Rear Diff Oil

[bajasequoia]

Hello
I am a little confused, i want to change the oil in the diffs on my 2002 Sequoia 4wd SR5 and according to my manual the rear takes"Hypoid Gear Oil API GL-5 viscosity SAE90". I can't find any and all the other owners on forums and youtube are using 75W-140 for some reason and some others recomend SAE 80W-90. I don't believe i have a rear LSD so i don't know wich one to buy. Any tips???

Thanks

 

[Boomer]

I do know that the hypoid gears in differentials take only GL-5 (never GL-4). From what I've read and heard, the 75w90 full synthetic of any premium brand is good for normal driving. For heavy duty hauling, 75w140 is better. As far as LSD is concerned, if you can't find it in your owner's manual, you can call a dealer's service department with your VIN and ask them.

 

[NVSean]

My 2007 Sequoia 4WD Limited called for 75W140 gear oil, and I used Valvoline full synthetic when changing out fluids. I created a maintenance manual for my vehicle using several AI tools. I also removed the rust on my rear axle and repainted the rear differential.

 

[NVSean]

Photo of fluid guide

 

[Boomer]

Photo of fluid guideView attachment 637

In speaking with several different Toyota parts suppliers/specialists, the overwhelming advice on the gear lube spec for the transfer case is GL-4 and not GL-5. My owner's manual specifies "GL-4 or GL-5" but I found out the hard way, from past experience with another vehicle with a rear differential and a manual gearbox, that GL-4 is the ONLY spec that should be used in an "either/or" reference. GL-4 for the tranny (or transfer case) and GL-5 for the hypoid gears in the differentials.

GL-4 is safe for brass synchronizers and GL-5 will destroy them by having its additives bond with the brass and cause it to separate from the gears. This is my experience and not just opinion. This is why I started contacting the experts who sell and/or service Toyota drivetrains.

So, for my 4WD Sequoia, I use only GL-5 in the front and rear differentials and I only GL-4 in the transfer case/center diff.

Even though I don't know if there is any brass in the transfer case, I don't want to take a chance and experience another problem by believing the false "either/or" reference. If a label says the gear oil is "either/or", I just move on to a different product with one specific spec.

On a separate note, my owner's manual also says nothing about changing the ATF in my automatic transmission, just topping it off as needed. Since my 2003 model has a dipstick, changing the fluid (drain & fill) on a regular basis is easy to do and a "no-brainer".