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My 2007 4Runner
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4Runner History
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Other
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Concept:
Changing your differential and transfer case fluids to synthetic is beneficial as it is stronger and better suited for extreme wear than
traditional petroleum-based oils. Synthetic oils can withstand higher temperatures and friction, and are better at withstanding stress.
Synthetic oils have better anti-wear properties and protect gears longer than mineral-based lubricants.
They also offer rust protection by forming a more stable film on metal surfaces.
Synthetic oils are used in gearboxes that are run in severe conditions such as sub-zero environments, extreme heat, wet climates, and dusty or dirty conditions.
The 4Runner Scheduled Maintenance Guide says to Inspect the Front differential oil (4WD) and Rear differential oil every 15,000 miles and only in
Special Operating Conditions such as Driving While Towing, to replace the fluids.
For the Transfer Case the 4Runner Scheduled Maintenance Guide says to Inspect the Transfer Case Oil every 30,000 miles and only in
Special Operating Conditions such as Driving While Towing, to replace the fluid.
Personally I change the differential and transfer case fluids somewhere between 30,000 to 50,000 mile intervals.
Gaskets Needed:
Toyota specifies that the following drain and fill plug gaskets are a non-reuseable part.
The gaskets are made of metal and deform when torqued down to form a proper seal.
Part Name |
Part Number |
Torque Specification |
Wrench Size |
Rear Differential Fill Gasket |
12157-10010 |
36 Ft-Lb |
24mm socket |
Rear Differential Drain Gasket |
12157-10010 |
36 Ft-Lb |
24mm socket |
Front Differential Fill Gasket |
12157-10010 |
29 Ft-Lb |
10mm hex |
Front Differential Drain Gasket |
90430-24003 |
48 Ft-Lb |
10mm hex |
Transfer Case Fill Gasket |
90430-18008 |
27 Ft-Lb |
24mm socket |
Transfer Case Drain Gasket |
90430-18008 |
27 Ft-Lb |
24mm socket |
Synthetic Fluid:
For this fluid changeout I went with
Valvoline Full Synthetic FlexFill Pouch SAE 75W-85 Gear Oil API GL-5.
Valvoline has squeezed innovation into every ounce of FlexFill SAE 75W-90 Full Synthetic Gear Oil, the ultimate gear protection in hypoid rear differentials and non-synchronized manual transmissions.
Their unique new flexible pouch makes getting into the tightest places to lubricate gears easier than ever and with less waste.
The superior detergent package-based formulation contains fully synthetic basestocks and special additives that help protect parts from rust and corrosion while providing exceptional high and
low temperature protection and excellent thermal stability, especially in demanding driving situations such as towing and off-roading.
It contains an extreme pressure additive for better load carrying capacity, wear resistance additives that assist in protecting gear teeth,
a limited slip additive for optimal clutch pack performance, and an anti-foaming agent for better lubrication and service life.
Valvoline FlexFill SAE 75W-90 Full Synthetic Gear Oil is recommended for use in axle applications requiring factory-fill or drain-and-fill levels for limited slip performance.
Advantages:
Thermal Protection: Provides outstanding thermal stability for cleanliness and longer service life.
Corrosion Protection: Protects parts from rust and corrosion.
Reduces Chattering: Contains special additives to reduce chattering in limited-slip differentials.
Wear Protection: Contains additives to assist in protecting gear teeth.
Flow Properties: Provides excellent low temperature protection.
Fluid Specs:
Here are the fluid specifications as per the Toyota 4Runner owners manual.
DIFFERENTIALS Four−wheel drive models, 4.7 L V8 [2UZ−FE] engine
Oil capacity Front: 1.5 quarts
Oil capacity Rear: 3.2 quarts
Oil type: Hypoid gear oil API GL−5
Recommended oil viscosity: Above 0°F SAE 90
Below 0°F SAE 80W or 80W−90
As of November 8, 2007, Toyota published a Technical Service Bulletin TSB DL003-07, indicating a Differential Fluid change.
The differential gear oil has been changed to a 75W–85 GL5 synthetic gear oil beginning with the 2008 model year.
This new synthetic gear oil is compatible with 2003–2007 model year 4Runners and replaces the Traditional SAE 80W-90 Gear Oil specified in the owners manual.
TRANSFER CASE
Oil capacity: 1.5 quarts
Oil type: Hypoid gear oil API GL−5
Recommended oil viscosity: SAE 75W−90
I have decided to use SAE 75W−90 in both the differentials as well as the transfer case.
As such, for my 2007 Toyota 4Runner 4WD V-8 I purchased a total of 7 quarts of fluid to perform the complete change out.
I had none left over.
Rear Differential:
 Repair Manual Page |
 Diff Oil Level |
Always loosen the fill bolt first as you want to ensure you can re-fill before draining then finding out you cannot get the fill bolt out.
I had to use an air impact wrench to remove both these bolts.
In order to get the air impact tool in place I needed to drop the spare tire to obtain the necessary room to work.
Be sure to clean the bolts before reinstalling, the drain bolt has a magnet in it in order to capture metal shavings and wear.
Valvoline's new flex fill pouches are great and sure beat using the transfer pump process back when I did a similar synthetic fluid change for my 1999 4Runner.
 Rear Differential |
 Before Cleaning Fill on Left Drain on Right |
 After Cleaning Fill on Left Drain on Right New Gaskets |
Front Differential:
 Repair Manual Page |
 Diff Oil Level |
Again, always loosen the fill bolt first as you want to ensure you can re-fill before draining then finding out you cannot get the fill bolt out.
I had to use an air impact wrench on the drain bolt here but a 3/4" ratchet did the job on the fill bolt.
 Front Differential |

Before Cleaning Fill on Left Drain on Right |
 After Cleaning Fill on Left Drain on Right New Gaskets |
Transfer Case:
 Repair Manual Page |
 Transfer Case Oil Level |
Can't say it enough...always loosen the fill bolt first as you want to ensure you can re-fill before draining then finding out you cannot get the fill bolt out.
Normal hand tools were enough to remove these bolts.
 Transfer Case |

Before Cleaning Fill on Left Drain on Right (sorry missing gasket fell in used oil bucket) |

After Cleaning Fill on Left Drain on Right New Gaskets |
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