What kind of oil does a gx470 differential take?

The GX470 differential uses SAE 75W-90 gear oil that meets the GL-5 specification for both the front and rear differentials.

Oil specification for the GX470 differentials

In practical terms, you should select a gear oil labeled 75W-90 GL-5. This viscosity and rating are designed for the hypoid gear types found in the GX470’s differentials, providing protection across a wide temperature range. You may choose either conventional or synthetic formulations, as long as the product explicitly meets GL-5 and the 75W-90 grade. If your vehicle is equipped with a limited-slip differential (LSD), verify whether the oil includes the necessary friction modifiers or add the recommended modifier per Toyota guidelines.

Friction modifiers and LSD considerations

Some GX470 models use a differential that benefits from friction modifiers in the oil, especially if an LSD is present. Oils marketed as GL-5 may already contain these modifiers; if yours does not, you may need to add the manufacturer-recommended additive. Always check the owner’s manual or consult a dealership to confirm whether an LSD-specific additive is required for your build and driving conditions.

Maintenance tips for replacement and checks

Before replacing differential oil, consult the owner’s manual for exact capacities and procedures. In general, the process involves draining the old oil from the differential, replacing the drain plug (with a new crush washer if required), and refilling through the fill hole until the oil begins to seep out or reaches the specified level. Use the 75W-90 GL-5 oil you selected and ensure the fill level is correct when the differential is at or near operating temperature.

Front differential specifics

The GX470’s front differential uses the same 75W-90 GL-5 specification. During service, ensure the front differential is properly drained and refilled to the manual’s recommended level, and verify there are no leaks around the fill plug after a test drive.

Rear differential specifics

The rear differential also requires 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil. Follow the same steps as the front for draining and refilling, and replace any gaskets or seals as needed to prevent leaks.

Related note on the transfer case

For completeness, the GX470’s transfer case typically uses automatic transmission fluid (ATF) rather than gear oil. Do not confuse the transfer case fluid with the differential oil; use the appropriate ATF type recommended by Toyota for the transfer case if your vehicle has one.

Conclusion

To recap, the GX470’s front and rear differentials require 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil. You can choose synthetic or conventional oil, but ensure it meets the GL-5 specification. If your model includes an LSD, confirm whether a friction-modifier additive is necessary. Always refer to the owner’s manual for exact capacities and fill procedures, and consult a dealer or mechanic if you’re unsure.

Summary: Use 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil in both the front and rear differentials of the GX470; synthetic options are acceptable; consider LSD-related additive needs; follow manual guidelines for capacity and fill procedures.

What kind of differential fluid does a Lexus GX 460 take?

The GX460 requires 75W-85 GL-5 gear oil for its front and rear differentials, while the transfer case needs a separate fluid, often 75W GL-4 or another specific type recommended by Lexus. It is essential to use the correct fluid for each component to ensure proper function and longevity, such as the Lexus/Toyota part number 08885-02506 for the front differential, or a compatible alternative like RAVENOL DGL 75W-85 GL-5. 
Differential fluid type

• Front and Rear Differentials: Use a 75W-85 GL-5 gear oil.
  • OEM: Lexus/Toyota recommends a 75W-85 gear oil, with part numbers like 08885-02506, 08885-02906, or 08885-81060.
  • Aftermarket: Compatible alternatives include RAVENOL DGL 75W-85 GL-5 or EUROL Fully Synthetic 75W-85 Gear Oil MTF GL-5. 

Transfer case fluid type

• Transfer Case: Use a 75W GL-4 gear oil.
  • OEM: Lexus/Toyota part number 08885-01806 (or 08885-81080/08885-81081) is for the transfer case.
  • Aftermarket: Compatible alternatives include Eurol Synthetic 75W Gear Oil MTF GL-4 or RAVENOL MTF-3 75W. 

Important considerations

• Always check your owner's manual for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your specific vehicle's requirements.
• Using the wrong type of fluid can lead to damage. For example, using GL-4 fluid in a differential that requires GL-5 can cause improper lubrication. 
• Fluid change kits are available from various retailers and can simplify the process by providing the correct fluids and quantities. 

Can I use 75W90 instead of 75W85 Toyota?

Yes, you can generally use 75W-90 instead of 75W-85 for most Toyota differentials, as the 75W-90 is a widely available and acceptable substitute. The main difference is that 75W-90 is slightly thicker at operating temperatures, but many mechanics and Toyota dealerships use it as a substitute because it's more common. It's crucial, however, to ensure the new fluid meets the correct GL rating (such as GL-5) for your vehicle's differential, as this is more important than the exact weight. 
Key considerations

• Availability: 75W-85 is less common, making 75W-90 a practical alternative that is readily available at most auto parts stores. 
• Viscosity: While 75W-90 is a bit thicker than 75W-85 at high temperatures, the difference is minimal and won't cause harm in most cases. Some sources even suggest that 75W-90 is preferable for heavy towing, although this is not always the case. 
• GL rating: The most critical factor is the gear oil's GL rating, which specifies its suitability for different types of gears. Make sure the 75W-90 fluid you choose is compatible with your vehicle's requirements (e.g., GL-5 for most differentials). 
• Additives: Be mindful of the additives, particularly for differentials with electronic lockers. Some oils may have anti-wear additives that can harm these components. It's best to stick to a fluid that is specified for your differential type. 
• Performance: You might notice a slight decrease in fuel efficiency with the thicker 75W-90 fluid compared to the OEM 75W-85. However, this difference is usually minimal. 

Recommendation

• If you can't find the 75W-85, a high-quality 75W-90 synthetic gear oil with the correct GL-5 rating is a perfectly acceptable substitute for most Toyota differentials. 
• Some older or specific models might require a GL-4 rating for the transmission. Double-check your owner's manual to confirm the correct GL rating before making a purchase. 

What kind of oil does a GX470 rear differential take?

For the front and rear differentials of your Lexus GX470, you can use either 80W-90 or 75W-90 synthetic oil. The manual recommends hypoid gear oil GL-5 with SAE 90 or 85W-90 for temperatures above 0*F, and 80W or 80W-90 for colder conditions.

What kind of fluid does a Toyota rear differential take?

Using the suggested Toyota Tacoma 75W85 GL5 gear oil will ensure the correct rear differential lubricating characteristics are met for the intended differential designed functions. Also, you can expect to achieve the best performance results and long-term reliability for all internal rear differential components.