Which oils for gearbox, transfer case and differentials

[Pistone]

Hello everyone,

I have recently purchased a 1996 KZJ90 prado SWB with the 1KZ-TE engine, manual gearbox and open differentials (no LSD). The vehicle has around 272000 km and my priority is maximum longevity and reliability rather than performance.

Toyota documentation seems to recommend:
- 75W-90 GL-4 for the gearbox and transfer case
- 85W-90 GL-5 for the differentials

However, many owners nowadays seem to run modern synthetic 75W-90 GL-5 in the differentials as well (for instance, Motul Gear 300 75W-90).

For a long-term keeper J90 in a mild climate, what would you personally choose today for gearbox, transfer and differentials?

Thanks!

 

[javelinadave]

Personally I use what Toyota recommends both weight/type and change intervals.

* My opinion only, YMMV

 

[mongoose2231]

For suoer smooth shifting and great feel, I use redline and royal purple. Expensive as s***, but the difference is there. I am running same in my 60 as well.

 

[OM617YOTA]

Been running bog standard 80w90 conventional in the diffs and xfer case. All good. Mild climate, gentle use, and I've taken several vehicles to 250k+ miles with no issues on conventional gear oils. Key point - keep it changed.

If I towed heavily(wrong vehicle for that anyway), lived in Death Valley or Alaska, different story. Synthetic for sure. As it is, just can't see the benefit for 2x the cost.