Diff Oil Spec Question... I DID SEARCH FOR THE ANSWER

Sharky · 06-25-2009, 05:34 PM

My owners manual calls for 75-85 in the front and read diff.
BUT...
You guys are all using 75-90, is there a reason other than the fact that NO ONE OTHER THAN TOYOTA sells a 75-85?

Thanks

**Macleod** · 06-25-2009, 05:55 PM

How about I throw another curveball at you. I just had work done on my front diff, manual transmission and transfer case, and Toyota refilled everything with 80W90 gear oil according to the invoice.

**DEWFPO** · 06-25-2009, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Sharky previously said:

My owners manual calls for 75-85 in the front and read diff.
BUT...
You guys are all using 75-90, is there a reason other than the fact that NO ONE OTHER THAN TOYOTA sells a 75-85?

Thanks

That's pretty much it, plus most folks go with a better quality (synthetic) oil.

DEWFPO

**1911** · 06-25-2009, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Sharky previously said:

You guys are all using 75-90, is there a reason other than the fact that NO ONE OTHER THAN TOYOTA sells a 75-85?

Nope.

Sharky · 06-25-2009, 10:56 PM

Quote:

1911 previously said:

Nope.

That's all I need to know.
There are rules to viscosity... Some must be adhered to strictly some can be fudged quite a bit.

For example; I know that the first # for engine oil is not set in stone while the second # needs to be watched closely.

A 0w50 will preform better in a car that calls for a 10w50.
While a motorcycle the needs 5w30 would take a hit in performance with a 0w50.

Didn't know if the same held true for diffs.

THanks for the replys!

**1911** · 06-26-2009, 09:34 AM

I defy anyone (without an accurate viscometer) to tell the difference between 75w-85 and 75w-90 gear lube. I'd bet money that if you went to any Toyota dealer in North America and paid them to service your diff, they would re-fill it with cheap 75w-90 from a bulk tank.

Sharky · 06-26-2009, 12:19 PM

Quote:

1911 previously said:

I defy anyone (without an accurate viscometer) to tell the difference between 75w-85 and 75w-90 gear lube. I'd bet money that if you went to any Toyota dealer in North America and paid them to service your diff, they would re-fill it with cheap 75w-90 from a bulk tank.

I wouldn't take that bet against you as I am confident you are right.

**rrjames** · 06-26-2009, 10:48 PM

Gotta love the fact that Toyota tried to corner the market and failed. 75w90 is fine.

The dealerships get a little cranky when they cant overcharge you for oil.

jayman · 06-27-2009, 10:56 AM

Quote:

1911 previously said:

I'd bet money that if you went to any Toyota dealer in North America and paid them to service your diff, they would re-fill it with cheap 75w-90 from a bulk tank.

Yep, same as motor oil. They poo-poo whatever oil you'd bring in to use, but the no-name crap sitting in the tote bin out back is supposed to be wonderful stuff

Even if the tote bin is contaminated with rust, water, and dirt

Jond0 · 06-30-2009, 11:22 AM

Quote:

1911 previously said:

I'd bet money that if you went to any Toyota dealer in North America and paid them to service your diff, they would re-fill it with cheap 75w-90 from a bulk tank.

But they probably would still charge for the 'better than gold' toyota brand synthetic!