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

[Bad1975]

EMG Lubricants Godo Kaisha a sub of ENEOS group ultimately they Manufacture lubricants for Mobile 1 Japan and also make the Toyota LF 75W directly for Toyota it seems, about as clear as the GL rating in other words. Their original name I found on an older can. Formerly EMG Marketing Godo Kaisha of the Tenon group which later merged into JX group which was later and currently acquired by ENEOS.

Seems when Toyota spec'd this fluid for the first time in transfer cases the previous ones spec'd GL-5 then Toyota removed the spec from this one for some reason in the new transfer cases.

The only thing that somewhat points to it being GL-4 or a hybrid of GL-4/GL-5 is the FJ Cruiser originally called for GL-3 and without material change went to GL-4 and again without material changes went to the LF 75W spec'd fluid and never had a Gl-5 spec mentioned, but truly still as clear as mud since previous gens did like the VF3s did spec GL-5! About as definitive as whether yellow metals are for sure present in these or not, think the only way to know for sure is to tear one down!

Only thing I know 100% is there are no Hypoid gears that would require the GL-5, so I'll stick with the GL-4 Redline MT-LV to be safe from possible metal destruction or use the Toyota fluid if it can be obtained. Seems many have run the Redline and the Ravenol for over 80k without issue in VF4BM which is identical minus application from what I've read. VF is the family 4 is the series and A,B,C is the platform configuration (part-time, full-time manual lock lever and full-time with actuator lock) and the M designates ECU control from what I've found vice no ECU control absent the M.

 

[shwazz714]

Did the transfer case, front and rear diff today. Was my first time doing any of this on a car - part of getting a utilitarian lc was learning how to do this myself! Was scary but fun. This thread helped me prepare a ton, thanks for that

 

[t3lcfe]

There is reason why Toyota doesn’t call out clearly GL number for TC…( if it is GL-4, just list GL-4), but at same page they “crystal clear” says GL-5 for Front and Rear Differential.
GL-4 probably is not 100% correct ! But “reasonable” (?). Toyota made that special oil LF75w with special GL number (not gl4 nor gl5)
Thanks Bad1975 for your detail sharing experience!
I personally will go with Toyota genuine oil LF for TC (only 2 quart ) I don’t want to save $50 for the expensive/value LC but keep the “worry” in my head for next 30k miles (or 15k miles least)

Today, it is probably more than 5 times I watched this favorite Toyota YouTube channel/ video…I did screenshots to share with gang.
——> He said clearly as below (again, he can be wrong or right ! Who knows !)
1/ MANUAL transmission: GL-4 ONLY because of soft metal used
2/ TRANSFER CASE and Front / Rear Differential: GL-5 and 75w85 or 75w90
Man…more confusing and more.
To have 200% peace of mind: oem Toyota oil LF75w is way to go. Luckily, 2 liters cost about $100-110. And still no one can prove it is GL-4 or GL-5 !!!

 

[ultane]

^^^That^^^ video is from the very earliest days of TCCN after he left the dealer he worked for and went out on his own just over four years ago. There is a newer video from 8 months ago.…

 

[t3lcfe]

^^^That^^^ video is from the very earliest days of TCCN after he left the dealer he worked for and went out on his own just over four years ago. There is a newer video from 8 months ago.…

Thanks bro,
Many months ago, I watched it but didn’t pay attention about gear oil types…
Watched it again per your YouTube link TONIGHT …Yes, at 32:30 minutes, he did clearly mention about those. For his personal Toyota and his customers’ one, he used gear oil 75w90 (if 75w85 is hard to find or expensive) for all 3 Front, Rear Diff, and Transfer Case. It means GL-5 for all of 3.
Now, it’s all up to us for our own choices.

I had mobile Delvac 1 Gear Oil Fully Synthetic 75w90 (GL-5) for LC Front and Rear Diff.
I may use either Toyota LF75W or same oil above for TC
Similar case, I had same Gear oil above for all 3 Front/Rear Diff and TC in my Gwagon (even though manual book says 75w85, but MB dealers and MB specialized shops confirmed 75w90 is totally fine)
I rather change those oils more often like 10k mi (not expensive and fun ) than 30-40k mi with “over priced/liquid SILVER/liquid GOLD/not much better” ones.
Haha. Now I can close this topic for MYSELF.

Thank you ALL !