Yes all 3 use the same gear oil of your choosing. Picking an oil brand is up to you...there is no "best" just like motor oil.

You may also want to refresh the ATF, Coolant, power steering fluid, and change out the old brake fluid as well.

 

Yes all 3 use the same gear oil of your choosing. Picking an oil brand is up to you...there is no "best" just like motor oil.

You may also want to refresh the ATF, Coolant, power steering fluid, and change out the old brake fluid as well.

My intentions were not to get in a debate over brands There are plenty of other threads that accomplish that.

Just was wondering what others are using nowadays. I talked to my local Toyota service dealer, and they said they use 15qts of conventional plus 3qts of some synthetic additive between the differentials and transfer case. I didn't realize it used that much, but it is what it is. Also, seemed strange about the additive, but what do I know. So just wanted confirmation of the amount. I am thinking about switching them out to Mobil 1 synthetic anyways.

The vehicle had the plugs, brake fluid, coolant, and ATF serviced in the last 15K miles at the dealership. It's been about 30K miles since the differential fluid has been changed, and can't find any record of the transfer case fluid being changed. Didn't see any records or the power steering fluid, so I'll add that to the list.

 

http://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/om/OM34478U/pdf/sec_6-1.pdf

 

http://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/om/OM34478U/pdf/sec_6-1.pdf

Thanks for sharing! I ran across that when searching, which lead me to posting this topic. In the doc, it shows front diff (2.17qt), rear diff (1.64qt), and transfer (1.43qt), which is about ~6qt total. When I talked with my local toyota dealer, they told me 15-18qt. So was just wondering what is correct?

 

They might be confused with engine coolant or transmission fluid which this vehicle requires a lot of. In addition most service advisors know little about the vehicles, they are just sales people. Talk to the shop foreman to make sure you are all on the same page.

 

Is there a lsd additive I need to add to the rear diff?

 

Is there a lsd additive I need to add to the rear diff?

No.....

 

No.....

Thanks! I went ahead with the mobil1 75w-90 syn, which has the additive.

 

Reviving this old thread just to mention I'm using MOBIL-DELVAC-1-GEAR-OIL-75W-90 (formerly known simply as Mobil Delvac). Very similar to Mobil 1 Syn Gear Lube LS 75W-90, but without the limited-slip formulation.

Probably doesn't make any difference, but the Torsen T-3 (Type C) center differential in our Sequoias does not need any limit-slip additive.

Torsen.com/faq/ says:

What oil should I use with Torsen?
Torsen® Type-1 differentials require lubricant with a GL-5 rating. Type-2 and T-2R models can operate in a wide range of fluids but share lube with other components that may have specific needs. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or with the manufacturer of the ring & pinion set (if not OEM) for their recommendation.

Do I need to use friction modifier with Torsen?
Yes and no. Although the differential does not use a clutch pack design, modifier additive is still sometimes used in OEM applications. In such cases, we suggest referring to the OEM recommendation.

Toyota says:

Transfer (4WD models):
Oil capacity - 1.43 qt.
Oil type - Gear oil API GL-5
Recommended oil viscosity - SAE 75W-90

(Limited slip additive not mentioned in OEM recommendation.)

 

I used the Mobil 1 Syn Gear Lube LS (limited slip) 75W-90 in transfer case and diffs. Did a short run in 4wd on gravel before the drain.

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I used the Mobil 1 Syn Gear Lube LS (limited slip) 75W-90 in transfer case and diffs. Did a short run in 4wd on gravel before the drain.

How long ago and do you notice any differences in how the diff behaves on engage/disengage?

Is this a DIY thing like changing your oil, is it pretty straightforward?

Where are the drain plugs?

Does it require any special tools or tricks to watch for?

At what mileage should this be changed?

Many Thanks!

 

My wife's 2009 Toyota Highlander AWD recently hit 50k which is the first time I changed the fluids in the car, ATF, brake fluid, coolant, etc. He said everything looked great except the differential fluid was a little dirtier than he'd like to see. He suggested 30-40k intervals.

For me, for simplicity sake I'm doing 25k intervals. Just did my Sequoia at 75k. I think it ran me about $200 out the door.

 

JMS was that at a dealer? or some lube quick shop?