When shopping for Toyota transfer case fluid, many Toyota 4Runner owners wonder what type of transfer case fluid their specific model uses. Blauparts is here to help! In this blog article, we've put together a Toyota 4Runner transfer case fluid specification application list. This will help you determine the correct Toyota transfer case fluid spec and part number needed when changing your Toyota 4Runner transfer case fluid.
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Toyota 4Runner Transfer Case Fluid Specification Guide
How to Find Your Toyota Transfer Case Fluid Type?
Currently, in the United States, the Toyota 4Runner is optioned with two types of transfer case fluids. The two transfer case fluids are different Toyota fluid part numbers, specifications, and viscosity types. The type of transfer case fluid you will need depends on the exact year of your Toyota 4Runner. Below is a brief description of the Toyota 4Runner transfer case fluid options.
Toyota 4Runner 75W Transfer Case Fluid
In the United States, Toyota started using transfer case fluid part number 08885-01806 (aka 08885-81080, 08885-81081, or 08885-81001) in the Toyota 4Runner 4WD models in 2010. The 75W is an updated formulation compared to the standard 75W-90 gear oil that was originally recommended in the 2009 and older Toyota 4Runner 4WD models. Toyota transfer case fluid part number 08885-01806 (aka 08885-81080, 08885-81081, or 08885-81001) is a 75W viscosity and does not specifically identify with any GL (gear lube) specification like the older recommended gear oils (e.g. GL-5).
The main reason Toyota chose to update to the 75W transfer case fluid was to improve the efficiency of the vehicle. By using a 75W transfer case fluid (vs the 75W-90), Toyota was able to improve the rolling resistance of the vehicle. This allows for less dynamic drag inside the transfer case resulting in improved fuel economy. The Toyota 75W transfer case fluid offers better lubrication and flow to key areas of the transfer case. It also supplies better cold climate lubrication.
Some still choose to use 75W-90 gear oil even though the Toyota 75W transfer case fluid is specified. We feel this is illogical. The newer Toyota 75W transfer case fluid specification contains a more involved additive formulation, uses higher quality additives, and advanced fully synthetic base oils when compared to the popular entry-level 75W-90 gear oils. The high-quality level of the Toyota 75W transfer case fluid formulation achieves the benefits of instantaneous quick lubricating flow, as well as, keeping excellent shear stability in high load heavy heat driving conditions.
Toyota 4Runner 75W Transfer Case Fluid Part Numbers & Fitments
The Toyota 75W transfer case oil can also be identified by more than one part number. As many know Toyota has several divisions that operate in a variety of regions worldwide to support their automotive network. These different Toyota transfer case fluid part numbers are dependent on the regional location or country.
- Toyota transfer case fluid part number 08885-01806 is known and identified as the USA and Japanese regional part number.
- Toyota also identifies the 75W transfer case oil under part number 08885-81080 or 08885-81081. Part number 08885-81081 is used for the Toyota Europe region.
Toyota 4Runner 4WD models require 75W transfer case fluid. These transfer case fluid applications apply to models available in America only.
Eurol MTF 75W and Ravenol MTF-3 75W are equivalent replacements for both Toyota 75W gear oil part numbers 08885-01806, 08885-81080, 08885-81081, or 08885-81001 for the following Toyota 4Runner 4WD model fitments:
- 2010-2023 Toyota 4Runner 4WD 4.0L V6 gasoline models use 08885-01806 transfer case fluid (aka 08885-81080, 08885-81081, or 08885-81001)
Toyota 4Runner 75W-90 Transfer Case Fluid
The 2009 and older Toyota 4Runner 4WD models use SAE 75W-90 viscosity gear oil with an API GL-4 or GL-5 specification in the transfer case.
Some view a 75W-90 gear oil as a popular, universal, or generic specification. However, we recommend using a 75W-90 GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil for this application that specifically says it's compatible with or should be used in transfer cases. Also, for the best transfer case longevity and performance, the 75W-90 gear oil should be made of a fully synthetic base oil formulation.
Toyota 4Runner 75W-90 Transfer Case Fluid Part Numbers & Fitments
Toyota references several different SAE 75W-90 gear oil part numbers that can be used for these transfer case applications.
- Toyota part numbers 08885-02106, 08885-80606, 08885-81026, 08885-81520.
Toyota 4Runner 4WD models requiring 75W-90 transfer case gear oil part number 08885-02106, 08885-80606, 08885-81026, or 08885-81520. These transfer case fluid applications apply to models available in America only.
Eurol Fultrasyn 75W-90 GL-4 GL-5 and Ravenol VSG 75W-90 GL-4 GL-5 are equivalent replacements for Toyota transfer case fluid gear oils in the following Toyota 4Runner 4WD model fitments:
- 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner SUV 4WD 4.7L V8 models use SAE 75W-90 GL-4 or GL-5
- 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner SUV 4WD 4.0L V6 models use SAE 75W-90 GL-4 or GL-5
- 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner SUV 4WD 2.7L L4 models use SAE 75W-90 GL-4 or GL-5
- 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner SUV 4WD 3.4L V6 models use SAE 75W-90 GL-4 or GL-5
Toyota 4Runner Transfer Case Fluid Fill Capacities
- 2003-2023 Toyota 4Runner 4WD 4.0L V6 transfer case fluid fill capacity of 1.4 liters, 1.47 quarts.
- 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner 4WD 4.7L V8 transfer case fluid fill capacity of 1.4 liters, 1.47 quarts.
- 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner SUV 4WD 2.7L L4 transfer case fluid fill capacity of 1.2 liters, 1.26 quarts.
- 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner SUV 4WD 3.4L V6 transfer case fluid fill capacity of 1.2 liters, 1.26 quarts.
Toyota 4Runner Transfer Case Fluid Change Intervals
When should you change your Toyota 4Runner center transfer case fluid? We recommend changing the fluid around 80,000-90,000 miles. However, the transfer case fluid should be changed depending on your driving style. If the vehicle sees aggressive driving, consistent 4WD engagement, off-roading, and consistent trailer pulling you should service the center transfer case fluid more frequently and as early as every 40,000-50,000 miles. Abiding by these recommended transfer case fluid change intervals can eliminate and minimize transfer case issues and costly repairs.
Why Should Toyota 4Runner Transfer Case Fluid Be Changed?
The Toyota 4Runner center transfer case has a good amount of moving internal components. This includes bearings, sprockets, gears, gear pulleys, and chains. These internal components rely solely on the transfer case fluids lubrication film strength for protection and longevity. Through use, the center transfer case fluid experiences excessive shear loads and heat cycles. In time these heat cycles and excessive loads deplete the lubricating properties and film strength of the center transfer case fluid. Continued use of old transfer case fluid will result in transfer case bearing, bearings, sprockets, gears, gear pulleys, chain wear, and possible failure. Therefore, having regular transfer case fluid changes is important. Changing the center transfer case fluid as routine maintenance will greatly extend the life of the transfer case, minimize driveline noises, poor 4WD engagement, chatter, and vibrations due to wear, and ensure the transfer case unit receives reliable clean lubrication.
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
