How much oil does a Land Cruiser differential take?
In most Toyota Land Cruisers, you’ll need roughly 1.8–2.0 quarts (about 1.7–1.9 liters) of gear oil for the front differential and about 2.0–2.5 quarts (roughly 1.9–2.4 liters) for the rear differential. Exact figures depend on model, year, and whether a center or rear locker is installed.
Understanding oil capacity matters for proper maintenance and avoiding under- or over-filling, which can lead to gear wear and leaks. The Land Cruiser range spans several generations, including the 80-series, 100-series, and the modern 200-series, each with its own spec. The following guide provides typical fill volumes and best-practice notes to help you plan service intervals and purchase the right amount of gear oil.
Typical differential capacities by axle
Below are common capacity ranges for front and rear differentials across popular Land Cruiser generations. Use these as baseline figures, but always verify with the vehicle’s manual or a Toyota dealership for your exact model.
- Front differential capacity: about 1.8–2.0 quarts (roughly 1.7–1.9 liters) for most open differentials. Some variants with locking hubs or limited-slip units may require up to around 2.0 quarts.
- Rear differential capacity: about 2.0–2.5 quarts (roughly 1.9–2.4 liters) for most configurations; models with certain lockers or heavy-duty rear axles may approach 2.5 quarts or slightly more.
Capacities vary by model and year, so confirm the exact specification for your vehicle before purchasing oil or starting a drain-and-fill service.
Filling, lubrication, and maintenance
Once you know the correct capacity, follow proper steps to fill and check the rear and front differentials. The following process is a practical guide that applies to most Land Cruisers, but always consult the service manual for any model-specific steps or torque values.
- Prepare fresh gear oil of the recommended specification (commonly GL-5 75W-90 or 85W-140 for heavy-duty diffs, check your manual).
- Warm up the vehicle or drive a short distance to bring the gears to operating temperature; warm oil flows more easily and will indicate the true fill level.
- Place the vehicle on level ground and engage the parking brake. Locate the fill plug on the differential housing; do not remove the drain plug first if you’re not sure about the oil level.
- Remove the fill plug and check the level; add oil through the fill hole until it begins to seep out of the fill hole, then stop and reinstall the fill plug with the proper torque.
- Reinstall the drain plug (if you drained any oil) and clean up any spills. Dispose of used oil at an approved recycling facility.
Following these steps helps ensure the differential is filled to the correct level across front and rear axles, reducing the risk of under-lubrication or overfill that can cause foaming or leaks.
Model-specific notes
Capacities may differ for special editions, dual-range transmissions, or models with aftermarket lockers. If your Land Cruiser has an aftermarket locker, a heavy-duty differential or a front/center differential locker, consult the exact capacity from Toyota’s official service data for that drivetrain configuration. The above figures are typical baselines and are not a guarantee for every vehicle.
Summary: While the exact oil capacity varies with year and model, most Toyota Land Cruisers use approximately 1.8–2.0 quarts (1.7–1.9 L) in the front differential and 2.0–2.5 quarts (1.9–2.4 L) in the rear differential. Always verify the specification in your owner’s manual or with a Toyota service bulletin before performing a fill.
