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Differential gear oil question

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Old 04-25-2008, 08:25 AM
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Differential gear oil question

how many of you actually use SAE 90wt gear oil in your diffies? toyota requests that you use that grade.. and no 75w90 and 80w90 do not count. they are different than SAE 90wt.. for the record i dont. actually i am going up to a 140wt for much better protection.. most of you that wheel or pull should do the same thing..
Old 04-25-2008, 08:46 AM
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I think Toyota just recommends the most generic weight of oil. Probably in other parts of the world, multi-grade gear oil may be uncommon, so instead of forcing those folks to get some hard to find stuff, they just list a single weight oil. I've always run multi-weight oil in mine:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/index.sh...ntheticGearOil
Don't think I have ever run into a single weight gear oil.
Old 04-25-2008, 08:47 AM
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I use 75w90. 140w is probably not the best choice for your truck.
Old 04-25-2008, 08:52 AM
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Originally Posted by Man4God
I use 75w90. 140w is probably not the best choice for your truck.

lol why is that? its proven to be a better protector than the "water" 90wts.. btw, the new 75 and 80w90's are thinner than previous mixes.. thats why companies are now coming out with 75w110's its the "new 90wt" its basically i little bit thicker than the old 90wts..

its proven and well known that a 140 wt protects better than 90wt and the only reason why yota and other companies "request" a 90wt is mainly bc of gas mileage.. absolutely nothing wrong with a 140 wt in a toyota who ever told you other wise needs to get educated

besides the SAE 90wt compared to a 75w90 is thicker! look it up
Old 04-25-2008, 08:55 AM
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Originally Posted by 4Crawler
I think Toyota just recommends the most generic weight of oil. Probably in other parts of the world, multi-grade gear oil may be uncommon, so instead of forcing those folks to get some hard to find stuff, they just list a single weight oil. I've always run multi-weight oil in mine:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/index.sh...ntheticGearOil
Don't think I have ever run into a single weight gear oil.

this part sums it up..


Heavyweight Shockproof Gear oil in the differentials:
GL5 rating (note Hypoid = GL5)
75W90 or 75W90NS gear oils also work fine
I've also run Shockproof oil in the transfer case, it worked fine, but I don't think its really needed for the simple bevel cut gears in the transfer case.
You can also run the lighter weight Shockproof oils as well, I would just watch that the cold weight (1st number) is at least 75W.
I like the heavy weight oil because it has the most of the shockproof additives for greater gear tooth cushioning and it sticks, I have an axle I drained over 2 years ago and there is STILL a film of red shockproof coating the inside!
Old 04-26-2008, 01:13 PM
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how bout this,,,from my amsoil site

FILTERS
Oil Filter: EAO57 Absolute Efficiency Oil Filter
Oil Filter: 51348 WIX 51348 Oil Filter
Air Filter: 46109 WIX 46109 Air Filter
Fuel Filter: 33319 WIX 33319 Fuel Filter [1]

1. Without Bracket


NGK PLUGS & WIRE SETS
Plug................. GPSERIES BKR5EGP NGK7090
Plug................. IXIRIDIUM BKR5EIX-11 NGK5464
Plug................. STANDARD BKR5EKB-11 # NGK3967
Plug................. VPOWER BKR5E-11 NGK6953
Wire Set.......... WIRESET RC-TE66 NGK4412 [1]

1.3 Lead Slave Set


TRICO WIPER BLADES
Blade Class Driver Passenger Rear
NEOFORM T16170 T16170
EXACTFIT T171 T171
WINTER T37170 T37170
OKTANE 16 inch 16 inch



LUBRICANTS & FLUIDS
Engine Oil
Grade 1......API*
SAE 0W-30 Synthetic Signature Series Oil
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil
SAE 5W-30 XL Synthetic Motor Oil
Above 0°F......10W-30
All Temps......5W-30
Manual Transmission,.....GL-4
All TEMPS......75W-90
Synthetic Manual Transmission and Transaxle Gear Lube 75W-90
Manual Transmission,.....GL-5
All TEMPS......75W-90
Severe Gear 75W-90
Automatic Transmission.....AF3
Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid
Torque-Drive™ Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATD)
Differential, Front .....GL-5
All Temps......75W-90
Severe Gear 75W-90
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube
Severe Gear 75W-110
Standard Differential, Rear .....GL-5
Above -18°C......90
SAE 80W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube
Severe Gear 75W-90
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube
Standard Differential, Rear .....GL-5
Below -18°C......80W-90, 80W
SAE 80W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube
Severe Gear 75W-90
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube
Controlled Slip Differential, Rear .....GL-5*
Below -18°C......80W-90, 80W
SAE 80W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube
Severe Gear 75W-90
Controlled Slip Differential, Rear .....GL-5*
Above -18°C......90
SAE 80W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube
Severe Gear 75W-90
Transfer Case,.....GL-4
75W-90
Synthetic Manual Transmission and Transaxle Gear Lube 75W-90
Transfer Case,.....GL-5
75W-90
Severe Gear 75W-90
Fluids
Power Steering Fluid.....AF3
Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid
Torque-Drive™ Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATD)
Brake Fluid.....HB
Series 600 DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid
Clutch Fluid.....HB
Series 600 DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid



CHASSIS LUBRICATION
Four-wheel drive
8 Fittings, 0 Plugs..........LM
Series 2000 Synthetic Racing Grease
Synthetic GHD Heavy-Duty EP Grease
Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease NLGI #2
Two-wheel drive
0 Fittings, 0 Plugs



CAPACITIES
Engine, 4WDwith filter..........5.5 quarts[1]
Engine, 2WDwith filter..........5.7 quarts[1]
Cooling System, Initial Fill..........11.0 quarts
AMSOIL Antifreeze and Engine Coolant
Automatic Transmission, 4WD Initial Fill..........2.1 quarts[2]
Automatic Transmission, 2WD Initial Fill..........2.5 quarts[2]
Automatic Transmission, Total Fill
A340E..........7.6 quarts
A340F..........11.0 quarts
A43D..........6.9 quarts
Manual Transmission, 2WD..........5.5 pints
Manual Transmission, 4WD..........4.6 pints
Differential, with ADRD Front..........2.5 pints
Differential, withO ADRD Front..........2.3 pints
Differential, Short WB withO LSD Rear..........5.5 pints
Differential, Short WB with LSD Rear..........5.7 pints
Differential, 4WD Extra Long Rear..........5.3 pints
Differential, 2WD V6 Rear..........5.5 pints
Transfer Case,Electronic..........2.5 pints
Transfer Case,STD..........2.1 pints

1. After refill check oil level.
2. With ENG at operating temperature, shift through all
gears. Check fluid level in PARK and add fluid as needed.


TORQUES
Transfer case
Fill Plug.....27 ft-lbs
Drain Plug.....27 ft-lbs
Manual Transmission
Fill Plug.....27 ft-lbs
Drain Plug.....27 ft-lbs



SERVICE INTERVAL
AMSOIL Product Recommendation and Drain Interval Guide (g1490)

OTHER TOP QUALITY PRODUCTS
Mothers® Car Care Appearance Products
By-Pass Oil Filters
Old 04-28-2008, 03:57 AM
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the amsoil severe gear 75w110 is great stuff! talked to an amsoil guy and he said that the newer 90wts ARE thinner and that a lot of people are switching to the 110 and 140wts also.
Old 04-28-2008, 05:09 PM
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Originally Posted by mkgarrison5
lol why is that? its proven to be a better protector than the "water" 90wts.. btw, the new 75 and 80w90's are thinner than previous mixes.. thats why companies are now coming out with 75w110's its the "new 90wt" its basically i little bit thicker than the old 90wts..

its proven and well known that a 140 wt protects better than 90wt and the only reason why yota and other companies "request" a 90wt is mainly bc of gas mileage.. absolutely nothing wrong with a 140 wt in a toyota who ever told you other wise needs to get educated

besides the SAE 90wt compared to a 75w90 is thicker! look it up
How do you suppose a "new 75 and 80w90 is "thinner" than previous mixes"? There is a viscocity range for any given rating - e.g. SAE 90 (13.5 to <18.5 cSt @ 100 deg C.). You have all kinds of formulations that are all over the place in this range. All of them still qualify as an Xw90 gear oil.

And the last time I read my owner's manual it DID indeed spec 75w90 for the front diff and transfer case, and 80w90 for the rear diff.
When these fluids are at 100 deg C they are all the same or similar vicosity. Any argument that SAE 90 is better in this situation would only be worth a damn if the vehicle was never shut down and the fluid never got below operating temperature. At that point the oil with less VII's would resist shear better (theoretically) and thus outperform the Xw90 oil due to less breakdown molecularly.

There are also only certain temperatures where an SAE 90 is "thicker" than an Xw90, mainly below 50 deg. C for all practical purposes. Me, I'd prefer to have better flow at all of those "start-up" type conditions before the oil is up to full operating temperature.

An interesting site to check out is http://www.widman.biz/Seleccion/Visc...6_english.html
This site more or less breaks down the SAE testing and characteristics that make up the grades we commonly refer to as "weights" of oil.

Last edited by wizzells; 04-28-2008 at 05:14 PM.
Old 05-01-2008, 05:04 AM
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Originally Posted by wizzells
How do you suppose a "new 75 and 80w90 is "thinner" than previous mixes"? There is a viscocity range for any given rating - e.g. SAE 90 (13.5 to <18.5 cSt @ 100 deg C.). You have all kinds of formulations that are all over the place in this range. All of them still qualify as an Xw90 gear oil.

And the last time I read my owner's manual it DID indeed spec 75w90 for the front diff and transfer case, and 80w90 for the rear diff.
When these fluids are at 100 deg C they are all the same or similar vicosity. Any argument that SAE 90 is better in this situation would only be worth a damn if the vehicle was never shut down and the fluid never got below operating temperature. At that point the oil with less VII's would resist shear better (theoretically) and thus outperform the Xw90 oil due to less breakdown molecularly.

There are also only certain temperatures where an SAE 90 is "thicker" than an Xw90, mainly below 50 deg. C for all practical purposes. Me, I'd prefer to have better flow at all of those "start-up" type conditions before the oil is up to full operating temperature.

An interesting site to check out is http://www.widman.biz/Seleccion/Visc...6_english.html
This site more or less breaks down the SAE testing and characteristics that make up the grades we commonly refer to as "weights" of oil.

fairly easy. go to the websites of the companies at hand. read the new specs compared to the older specs.. also Amsoil even stated that the newer 90wts are "thinner" than previous mixes. do the research.

you guys need to read some stuff on BITOG.. there is plenty of info regarding heavier gear oils protect better.. besides if you think 140wt is too thick then go to a 140wt in synthetic. much much better protection esp if you wheel, haul or pull..
Old 05-01-2008, 10:28 AM
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Weight is weight though, right? Why would someone make a 140w synthetic that is more like a 90w and proceede to call it 140w without any designation as to what the real viscosity is?
Old 05-01-2008, 03:14 PM
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Believe me, I've done plenty of research. I've been reading BITOG for nearly 5 years now. Please dont insult me by telling me to "do the research".

I never questioned whether or not an Xw140 protects better than an Xw90, I was merely clarifying that 75w90 and 80w90 are what Toyota specs for our diffs.
I never once said an Xw140 is too thick. My point was that I would prefer a multi-viscosity oil in place of a straight grade oil, especially in the climate I live in. Oils are so well "built" nowadays that they dont breakdown nearly as quickly as they did even 10 years ago. This is technology that has rapidly evolved and will continue to do so.

All this being said, Im running Redline 75w90 front, center, and rear.

Last edited by wizzells; 05-01-2008 at 03:17 PM.
Old 05-01-2008, 11:58 PM
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Never had a issue with 75W90 Sever Gear from Amsoil...and that was including a 1500 mile tow and with 4000K behind her going up hills and moutains. I just changed the oil a few weeks ago and it was still brand new. I had about 50K on the oil. I dont see how a thicker oil would protect better.
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Old 05-02-2008, 04:01 AM
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Wizzel i wasnt trying to offend you and yes there is not much difference in 75w90 and 80w90. thats not my point. my point is the specs for most 90w's now are "thinner" than previous. its stated all over BITOG. you should know that. also, yes they are still in the 90wt area but they are thinner (the lower spectrum of the 90wt class).. Esp Amsoil! go ask Pablo (amsoil dealer) on bitog. he points that out everytime and highly recomends going thicker bc its PROVEN to protect better. he prefers 75w110 gear oils and he has back up to prove what he talks about.. i was merely telling guys here that if you really work your diffies you should bump up in gear oil weight is all i was saying.. i read about guys having gear issues here and i was just merely making a suggestion for better protection of your gears.. the only reason why toyota states a 90wt gear oil is purely gas mileage and efficency but if you mod up your rig and slap on big new tires then you killed the "efficiency" and from what my local yota techs say (and they are pretty hardcore offroading guys)to bump up in weight.

if your truck is a street beater and just an everyday rider then 90wts are fine.... duh..... i am talking about the other guys
Old 05-02-2008, 04:04 AM
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Originally Posted by ARB1977
Never had a issue with 75W90 Sever Gear from Amsoil...and that was including a 1500 mile tow and with 4000K behind her going up hills and moutains. I just changed the oil a few weeks ago and it was still brand new. I had about 50K on the oil. I dont see how a thicker oil would protect better.
LOL you cant tell how an oil's status is by looking at it LOL.. you have to have it analyzed.. very common mistake. that 90wt is good oil but if you pull on a REGULAR basis it would be wise to bump up in weight and yes thicker is usually better in this case... also for trail rigs
Old 05-02-2008, 08:56 AM
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Originally Posted by mkgarrison5
LOL you cant tell how an oil's status is by looking at it LOL.. you have to have it analyzed.. very common mistake. that 90wt is good oil but if you pull on a REGULAR basis it would be wise to bump up in weight and yes thicker is usually better in this case... also for trail rigs
How so is thicker oil better?
Old 05-07-2008, 04:34 AM
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from www.lubrizol.com

Axle efficiency can be improved by using lower viscosity fluids (such as SAE 75W-90), which minimize frictional churning losses. However, light trucks and SUVs are often used in conditions that expose axles to heavy loads or high operating temperatures. These conditions require superior axle protection, often provided by choosing a heavier viscosity fluid (SAE 75W-140, for example). Commercial vehicle applications may have even more stringent durability requirements. However, providing high durability and long vehicle life often reduces fuel efficiency.


--the high heat and heavy loads are form pulling AND offroading.. for you guys who have large wheels it would be highly recomended to upgrade your weight range in your diffys.
Old 05-12-2008, 02:10 AM
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Lot's of info here. So does Amsoil make a heavier Sever Gear oil for diffies or is there another recommended brand I should get...I'm swapping my diff oil later this week?? I have 35's and wheel it 2-3x a month, minor towing.
Old 05-12-2008, 07:21 AM
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Amsoil makes 75w90, 75w110 and 75w140.
Old 05-12-2008, 07:29 AM
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Originally Posted by Man4God
I use 75w90. 140w is probably not the best choice for your truck.
Au Contraire! If you live in the mojave desert, its probably just what you need.
Old 05-12-2008, 07:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Jdizzydub
Lot's of info here. So does Amsoil make a heavier Sever Gear oil for diffies or is there another recommended brand I should get...I'm swapping my diff oil later this week?? I have 35's and wheel it 2-3x a month, minor towing.
I have been using Amzoil since 1979 ... when I finish fooling with a diff or tranny or motor, and they break in, I change to amzoil and forget about it. Nowadays, as lubricating oil is going up right along with gas, using Synthetic makes even more sense, the lower friction, and MUCH longer life all add up.


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