Maintaining your Toyota Tundra's transfer case fluid is crucial for ensuring smooth performance, and it's easier than you might think! In this guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process for changing the transfer case fluid on 2007-2021 2nd generation (XK50 platform) Tundra models, 2013-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, and 2011-2021 Lexus LX570 transfer case fluid changes. Along with a detailed video tutorial, you'll learn about the correct Tundra transfer case fluid types, the exact Tundra transfer case fill capacity, and how often to replace it—plus, why it's essential for keeping your Tundra running at its best.
Post Contents [hide]
- Toyota Tundra Transfer Case Fluid Change Info
- Toyota Tundra Transfer Case Fluid Change Interval
- Why Should Toyota Tundra Transfer Case Fluid Be Changed?
- Tools Needed for Toyota Tundra Transfer Case Fluid Change
- Toyota Tundra Transfer Case Fluid Type Specifications
- Toyota Tundra Transfer Case Fluid Capacity
- Toyota Tundra Transfer Case Fluid Change Video Guide
- Step-by-Step Toyota Tundra Transfer Case Fluid Change Instructions
Toyota Tundra Transfer Case Fluid Change Info
This procedure is demonstrated on a 2021 Toyota Tundra.
However, these Toyota Tundra transfer case fluid change procedures will also apply to the following Toyota and Lexus models.
- 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra transfer case fluid change for 4WD models with 5.7L V8 engine
- 2010-2019 Toyota Tundra transfer case fluid change for 4WD models with 4.6L V8 engine
- 2007-2012 Toyota Tundra transfer case fluid change for 4WD models with 4.0L V6 engine
- 2013-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser transfer case fluid change for 4WD models with 5.7L V8 engine
- 2011-2021 Lexus LX570 transfer case fluid change for 4WD models with 5.7L V8 engine
Important Fitment Note for 2007-2012 Models
While this DIY tutorial and video focuses on 2013-2021 Toyota Tundra models, the same general steps apply to 2007-2012 models with a few key differences. The older models have different drain and fill plugs, torque specifications, recommended fluid type, and fluid fill capacity. For the exact differences and specific instructions, refer to the "2007-2012 Tundra" tab in the steps below.
Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX570 Models
Despite being performed on a 2021 Tunda this tutorial can also be used for the "2013-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser" and "2011-2021 Lexus LX570" transfer case fluid change. Depending on the exact model you're doing this service on, visual differences may exist around the transfer case area skid plates of cross supports. However, the general steps and procedures for changing the transfer case fluid and the fluid filling and leveling process will still apply to these other models with the 75w fluid specification transfer cases.
Toyota Tundra Transfer Case Fluid Change Interval
How often should you change your Toyota Tundra transfer case fluid? We recommend changing the Tundra transfer case fluid between 80,000 and 90,000 miles under normal driving conditions. However, if you engage in more demanding driving—such as aggressive driving, frequent 4WD use, off-roading, or towing—it's best to service the Tundra transfer case fluid more frequently, around every 40,000 to 50,000 miles. Following these recommended intervals can help prevent transfer case issues and costly repairs.
Why Should Toyota Tundra Transfer Case Fluid Be Changed?
The transfer case in your Toyota Tundra contains several moving components, including bearings, sprockets, gears, pulleys, and chains. These parts depend entirely on the lubricating strength of the transfer case fluid to reduce friction and prevent wear. Over time, due to heavy shear loads and repeated heat cycles, the transfer case fluid's lubricating properties degrade, weakening its protective film. If the fluid isn't replaced regularly, worn-out fluid can lead to increased wear on bearings, gears, and chains—eventually causing major, and costly failures.
By changing the transfer case fluid as part of your routine maintenance, you effectively extend the life of the transfer case, reduce driveline noise, improve 4WD engagement, and minimize issues like vibrations or chatter caused by wear. Fresh fluid ensures reliable lubrication and helps prevent costly repairs down the road.
Tools Needed for Toyota Tundra Transfer Case Fluid Change
- 3/8" square bit or 3/8" drive ratchet
- Torque wrench
- Waste oil drain pan container
- Automotive-grade thread sealant (The drain and fill plugs do not have sealing washers or O-rings, so clean threads and sealant are required)
- Protective rubber gloves
- 24mm or 15/16" socket and ratchet
- Torque wrench
- Waste oil drain pan container
- 2 sealing washers (part number 90430-A0003, or older part number 90430-18008)
- Protective rubber gloves
Toyota Tundra Transfer Case Fluid Type Specifications
In the United States, from 2007 to 2021, Toyota Tundra models used two types of transfer case fluids, differing by part number, specification, and viscosity. The correct fluid depends on your Tundra's model year:
2013-2021 Toyota Tundra 4WD models: Use transfer case fluid with part numbers 08885-81080 or 08885-81081, which has a 75W viscosity.
2007-2012 Toyota Tundra 4WD models: Use transfer case fluid with part numbers 08885-02106, 08885-80606, 08885-81026, or 08885-81520, all with a 75W-90 viscosity and API GL-4 or GL-5 specification.
Toyota Tundra Transfer Case Fluid Capacity
- 2013-2021 Toyota Tundra 4WD transfer case fluid fill capacity is 1.5 liters or 1.6 quarts
- 2007-2012 Toyota Tundra 4WD transfer case fluid fill capacity is 1.12 liters or 1.2 quarts
The transfer case fluid fill capacity for 2013-2021 Toyota Tundra 4WD models is 1.5 liters or 1.6 quarts.
The transfer case fluid fill capacity for 2007-2012 Toyota Tundra 4WD models is 1.12 liters or 1.2 quarts.
Toyota Tundra Transfer Case Fluid Change Video Guide
Step-by-Step Toyota Tundra Transfer Case Fluid Change Instructions
Disclaimer: Blauparts recommends having a factory-trained A.S.E. certified Toyota mechanic perform vehicle maintenance. Always refer to the owner's and factory service manuals for Toyota transfer case fluid changing procedures. Always wear protective gloves and wear safety glasses when handling fluids and oils.
Step 1
Begin by confirming the transfer case is warm. This can be done by taking your truck for a quick 10 to 15-minute drive. This will allow the transfer case fluid viscosity to get thinner and flow more easily from the transfer case while it’s being drained.
Step 2
For a proper transfer case fluid change, park your Toyota Tundra on a flat, level surface. Most Tundras have enough ground clearance to perform this service without lifting the vehicle. If the vehicle isn’t level, the fluid level could be incorrect, potentially leading to transfer case damage.
Important Note: If you choose to lift the vehicle, use an SAE approved automotive hoist, floor jack, or jack stands. Always refer to your Tundra's owner’s manual for proper lift points and safety procedures.
Step 3
Locate and remove the transfer case fill plug. This is located on the rear side of the transfer case closest to the driveshaft. Loosen and remove the fill plug in a counterclockwise direction using a 3/8" square bit or ratchet. It is always best to confirm the fill plug can be removed before draining the transfer case fluid. This will confirm you will have a way to refill the transfer case with fluid in case the fill plug is seized or can’t be removed.
Locate and remove the transfer case fill plug AND sealing washer. This is located on the rear side of the transfer case closest to the driveshaft. Loosen and remove the fill plug AND sealing washer in a counterclockwise direction using a 24mm or 15/16" socket. It is always best to confirm the fill plug can be removed before draining the transfer case fluid. This will confirm you will have a way to refill the transfer case with fluid in case the fill plug is seized or can’t be removed.
Step 4
Prepare a waste oil drain pan for the old transfer case fluid, then locate the transfer case fluid drain plug on the rear lower left section of the transfer case. Loosen and remove the drain plug in a counterclockwise direction using a 3/8" square bit or rachet.
Allow the old transfer case fluid to thoroughly drain into your waste oil drain pan.
On most 2007-2012 Tundra models, a transfer case skid plate covers the drain plug and will need to be removed. Use a 12mm socket and ratchet to loosen and remove the four mounting bolts—two at the rear and two at the front of the skid plate. Once the bolts are out, slide the skid plate off and set it aside, away from the work area.
Now prepare a waste oil drain pan for the old transfer case fluid, then locate the transfer case fluid drain plug on the rear lower left section of the transfer case. Loosen and remove the drain plug AND sealing washer in a counterclockwise direction using a 24mm or 15/16" socket.
Allow the old transfer case fluid to thoroughly drain into your waste oil drain pan.
Step 5
Next remove the excess fluid, corrosion, contaminants, debris, and old thread sealant from both the drain and fill plugs.
Now apply a small amount of automotive-grade thread sealant on the cleaned drain and fill plug threads to ensure a quality seal with no leaks.
Next remove any excess fluid, corrosion, contaminants, and debris from both the drain and fill plugs.
For 2007-2012 models thread sealant is NOT required due to the drain and fill plugs having sealing washers.
Step 6
Once the old Toyota Tundra transfer case fluid has fully drained, reinstall the drain plug by threading it in a clockwise direction. Using a 3/8" square bit and torque wrench, tighten the drain plug. In our case, we tightened the drain plug to a 15 ft-lb. torque specification.
Once the old Toyota Tundra transfer case fluid has fully drained, reinstall the drain plug AND sealing the washer by threading it in a clockwise direction. Using a 24mm or 15/16" socket and torque wrench, tighten the drain plug to the recommended 27 ft-lbs. torque specification.
As mentioned in step 4, most 2007-2012 Tundra models have a skid plate covering the drain plug. If you removed it earlier, now is the time to reinstall it. First, align the skid plate so that all four mounting bolts can be hand-tightened. Then, using a 12mm socket and torque wrench, tighten the bolts to the recommended 13 ft-lbs.
Step 7
Begin filling the transfer case through the fill port with the recommended 75W transfer case fluid. Make sure you have your waste oil drain pan container handy to catch the overflow of fluid. The correct fluid level has been achieved when a stream of fluid begins overflowing from the transfer case fluid fill port—this should be around 1.5 liters or 1.6 quarts.
Begin filling the transfer case through the fill port with the recommended 75W-90 transfer case fluid. Make sure you have your waste oil drain pan container handy to catch the overflow of fluid. The correct fluid level has been achieved when a stream of fluid begins overflowing from the transfer case fluid fill port—this should be around 1.12 liters or 1.2 quarts.
Step 8
After confirming the transfer case fluid level is full, reinstall the fill plug. Using a 3/8" square bit and a torque wrench, tighten the fill plug. In our case, we tightened it to a 15 ft-lbs torque specification.
Note: As mentioned earlier, applying a small amount of high-temp RTV or thread sealant to both the drain plug and fill plug is strongly recommended to ensure a proper seal and prevent any slow leaks.
After confirming the transfer case fluid level is full, reinstall the fill plug AND sealing washer. Using a 24mm or 15/16" socket and a torque wrench, tighten the fill plug to the recommended 27 ft-lbs torque specification.
For 2007-2012 models thread sealant is NOT required due to the drain and fill plugs having sealing washers.
Step 9
Using a rag, clean and remove all excess drained and overflowed Toyota Tundra transfer case fluid from the transfer case drain and fill plug locations. The transfer case should be completely cleaned of all fluid residue. This will later help you to inspect and confirm that the transfer case does not have any leaks.
Step 10
If you chose to lift the vehicle with an approved automotive hoist, floor jack, or jack stands, you can lower the vehicle as highlighted and referenced in your factory owner’s manual. Confirm the correct vehicle lift point locations and procedures are followed as instructed in your factory owner's manual.
Step 11
Once you have the vehicle on the ground you can take the truck for a simple 5 to 10-minute test drive and then examine the Toyota Tundra transfer case and confirm you do not have any leaks coming from the transfer case drain plug.
Step 12
Dispose of your old transfer case fluid responsibly by taking it to a certified recycling collection center.
Note: It is good to note in your records the current mileage at the time of your transfer case fluid change, as well as when you might want to change it next. We also recommend keeping detailed service records to keep track of your vehicle's true condition. Keeping good vehicle maintenance records can help improve your vehicle's resale value.
Why Choose Blauparts for All Your Vehicle Lubrication Needs?
BLAU® differential fluid change kits use high-quality, fully synthetic* gear oils and transfer case fluids. Our fluids are sourced from lubricant partners that employ sustainable efforts to improve the environment using a higher level of quality. In turn, this can support the conservation of the environment through less driveline fluid changes and waste, optimize vehicle efficiency and performance, improve and maintain fuel economy, reduce exhaust/carbon emissions, and improve performance through reduced coefficient of friction and less driveline rolling resistance.
*For most kits, check the product description.
Technical Advantages:
- BLAU® differential fluid change kits conveniently include the correct fluids, gear oil, fluid specifications, and quantities for your vehicle's transfer case and differential fluid change needs
- All kits use differential and transfer case fluids that meet or exceed your vehicle manufacturer's specific fluid specification requirements
- Advanced gear oil and transfer case fluid formulation technologies engineered with improved lubricating properties
- High-quality fully synthetic gear oils and transfer case fluid formulations allow for extended service life, conserving Earth's resources
- Better extreme pressure (EP) properties, shear stability, lubricating film strength, and oxidation resistance even when exposed to high temperature and high load pressure
- Optimize driveline efficiency and fuel-saving characteristics with higher-quality gear oils and transfer case fluids
- Excellent cooling capacity for better driveline performance and less wear
- Low foaming properties and resistance to internal differential and transfer case fluid cavitation
- Great cold-temperature lubricating properties and flow for added driveline protection and efficiency during the cold driving phase
See our Disclaimer on the right-hand side of this page. Always consult your service manual and confirm your application's specific fluid and oil requirements. Always follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommended oil change intervals. Blauparts, Eurol, and Ravenol are not affiliated with Toyota, Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc, Lexus, Lexus International, Subaru, Subaru Corporation, Subaru of America Inc, its affiliated companies, subsidiaries, licensors, any other vehicle, or vehicle part manufacturer. All trademarks and OE specification part numbers referenced in this product listing are displayed for identification purposes only. They do not intend to denote any affiliation with their corresponding owners.
