I kinda forgot about this thread until I recently saw it again.
2008-2010 transfer cases use 75-90 gear oil. In 2010 sometime they switched some parts in the transfer case to brass. GL-4 and 5 gear oil typically has limited slip additives in it.
Brass and limited slip additives don’t get along. That’s the issue.
Will your t-case grenade if you run it? Doubt it. If you do a tear down will you find pitting on the brass component, yep.
One of the t-case I replaced that was cracked in half from a rock hit was easy to inspect… ‘cause it was cracked in half. There’s not a ton, but some brass goodies in there. Anyway, brass was pitted pretty good. Also, pitting from a lubricant and pitting from metal slamming metal is very different. I asked the guy what oil he used in his 2013 and he said 75-90.
Take that as you will. If it were my t-case and the owner’s manual said to use Toyota transfer case fluid. I’d at least make sure whatever was in there was not enhanced with limited slip additives.
This sent a chill down my spine! First rule: Do no harm!
So out of abundance of caution. Looks like I am switch to a non LS gear lube for 200 series TC.
Reading through this thread's, 13 pages. Seems 75W did not correct CDL cold flashing issue.
Toy TC LF 75W seems to be designed to aid MPG and be safe on yellow metals. But as of today, LF retails for $144 (2xcans ~$300). How much MPG improvement do we get, to justify $300. Years ago, I towed a 2000LX on a trailer, with a 2011 using M1 LS 75w-90 gear lube in all gear boxes. On flat Colo HWY, I saw ~ 19 to 21MPG on the display. That seemed, amazing MPG to me.
But the bigger concern, is yellow (brass) metals in transfer cases (TC). Brass introduced in TC, starting at some build date. Or do they all have yellow metals (brass), IDK. Anyone known, going back to 1998 -up, did they all have brass or what date was brass introduced into the TC?
I know the implication of this thread, combine with TIS,. 2011 was first. But was it?
Second chill came over me:
So out of concern. I logged in to TIS source I have, and looked closer at TC fluid recommendation. 2011 200 series, is first year LF 75W shows up. Was it a change in TC. Or was it, that they now had LF 75W ready for the market. Using A.I Copilot, it comes up with 2014 as first date Toyota/Lexus recommended LF. So was the wording in TIS for 2011,12 & 13 200 series changed to read LF 75W? Or does A.I have the wrong introduction date?
Toyota did not change wording in TIS recommendation for 2008-10. So would seem, there was a change in TC, starting in 2011 200 series. That is, if A.I correct on first recommended date of 2014. Was the 2011 TC, the first to get yellow metals, requiring change in lube?
I'll note: The 2003, was the first A750F (5spd) Automatic Transmission (A/T) in the 100 series, last with a A/T with a dipstick. Which calls for Toyota IV ATF. Then with release of Toyota WS ATF in 2004. Toyota started recommending WS ATF from 2004-up. They made no change in TIS, to 2003 recommendation. Was this and oversight or did 2004 A750F, have more difference than just removing the dip stick? From what I understand, Toy WS ATF is another MPG saving product. Toy IV ATF was ver. 1 of WS. So perhaps they felt no reason, to update 2003 manuals. Kind seems a waste than, to still manufacture Toy IV.
Third chill, as I read-up of sulfur effect on yellow metal. When heated to 40C damage starts. It seems 80C where it really gets bad. One ray of hope, was some LS additives (sulfur) are safe or safer. According to A.I, it depends on concentration, chemical make-up and other anti corrosion additives. This mostly found in synthetic.
So I sent Mobil One the question on their 75W-90 LS gear lube. Here is their response:
"Hello Paul,
Mobil 1 Syn Gear Lube LS 75W-90 is an API GL-5, usually we don't recommend to use API GL-5 with yellow metals because there could be compatibly issues.
I have checked in our database, for Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX570, for the transfer box I see that is recommended the Toyota LF therefor no our products are advised, this could also be a mistake. Did you find the alternative API GL-5 on a user's manual? In case can you send me a copy?"
Oh S****. Mobil said no go with LS!
@Taco2Cruiser saw brass & pitting in 2013 TC.
A.I, can not confirm no sulfur in LF 75W, only that it's safe for yellow metals.
I had checked in hard copy FSM up to last printing of 2010 LX470. Which has same rec as TIS online, GL-5 75W-75. Years ago and today, I also checked with parts department then, to see if they stock LF. They did not, still do not stock liter cans. But, their shop does (today) have LF 75W in bulk. Which typical Dealership's, carry the cheapest bulk they can get away with using. So they must a see it, as necessary.
TIS/FSM:
TIS 2008- 2010:
Oil Grade:
GL-5
Viscosity:
SAE 75W-90
2011 - 2016 (last yr I looked at) :
add transfer gear oil LF.
Viscosity:
SAE 75W
