What is the best oil for Toyota differential?
The best oil for a Toyota differential is a GL-5 gear oil with the viscosity your owner’s manual specifies (usually 75W-90 or 80W-90). Use a high-quality GL-5 gear oil such as Toyota Genuine Gear Oil or an equivalent, and if your differential is an LSD (limited-slip), ensure the correct friction modifier is included if the manual calls for it.
In this guide, we outline the standard specs, how to choose between options, and practical maintenance steps to help you keep your Toyota’s differential properly lubricated and protected.
Oil specifications Toyota commonly uses
Common oil grades by differential type
Below are typical recommendations found across many Toyota models. Always verify with your specific model year and drivetrain configuration in the owner's manual.
- Open differential (no LSD): 75W-90 GL-5 is standard; 80W-90 GL-5 can be acceptable in certain climates or older specs
- Limited-slip differential (LSD): 75W-90 GL-5 with a friction modifier additive as specified by Toyota for LSDs
- Front differential on 4WD/AWD models: generally the same guidance as the rear differential (75W-90 GL-5 or 80W-90 GL-5, depending on manual)
- Severe-towing or extreme-temperature conditions: some models may call for 75W-140 synthetic GL-5; check the manual for exact requirements
In practice, following the owner’s manual is the most reliable approach. If you’re unsure, consult a Toyota dealer or a trusted mechanic for the exact specification for your vehicle.
Choosing between synthetic and conventional oil
Factors to consider
Here’s how to decide which type of oil to use, keeping in mind Toyota guidance and typical driving scenarios.
- Synthetic gear oil: Better high-temperature stability, improved cold-weather flow, and typically longer service life; favored for modern Toyotas, towing, or hot climates
- Conventional gear oil: Often cheaper and adequate for normal daily driving; suitable if your manual specifies conventional oil and you stay within standard service intervals
- Mixing and switching: Avoid mixing conventional and synthetic oils. If switching to synthetic, do a full drain and fill to ensure compatibility
- Manual guidance: Many Toyotas allow either type as long as the correct GL-5 viscosity is used and any LSD additive requirements are met
Bottom line: Synthetic is commonly preferred for performance and temperature range, but the most important factor is matching the exact grade and any additives your manual requires.
Maintenance and replacement: how to service the differential oil
Step-by-step change procedure
Use these general steps as a guide, but always refer to your vehicle’s service manual for torque specs and capacity. If in doubt, have a professional perform the service.
- Prepare: Park on level ground, engine off, wheels chocked. If possible, warm the differential oil to help drainage.
- Drain: Jack up the vehicle and place on stands. Remove the differential drain plug to drain the old oil completely; remove the fill plug only after confirming drainage
- Inspect and clean: Inspect the drain plug and magnet (if equipped) for metal shavings; clean and reinstall with a new washer as needed
- Refill: Reinstall the drain plug with a new gasket or washer, then fill through the fill plug hole with the recommended oil until it reaches the proper level or starts to seep from the fill hole
- Check level and seal: Reinstall and torque the fill plug to the manufacturer’s specification; wipe any spills
- Test and recycle: Lower the vehicle, run the engine, drive briefly, and check for leaks. Dispose of the old oil at an approved recycling facility
Concluding guidance: Use the exact capacity and torque specifications from your manual, and if your model has LSD, ensure any required friction modifier is added as per the manual’s instructions.
Summary
For most Toyota differentials, the best oil is a GL-5 gear oil in the viscosity specified by the manual, typically 75W-90 or 80W-90. Use Toyota Genuine Gear Oil or a high-quality equivalent, and add the correct friction modifier if you have an LSD. Synthetic gear oil is often preferred for better performance in extreme temperatures or towing, but always verify the exact grade and any additive requirements in your owner’s manual. Regular maintenance, proper fill, and correct torque on plugs will keep your differential protected and functioning smoothly.
