, whichever is available.

 

[D60]

Everyone just uses 75W90, so that'd be GL5 in most cases. Not sure yellow metals are actually present here? Maybe there's one synchro?

People think t-cases are voodoo but the good ol' part-time driver selectable cases are stupid simple.

O'Reilly can order in Redline and it's usually a buck or two more than ebay for me. Since O'Reilly brings it to me and I wonder about counterfeit on ebay, it's an easy choice. But for most Toy t-cases I stock Amsoil's 5W30 MT fluid

 

[dnewton3]

OEM manual
https://assets.sia.toyota.com/publications/en/om-s/OM35A58U/pdf/OM35A58U.pdf

Page 498 ...
Specifically states that either GL-4 or GL-5 is acceptable; 75w-90. There is no preference on API spec. IOW, it won't matter to the Xfer case.

I'd get GL-5 only because it's far easier to find on the shelf and typically less expensive.

Do as you see fit.

 

[Devo242]

I switched mine to Red Line MT-90 (75W90 GL-4) when I dumped all factory fluids in the drivetrain of my 2014 as specified with what the Red Line product finder specified. Runs great, no issues.

 

[NibbanaBanana]

I had the same question for my Aveo transaxle which specified GL-4 in the owners manual. I emailed Mobil and asked if I could use their 75-90 GL-5 synthetic. They said "no". Paid the $50 for the GL-4. No problems after 70K at a 200K fluid change. Still shifts like a truck like it did from day 1.