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Synthetic diff oils?

 
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Old 07-25-2003, 09:54 AM
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Synthetic diff oils?

I've searched on several different boards and can't quite find a definitive answer that suits me, so I'll post my question here:

Is it ok to use Mobil 1 synthetic gear oil in 75w-90 weight in the differentials of a 1997 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 5spd (standard diff, no locker)?

I ask this because the Toyota manual calls for 80w-90 and I want to make sure it's not a problem.

Chris
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Old 07-25-2003, 11:17 AM
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I thought that 80w was only for BELOW zero applications?

The Chilton's I'm looking at says 90w for ABOVE zero F.

j/c - what was the price you saw on this Mobil 1 75w/90 and where?

~a
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Old 07-25-2003, 11:49 AM
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I'm using 75w-90. Isn't that similar to 90w at high temps? Anyway, I got the Mobil1 at a local parts store for $7.99/bottle.

Chris
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Old 07-25-2003, 12:01 PM
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Re: Synthetic diff oils?

Originally posted by mtnbkr
Is it ok to use Mobil 1 synthetic gear oil in 75w-90 weight in the differentials of a 1997 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 5spd (standard diff, no locker)?

I used Amsoil 80 - 90 in my rear diff. I highly doubt you will experience anything negative from going 75 - 90. You may want to switch over when you get a chance. It would bug me.
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Old 08-12-2003, 09:30 AM
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The manual recommends 80W90 on my rear diff, but I'm using Amsoil synthetic 75W90 in there right now and I don't see any problem at all. 80W90 is a little heavier than 75W90 so I guess it does not make any difference as long as there is oil in the differential case. The fluid in there is synthetic so I have a peace of mine knowing it will do it's job to lubricate the ring/pinion gear and bearing in there.

Noel
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Old 08-12-2003, 09:50 AM
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I was wondering the same thing before I did my fluids and found some info about others switching and using mobil1. Though I don't remember the threads, it was concluded that it was ok to use the same weight in the front and back. I couldn't find anything but 75w-90 at my local auto store. I did the switch last month and haven't had any trouble.
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Old 08-12-2003, 10:39 AM
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I currently run Redline in both diffs and my tranny. I used 75-90 in the diffs and Redline's MTL 90W in the trans. I've put on about 14k miles without any trouble. It even works with my Lockrite locker.
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Old 08-12-2003, 11:15 AM
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I blew a tranny using Redline.

1988 Mazda B2200.
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Old 08-12-2003, 11:22 AM
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I use 75W-90 Amsoil syn. gear oil in my diffs & transfer case. No problems here.
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Old 08-12-2003, 11:23 AM
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Care to expand? C'mon...details!
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Old 08-12-2003, 11:29 AM
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Originally posted by Faded
Care to expand? C'mon...details!
My lowrider-show-winner turned drag racer Mazda B2200 truck didnt like me slamming the gears at the track I guess.

I single-handedly blew the 3rd gear synchro after an amazing 17.6 @ 76MPH run in the 1/4 in which I beat a coffee-can Toyota Corolla with a 4 foot spoiler and 19-inch wheels.

How do you like them apples?
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Old 08-12-2003, 11:33 AM
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oh man, you gotta show us pics of this truck!
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Old 08-12-2003, 11:57 AM
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So maybe it wasn't the gear oil's fault? :pat: BTW, I dig them apples. I once had a no-show-goin', unloaded torsion bar havin', 2" block wearin', 17" Focal spinnin' 87 Yota. Maybe I would have given you a run for your money? Then again, maybe not...it burned so much oil that bystandards thought it was on fire as I roared past. After the axle seals started leaking it would do hella burnouts though!
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Old 08-12-2003, 12:58 PM
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Dude, that sounds sweet.

I will post some pics of my work of art this week.

One with the Roadsters, and one with the "speed" wheels - tucked of course.
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Old 08-12-2003, 02:07 PM
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this was barely touched upon up higher but with a locker should you change to a different gear oil?

Probably a stupid question but I don't know the answer yet :pat:
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Old 08-12-2003, 02:15 PM
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I was told by Redline that it would work fine with my locker. I would think that most gear oils would work for a locker because they are already designed with shear protection in mind (for the ring/pinion/spiders, etc.) Now if you run a clutch type limited slip (LSD) I would be a little more careful in choosing gear oil. Most manufactures will spec if thier stuff is okay to use in clutch-type LSDs. Most of the time all it takes is a few minutes to read the bottle or call the manufacturer.
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Old 08-13-2003, 06:51 AM
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Good grief. Once I finally start getting answers, they start flowing in. I still have the Mobil 1 in the diff, but I have all Redline fluids in my garage waiting to be poured in (gonna do the entire drivetrail at next oil change). For the diffs, I bought Redline's 75w90NS. It's a GL5 gear lube without the friction modifiers for LSDs.

I'm going to use MT90 for the transmission (5spd) and t-case.

Chris
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Old 08-13-2003, 06:54 AM
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Originally posted by mtnbkr


I'm going to use MT90 for the transmission (5spd) and t-case.

Chris
I would not go straight 90 in the MT.
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Old 08-13-2003, 07:22 AM
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Originally posted by <96 Runner>
I would not go straight 90 in the MT.
Read the product specs, it is not a straight 90w oil. It is a 75w90 GL4 oil designed for manual transmissions and transaxles. I've used it before in toyota MT's, it's a good product.

http://www.redlineoil.com/redlineoil/mtlti.htm

Chris
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Old 08-13-2003, 04:03 PM
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So, I'm going to do my tansmission and transfer case soon. The thing is, what weight should I go with? I'm going to be in Bozeman, Montana for the winter. For those of you who don't know, it get's quite cold there. Anyways, should I go with a thinner weight or should I sick with the stock recogmedations
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