Which Differential Oil - 75W-85 or 75W-90? Even Toyota doesn't seem to know.

[uraniumrich]

Long story short - the differential fluid specified in our manual is 75W-85 GL-5 or equivalent. Since I'm planning to change my front diff in the next few weeks, I went on the Toyota online parts website and tried to find the fluid. Tried is the key word - Toyota doesn't appear to make/bottle this viscosity fluid anymore. I went to the local dealer and was not greeted by a terrible parts guy who knew nothing and was not helpful at all. The only two things he knew was that he can not get 75W-85 GL-5 from Toyota and that the service department uses 75W-90 (not Toyota fluid/bulk). I confirmed that the dealer uses 75W-90 fluid with both the service department and a senior mechanic.

I called Toyota Brand Engagement to inquire about what fluid we should use if Toyota no longer sells or distributes 75W-85 fluid. The Toyota rep could find no TSB related to a change in viscosity, nor could she find any information approving the use of 75W-90. She suggested that, "if the dealer uses it, then I'm sure it must be fine." Umm, no. Dealers don't decide what viscosity fluid is required, Toyota makes the decision. And, wouldn't it be convenient if my diff failed under warranty, then they tested my fluid, and denied my warranty claim. I told the rep I wanted written confirmation from Toyota that 75W-90 GL-5 is an equivalent/approved fluid to use in the differential. She promised to run this query up the ladder and to get back to me within 1-2 business days. Stay tuned for updates.

It just shouldn't be this hard. I know it's not a huge difference between the 75W-85 and 75W-90, but c'mon man, just tell me what you want me to use.

 

[NoMe cruiser]

It’s not that hard. You’re overthinking it imho. Either (or any) gear oil would be fine.

 

[uraniumrich]

It’s not that hard. You’re overthinking it imho. Either (or any) gear oil would be fine.

Right up to the point that Toyota denies a warranty claim. I'm not disagreeing with you, I think both should be more than adequate. But, I have an extended warranty through Toyota and want to be sure a potential future claim isn't denied for the "wrong" viscosity gear oil. Even the mechanic at the dealership mentioned that he has seen Toyota test the fluid from a bad transmission and deny the claim based on the fluid that was inside.

 

[kmershly]

A friend of mine drives a Taco and needed to change his diff fluid a few weeks ago.

He was able to buy it from his Toyota store.

They had to order it because they didn't have any, but they were able to get the 75-85 GL5 diff fluid.

It came in a can and was a pita to fill his diffs with.

Personally, when I need to change my diff fluid, I will get some high quality 75-85 GL5 diff fluid from the likes of Amsoil or Liqui Moly and not worry that it isn't Toyota branded.

As long as it is proper diff fluid, Toyota shouldn't deny a warranty claim.

 

[uraniumrich]

I'd prefer to use Amsoil, but it's listed as an out of stock item (but 75W-90 is in stock.) Liqui Moly makes 75W-90, but not 75W-85. I can find where some dealers may sell the 75W-85, but many don't. Check this out:

 

[Bad1975]

I used Amsoil 75W-85, bought 3 cases when in stock because that one is quite often not in stock. The XFER case oil isn't available from Toyota either 75W Type LF, I used redline MT-LV for that. For piece of mind all fluids and greases say or SAE equivalent so they can't deny warranty along as what you choose matches for equivalence.

 

[uraniumrich]

I used Amsoil 75W-85, bought 3 cases when in stock because that one is quite often not in stock. The XFER case oil isn't available from Toyota either 75W Type LF, I used redline MT-LV for that. For piece of mind all fluids and greases say or SAE equivalent so they can't deny warranty along as what you choose matches for equivalence.

So, what I'm hearing you say is that Amsoil is out of 75W-85 because you are hoarding it?

 

[RUN-8]

First of all differential failures are extremely rare.

Second you are way over thinking this.

In the event of a failure, unless it happens immediately after a fluid change, there is probably a very slim chance a lab could really tell any difference in viscosity between 75W-85 and 75W-90. The viscosity break down between the two would be splitting hairs on a lab report.

 

[D-mac]

Oils are also typically specified for performance in different climates, it is possible Toyota dealers in warmer climates will tend to stock the heavier 75w-90. Oil specs from manufacturers also change over time as the oil companies change their chemical compositions. It’s possible the original Toyota OEM spec 75w-85 will be replaced by another grade.

 

[uraniumrich]

First of all differential failures are extremely rare.

Second you are way over thinking this.

In the event of a failure, unless it happens immediately after a fluid change, there is probably a very slim chance a lab could really tell any difference in viscosity between 75W-85 and 75W-90. The viscosity break down between the two would be splitting hairs on a lab report.

Nah. It's not about overthinking it. This post is about Toyota providing the correct information about how to properly maintain our LC. Anything that is poorly or improperly maintained is more likely to fail. Toyota also can ask for maintenance records proving that I've maintained the LC according to their specs (yes, I keep records and receipts). So, if I'm putting in 75W-90, they could know without getting a lab test.

 

[uraniumrich]

Oils are also typically specified for performance in different climates, it is possible Toyota dealers in warmer climates will tend to stock the heavier 75w-90. Oil specs from manufacturers also change over time as the oil companies change their chemical compositions. It’s possible the original Toyota OEM spec 75w-85 will be replaced by another grade.

I wonder if the Saudi/Middle East LCs use 75W-140? I'd imagine that we can all remember a time when manufacturers would provide a chart for the type of oil to use based on temperature.

 

[Blandrope8020]

Saudi guy here, they use 75W-85 in all Toyota 4X4’s my 2022 FJ is the same, had them changed last week at the dealer.

 

[D-mac]

Nah. It's not about overthinking it. This post is about Toyota providing the correct information about how to properly maintain our LC.

I’m assuming your LC250 has not reached the mileage specified by Toyota for changing gear oils, why is the oil spec from Toyota not just a suggestion for DIY oil replacement?

 

[uraniumrich]

I’m assuming your LC250 has not reached the mileage specified by Toyota for changing gear oils, why is the oil spec from Toyota not just a suggestion for DIY oil replacement?

I'm going to change the front diff fluid at 15K in a few weeks. Look through the forum and you'll find a post about someone who already changed their fluid and the front diff fluid was not in great condition even after relatively low mileage. The front diff takes less than two quarts unlike the rear diff that takes about six quarts. I'll wait to do the rear diff until later. Why 15K? I have an RDX and the recommended change interval is 15K on the rear diff with a similar volume of fluid.

 

[uraniumrich]

Mystery solved? I contacted Eric at Ed Martin Toyota in Indy and asked him the same question. To my surprise, within a few minutes of sending him a message via the dealer website, Eric calls me. Actually, given my experience with Ed Martin and Eric in particular, I really shouldn't have been surprised. Eric checked with his parts department and found that the 75W-85 is available at Ed Martin and they use the Toyota fluid in their service department. (They don't make available online due to concerns about shipping fluids). BTW - the fluid is expensive. Really expensive...around $60/quart. Ouch.

The lesson learned is that not all dealerships are created equal. Some, like my local dealership (St. Louis area, IL side), just use whatever is cheapest for them. At one time I could go to this same dealership and they had the best parts guy. He left and every parts counter person since has been well below average. If you live on the IL side, you probably know the dealership that gave me the incorrect information.

If you live anywhere in the Indianapolis area and use a dealer for service, then go to Ed Martin. And, say hi to Eric - he's a genuine Toyota enthusiast and car guy. Eric usually sits at the front desk as you enter the dealership. What GM does that?

Here's a pic of the appropriate fluid from Eric:

 

[shwazz714]

what is the recommend interval to change the diff fluid for the lc? Would this not be preformed by the Toyota service department during the 4 check in’s from 0-20k miles? Sorry if this is newbie questions, but I am a newbie

 

[NoMe cruiser]

what is the recommend interval to change the diff fluid for the lc? Would this not be preformed by the Toyota service department during the 4 check in’s from 0-20k miles? Sorry if this is newbie questions, but I am a newbie

Check the maintenance schedule book. Intervals are less if you are towing, have a cargo roof top, or carry heavy loads.

 

[uraniumrich]

what is the recommend interval to change the diff fluid for the lc? Would this not be preformed by the Toyota service department during the 4 check in’s from 0-20k miles? Sorry if this is newbie questions, but I am a newbie

30K miles is the interval specified by Toyota for driving in dirt/dusty road, towing, car-top carrier, or heavy vehicle loading. Since I'll be utilizing the LC off road, this is the interval that I'll use for the rear diff and transfer case. As I mentioned in a previous post, my RDX recommends changing the rear diff fluid on the AWD system every 15K. Since the amount of fluid in the front diff is similar to the RDX, that's the interval I'm planning to use for the front diff only.

Looked in my garage and found that my RDX uses the same fluid as the LC for the diffs. And, it's a hell of a lot cheaper - $20.82 when I bought it last year. Hmm.

 

[kmershly]

30K miles is the interval specified by Toyota for driving in dirt/dusty road, towing, car-top carrier, or heavy vehicle loading. Since I'll be utilizing the LC off road, this is the interval that I'll use for the rear diff and transfer case. As I mentioned in a previous post, my RDX recommends changing the rear diff fluid on the AWD system every 15K. Since the amount of fluid in the front diff is similar to the RDX, that's the interval I'm planning to use for the front diff only.

Looked in my garage and found that my RDX uses the same fluid as the LC for the diffs. And, it's a hell of a lot cheaper - $20.82 when I bought it last year. Hmm.

View attachment 37733

Maybe Honda just charges less or maybe it is more expensive now?

Things are different now, depending on what side of the fence one sits, it is either the super bestest most amazing thing ever or terrible.

 

[EOD Guy]

Dealers have a very large markup........