Oil Return Tube or Tcase Rebuild? That is the question...

[Cruiserdrew]

Good deal. You just saved having to rebuild your t-case for now, but keep it in mind when you run out of projects!

It probably IS a good time to change out the oil in both if you don't know when it was done last. Just any old 80w-90 will work. I mostly use the Coastal 80w-90 since it's cheap and adequate. I do run synthetics in my H55, but then it's a new tranny.

 

[cbmontgo]

Good deal. You just saved having to rebuild your t-case for now, but keep it in mind when you run out of projects!

It probably IS a good time to change out the oil in both if you don't know when it was done last. Just any old 80w-90 will work. I mostly use the Coastal 80w-90 since it's cheap and adequate. I do run synthetics in my H55, but then it's a new tranny.

Great. Thanks!

 

[cbmontgo]

Ok...I installed this thing tonight. Very simple to do. However, do I need to "plumb" this tube so that it has fall from the tranny to the t-case or will it function based on pressure alone?

 

[2mbb]

The best installation would have a constant slope from the transmission down to the transfer case. Next best would be to have a little sag in the line. Try to avoid a large loop that creates a high point, because the level in the transmission would have to get too high to flow back to the transfer. I don't think this works because the transmission is pressurized, because the transmission has ample venting out the stick shift hole. The operating principle is that as the transmission fills up, it overflows out the fill hole, and back down the tube to the transfer case.

 

[cruiser_guy]

However, do I need to "plumb" this tube so that it has fall from the tranny to the t-case or will it function based on pressure alone?

No, you do NOT need to get the hose nice and straight. The oil will flow even if there is a slight "trap" in the hose.

I had mine on the last time for a year and a half as I was under doctors orders NOT to do anything heavy.

 

[cbmontgo]

No, you do NOT need to get the hose nice and straight. The oil will flow even if there is a slight "trap" in the hose.

I had mine on the last time for a year and a half as I was under doctors orders NOT to do anything heavy.

Good deal. I was wondering because the oil didn't seem to be flowing down the hose to the t-case fill plug. I guess the heat and pressure in the transmission will help out once I get the oil put back in. It seems like it would work better if the tube were about 6 inches shorter.

 

[surfpig]

Good deal. You just saved having to rebuild your t-case for now, but keep it in mind when you run out of projects!

It probably IS a good time to change out the oil in both if you don't know when it was done last. Just any old 80w-90 will work. I mostly use the Coastal 80w-90 since it's cheap and adequate. I do run synthetics in my H55, but then it's a new tranny.

I did this transfer hose fix as an emergency measure the day I needed to leave on a 600 mile roadtrip, 3 or 4 years ago...

 

[cbmontgo]

Good deal. You just saved having to rebuild your t-case for now, but keep it in mind when you run out of projects!

It probably IS a good time to change out the oil in both if you don't know when it was done last. Just any old 80w-90 will work. I mostly use the Coastal 80w-90 since it's cheap and adequate. I do run synthetics in my H55, but then it's a new tranny.

About how much oil do the tranny and tcase take? I need to get out tomorrow and buy some...

 

[hank14]

About how much oil do the tranny and tcase take? I need to get out tomorrow and buy some...

From the FAQ:

Vehicle: Toyota Land Cruiser (FJ-60, -73, -75 series; BJ-60, -73, -75 series; HJ60, -75 series)
Transmission, manual (H41): API GL-4 or GL-5, 3.5L
Transfer case (with H41 or H55F): API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 90, 2.2L

Enjoy getting greasy!

BTW- I need to post a pic of my SOR variety oil transfer tube- it was so long, I looped it up and used a zip tie to hold it in place on the underside of the body. I had no idea if that was supposed to be how it goes, but it is working fine. When pressure builds upo, the oil will go where it needs to.

 

[lehiguy]

I learned of my T case giving away it's precious fluid when it stated to growl on the way back from Moab. It cost me an idler bearing and pin. I ran a home made return tube for years and years without any issues. The parts can be had at any home store, all you need are a drill, an NPT tap, some tubing, misc. brass fittings and hose clamps. I think it cost me about $5.00.

 

[schaats]

Does anybody have good idea in case of oil is moving from tranny to t-case ?

 

[Mtnmn99]

Other than listening to a grinding sound how do you know your having the oil problem. I have a few minor leaks under my rig and they are on the todo list.

 

[cbmontgo]

From the FAQ:

Vehicle: Toyota Land Cruiser (FJ-60, -73, -75 series; BJ-60, -73, -75 series; HJ60, -75 series)
Transmission, manual (H41): API GL-4 or GL-5, 3.5L
Transfer case (with H41 or H55F): API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 90, 2.2L

Enjoy getting greasy!

BTW- I need to post a pic of my SOR variety oil transfer tube- it was so long, I looped it up and used a zip tie to hold it in place on the underside of the body. I had no idea if that was supposed to be how it goes, but it is working fine. When pressure builds upo, the oil will go where it needs to.

I am going to Napa right now to get this oil.

Luckily I think I caught this problem before my t-case starting whining; I have heard lots of stories of this happening after the fluid got low.

Thanks for the help, guys.

 

[Bayou_Flyer]

I think I have this problem, but how do I tell which way the oil is flowing? I drove my cruiser from Louisiana to MS yesterday, and when I stopped at the rest area I noticed some oil dripping from the trans area. With the skid plate installed and the 60mph airflow, I couldn't pinpoint anything. No strange noises from the t-case, but this leaking seems to occur more after driving at high-ish speeds (60mph or so) than around town. Tranny and t-case work fine btw.

 

[2mbb]

The correct level is when the oil is within a few millimeters of the fill hole. You check the level by removing the oil fill plug (on the LH side of the transmission and on the back of the transfer case). If you take the plug out and oil comes pouring out, then the level is too high. If nothing comes out and you can't feel any oil when you put your finger in the hole, then the oil level is too low.

Oil level becomes low because oil leaks out. It can either leak out to the adjacent component, or it can leak onto the ground. Oil level becomes high because it is leaking in from the adjacent component. If your transmission oil level is high you can mitigate the problem by using the oil transfer hose. If your transfer case level is high, the only fix is to replace the transfer case seal.