Tundra now uses ATF in transfer case

[RichardZ]

I recently bought a 2025 Tundra. I was surprised to read in the owner's manual that the transfer case now calls for WS ATF. What the heck? Thoughts on this?

I've been driving Toyota trucks and 4Runners since 1987 and they've all called for 75w-90 or 75w gear oils.

Do you think WS is up for the task with 30,000 OCI's? I plan on doing 30,000 transmission drain and fills also. What would you use? This is a part-time transfer case..

Thanks!

 

[ctechbob]

Ford and others have been doing it for decades.

I'm getting ready to do the first change in my F150 and Maxlife will be going in.

Lots of TC's have multiplate clutches in them just like an auto trans, so there is some sense behind it.

 

[cptbarkey]

Its hydraulic fluid, perfect for the application. Most tractors do the same.

 

[burbguy82]

Thoughts on this?

GM has used ATF in their tranfer cases for 40+years with success. The new Tundra must have a pump that supplies oil rather than slinging it around.

I recently bought a 2025 Tundra. I was surprised to read in the owner's manual that the transfer case now calls for WS ATF. What the heck? Thoughts on this?

I've been driving Toyota trucks and 4Runners since 1987 and they've all called for 75w-90 or 75w gear oils.

Do you think WS is up for the task with 30,000 OCI's? I plan on doing 30,000 transmission drain and fills also. What would you use? This is a part-time transfer case..

Thanks!

Yes, 30000 would be fine I am sure.....it is done all the time again, by GM owners, where the older drivetrains commonly held 250k without issue. Recently I stopped using Maxlife ATF and switched to Mobil Multi Vehicle which meets the WS spec. Is viscosity is 6.4 rather than Maxlifes 5.9.......does it matter, my LX570 transmission seems to have liked the increase in viscosity, or so it feels.

 

[Pablo]

I recently bought a 2025 Tundra. I was surprised to read in the owner's manual that the transfer case now calls for WS ATF. What the heck? Thoughts on this?

I've been driving Toyota trucks and 4Runners since 1987 and they've all called for 75w-90 or 75w gear oils.

Do you think WS is up for the task with 30,000 OCI's? I plan on doing 30,000 transmission drain and fills also. What would you use? This is a part-time transfer case..

Thanks!

You can use MTF if you want. None of the above will hurt anything.

 

[Chris142]

GM has used ATF in their tranfer cases for 40+years with success. The new Tundra must have a pump that supplies oil rather than slinging it around.

Jeep too. And you don't want anything thicker due to the pump.

 

[4wd]

I’d struggle to recall my last 4WD that didn’t use ATF …
Maybe Synchromesh years ago …

 

[edyvw]

I recently bought a 2025 Tundra. I was surprised to read in the owner's manual that the transfer case now calls for WS ATF. What the heck? Thoughts on this?

I've been driving Toyota trucks and 4Runners since 1987 and they've all called for 75w-90 or 75w gear oils.

Do you think WS is up for the task with 30,000 OCI's? I plan on doing 30,000 transmission drain and fills also. What would you use? This is a part-time transfer case..

Thanks!

Use whatever Toyota says.
The least of concern on new Tundra is TC fluid. I would be more focused on an engine.

 

[meep]

I recently bought a 2025 Tundra. I was surprised to read in the owner's manual that the transfer case now calls for WS ATF. What the heck? Thoughts on this?

I've been driving Toyota trucks and 4Runners since 1987 and they've all called for 75w-90 or 75w gear oils.

Do you think WS is up for the task with 30,000 OCI's? I plan on doing 30,000 transmission drain and fills also. What would you use? This is a part-time transfer case..

Thanks!

Most of my T-cases have been ATF. If most of the mileage is in 4Hi, many will probably end their life with the factory fill. I’m guessing that extended use in 4WD modes will work the fluid some, especially if the front drive portion uses a chain.

 

[ctechbob]

Most of my T-cases have been ATF. If most of the mileage is in 4Hi, many will probably end their life with the factory fill. I’m guessing that extended use in 4WD modes will work the fluid some, especially if the front drive portion uses a chain.

I've been trying to make it a point to drive in 4wd HI at least once a week with the new truck. I know there's fluid still pumping around inside the TC, but I don't like the idea of just letting the system sit there forever and not use it.

 

[JavierH19]

How many miles are on that new tundra now. Did you do your first oil change very early to get any metals out.

 

[meep]

I've been trying to make it a point to drive in 4wd HI at least once a week with the new truck. I know there's fluid still pumping around inside the TC, but I don't like the idea of just letting the system sit there forever and not use it.

I get more worried about the actuator motor seizing from lack of exercise!

 

[barkingspider]

My 2022 GMC canyon calls for dex vi ATF. Last time I checked, it was a little low so I topped it off with AC Delco Auto Trak II I had left over from when I had my Chevy Avalanche. No issues

 

[ctechbob]

I get more worried about the actuator motor seizing from lack of exercise!

And, what I assume to be vacuum hubs. I actually don't know off the top of my head, but I do know that the CV joints don't spin when not engaged.

 

[burbguy82]

Jeep too. And you don't want anything thicker due to the pump.

Right, that was my point, the pump. My 91 YJ uses ATF in the chain driven 231.

 

[burbguy82]

You can use MTF if you want. None of the above will hurt anything.

like synchomesh........it also works in a GM NP246auto tcase

 

[burbguy82]

Jeep too. And you don't want anything thicker due to the pump.

I think the last GM gear oil unit was the 205, 40+ years ago. But my LX570=gear oil, weird.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Right, that was my point, the pump. My 91 YJ uses ATF in the chain driven 231.

My YJ uses gear oil in its Tcase ...

But someone put a Dana 300 from a CJ in it ...

 

[RichardZ]

How many miles are on that new tundra now. Did you do your first oil change very early to get any metals out.

I'm aware of the issues with this engine. I'm at 5000+ miles now. I did a change at 1000 and 5000. I'll do every 5000 now...thanks.

 

[2002 Maxima SE]

I owned a 1991 Ford Explorer Sport with the 5 speed manual transmission. Ford specified ATF for the manual transmission too at that time. ATF has a variety of applications including power steering.