SYNTHETIC OIL IN DRIVE-TRAIN OF 2005s

[LOYD]

Are there any restrictions on using synthetic lubes in the AT, TRANSFER, AND DIFFs of the V8 4X4 TUNDRAS?

[geojim]

The new At is very specific from what I understand, so you need to use ONLY the Toyota recomended fluid. You can't use standard or syn ATF. The new 5 speed AT's are a different animal.

You may want to check your owners manual on the transfer case because in some other makes the transfer case uses the same fluid as the AT. Not typical in Toyotas though. I just don't know about the '05's.

But if it is like the 00'-04's, the transfer, front and rear difs use standard gear lubes. There should be no problem using a good syn like Amsoil or Mobil 1 75-90 gear lube in all three. If you have a limited slip in the rear, you would need to put the appropriate additive in too.

[Diego]

I think the only resriction is the auto tranny oil, the 05 used WS oil which I think is a type of semi- synthetic and they DO NOT recommend any other type. The diffs and trans case are ok for synthetic oil except you need one compatible with LMTD slip diff if you have one.

[bob259]

But if it is like the 00'-04's, the transfer, front and rear difs use standard gear lubes. There should be no problem using a good syn like Amsoil or Mobil 1 75-90 gear lube in all three. If you have a limited slip in the rear, you would need to put the appropriate additive in too.

Starting in 03 the front and rear diff's use syn. oils right from the factory. I don't believe the transfer case changed though.

My service manager showed me the bulletin on it when I had asked about changing mine.

[nakatsuj]

I too was interested in the fluids and went in to the service dept for warranty work and asked the tech about the fluids and the new trans. heres what he said. First, the trans is "designed" to be a sealed unit that doesnt require any servicing especially with the new ws fuid. If you notice theres no dipstick to check the fluids as to prevent a mishap of filling with the wrong fluid. However if need be, the trans can be drained and filled. There is a fill plug on the pass side about 1/2 way in up the side of the trans. Also there are 2 plugs on the pan. One is a drain plug, the other is a overflow which is your "dipstick" when refilling. But he said that under normal usage the fluid does not need to be replaced. Apparently it is a really expensive fluid that he said costs 60 bucks a gallon. anyhow he did say that the transfer however does need normal servicing.

[TMS2U]

Check THIS thread in the Engine & Drivetrain forum

[Rlockyer]

Apparently it is a really expensive fluid that he said costs 60 bucks a gallon. anyhow he did say that the transfer however does need normal servicing.

At $6/qt, even the "normal" type T-IV used in '03 and '04 is $24/gallon.
I haven't priced Dexron in ages, so I have no clue if that's high or low by today's standards.
'02 and older are free to use M1 ATF, but starting in '03, we're stuck with the dealer.

[file014]

At $6/qt, even the "normal" type T-IV used in '03 and '04 is $24/gallon.
I haven't priced Dexron in ages, so I have no clue if that's high or low by today's standards.
'02 and older are free to use M1 ATF, but starting in '03, we're stuck with the dealer.

Is amsoil ATF still not approved for Type T-IV toyota fluid ('03-04 Tundras)?

https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/atf.aspx

I still have 8 quarts of T-IV for 2 more AT pan drain and fills, but if I could start putting in some synthetic...

[hornedfrog]

The new 05 Tundra's cannot use Amsoil ATF. If you look at their website under application guide it states that Amsoil does not have an application for the new Transmissions. In would question using in replace of Type T-IV also in the 03 and 04 Tundras.

[Rlockyer]

To date, nothing has been formally blessed as meeting the T-IV spec.

[hornedfrog]

Amsoil says you can use thier product but I would not use it. I e-mailed them yesterday and they told me I could use their ATF in my new 05 and when you go to their website it tells you not to use their ATF in 05 Tundras. Type T-IV is suppose to be a great product and if used according to specs you should not have any problems.

[Muleskinner]

Just use the Toyota factory type four fluid. For how often we change trans fluid it's no big deal. It is good stuff. I've been told it is a 100% synthtic based product. To change every 30,000 miles or so I can afford to buy it from the dealer. Now as for the rest, I use Mobile One synthtic gear oil. It's good stuff.

I also use Mobile One 5-30 synthtic engine oil with factory filters.