J-Ball

Hi, please help this newbie out. I tried searching this site but didn't find specificly what I was needing. I'm looking for advice for replacing the T-case oil and front/rear axle oils. Its a 2000 4runner with 140K on it. The T-Case has a slow leak so i'd like to put an oil with a leak stop or add a leak stop to it. I can find a 75W-90 synthetic oil localy but was thinking about ordering Lucas Oil 80-90. The 4runner calls for 80-90 of course.

1. Is it ok to use a 75-90 syn?
2. Is a Syn oil better than Lucas Oil etc?
3. Suggestions on stop leak to add
4. Any other suggestions?

Thanks so much
J-Ball

Ringmaster

Any GL 5, 75-90 rated oil will work in the t-case and the axles.

I don't think you'll have any luck with a "stopleak" for an oil leak.

J-Ball

Thnx Ringmaster....So....full synthetic would be better than a Lucas Oil or Royal Purlpe etc? I saw on another post that someone was thinking syn oils might leak more than dino oil---opinions? Anyone know of a good additive to help stop a slow leak? Surely theres something that works. Anyone else? THANKS
J-

Speedy

Stop leak is gimmicky.

I use Mobil1 Synthetic in all my fluids.

mkgarrison5

for the leak you can go with a 75/140wt synthetic. its thicker yes, but it wont leak as bad and its fine to runa 140 wt in a truck. esp if you pull or off road. the fact that if you get it in synthetic it will almost have the same properties as a 90wt.. thats what i would do imo... M1, amsoil and redline seem to be top notch. got pics or can you describe the leak? also since you live in texas the heat alone will break down and sheer a 90wt.. i would deff go with the 140wt

J-Ball

Thanks speedy and mkgarrison5. I'll see if I can track down some 75/140 mobile 1 for the T-case. I sure thought there would be a leak inhibitor or something that would help swell the seals in the T-case. Again, it's not a bad leak just a seep. I can smell that nasty 80-90 oil when I walk up to the truck, I guess I'm overly sensitive. I believe the people I bought this 4runner from never changed the fluids in the axles, T-case or Tranny. All the axle seals (and all wheel bearings) have been replaced due to failure, the auto tranny was rebuilt and the T-case seeps. Prob has the original oil in it still with 140,000 miles and 8 years of driving. So here i am breathing life into an otherwise sweet yota. Any other suggestions? What about hi-end AT fluids?Thanks for the help.

mkgarrison5

for axles and tcase 75w140 M1, redline, amsoil are top notch

AT, depends if it takes dexIII or t-IV-
if dexIII i would go with M1 or amsoil (synthetic) or Maxlife (Valvoline)
if T-IV, Maxlife (Valvoline), toyota brand T-IV..
the key with atf is to drain and fill every 15k miles or so.. keep that fluid clean and it may cut down on issues later.

motor, any oil will do. me, i find a synthetic on sale and use that. these yota motors are pretty easy on oil so there is not use in hell paying full price for a syn motor oil.. penzoil, havoline and gtx are top notch performers (dino oils)

mkgarrison5

btw change your air filter every 10k miles or less. these model runners and tacos have horrible filtration.. i would replace the pcv valve while you are at it and really take your plugs out and look at those too.. seems to me that those people didnt take care of it at all and that really may hurt you in the end. so i would give a good once over to dble check EVERYTHING

smccollamjr

I put amsoil in everthing but the transmission at about 110,000 this past winter. Since then the xfer case has developed a seep. The amsoil didn't cause it, but it may have uncovered it. It's inthe shop now. I think it's the front shaft seal. Amsoil will go back in it.

mkgarrison5

sounds good, tip, dont run the amsoil as far as they say it goes.. continue to do drain and fills for the tranny atleast every 20-25k miles.. amsoil is really good stuff but not as good as they claim in the atf dept..