Transmission and transfer case oil...

Esther · 06-16-09, 06:35 PM

OK, my 86fj60 turned 120000 miles this week

and I want to change the transmission and transfer case oils. My Toyota Maintenance book (the skinny, 30 page one with the red cover) says to use API GL-5 or -4 with SAE 90 viscosity. I am having trouble finding this exact type of oil. Every place I call (Checkers and Pepboys) says they have multi-grade oils that will work, but I don't know if I trust their advise on this.
What do you all use, and where do you get it?
John

forestdan7 · 06-16-09, 07:28 PM

You should be able to get straight 90W somewhere. Try NAPA or Carquest. 80w-90 should also work fine, but I hear you about trying to match what the manual calls for.

Some people like running synthetic in the trans and transfer. Like 75w-140. I do right now, but only because the transmission is new (H55F), and the transfer case is rebuilt. Once they get some wear on them, I'll probably go back to 90W.

klinetime574 · 06-16-09, 07:34 PM

I got my oil at the local place. Those big black jugs, same ones that coolant comes in. I think its 80W-90. Shifts fine just like before. Have fun filling it I laid on the floor with a little hand pump on the jug that broke halfway through and fell in the bottle haha. Fun times.

SouthCoastMudder · 06-16-09, 08:58 PM

Take the shifter boot loose, pull the shifter out and fill through the top of the tranny. MUCH easier.... I learned the hard way also.

Mark W · 06-17-09, 02:16 AM

Multigrade is better. use it and be happy.

Mark...

Yspen · 06-17-09, 02:45 AM

Stick to 80w-90 .
I tried adding stuff to make shift easier but that only changes the viscosity and makes the shift worse .
So after a lot of experiments , additives and different viscosity oils I have found 80w-90 to work best .

( I have not tried Xado additive - apparently it does not change viscosity but makes shift smoother via some fancy ceramic coating . Still sceptical and I have had to many dead ends in the quest to find a better shift .)

klinetime574 · 06-17-09, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthCoastMudder

Take the shifter boot loose, pull the shifter out and fill through the top of the tranny. MUCH easier.... I learned the hard way also.

I did do that for the transmission. But it took forever to fill that transfercase. haha

cruiser88 · 06-17-09, 11:34 AM

Get the 8 dollar pump that fits on the gallon jug

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...0oil%20pump___

Quote:

Originally Posted by klinetime574

I did do that for the transmission. But it took forever to fill that transfercase. haha

Esther · 06-17-09, 01:27 PM

OK, Found the oil and 8 dollar pump at Nappa.
Another question... The fluid that is currently in the tranny has a reddish tint to it. It dosen't look dirty, just reddish or brownish. Is this the color of old, bad oil? Or is it possible that the PO put automatic transmission oil in the thing and if so, would the truck be able to drive with that type of oil in it? (yes, it is possible considering the PO was not the brightest).
I've put about 8000 miles on the truck since I got it with no tranny issues.
John

T-bones 60 · 06-17-09, 01:40 PM

I use Royal Purple 75-90 in my H55 and T-case. I noticed smother shifts right away. I ran 90wt dino for the 1st 15k, then switched. I also use it in my diffs. It's stupid expensive, but worth it to me after feeling how much easier it is to shift.

cruiser88 · 06-17-09, 02:08 PM

Its possible......just dump the ATF and refill

Quote:

Originally Posted by Esther

OK, Found the oil and 8 dollar pump at Nappa.
Another question... The fluid that is currently in the tranny has a reddish tint to it. It dosen't look dirty, just reddish or brownish. Is this the color of old, bad oil? Or is it possible that the PO put automatic transmission oil in the thing and if so, would the truck be able to drive with that type of oil in it? (yes, it is possible considering the PO was not the brightest).
I've put about 8000 miles on the truck since I got it with no tranny issues.
John