Toyota Tacoma Transfer Case Fluid Gear Oil

When shopping for Toyota transfer case fluid, many Toyota Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma transfer case fluid.

Toyota Tacoma Transfer Case Fluid Specification Guide

How to Find Your Toyota Transfer Case Fluid Type?

Currently, in the United States, the Toyota Tacoma 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 Tacoma. Below is a brief description of the Toyota Tacoma transfer case fluid options.


Toyota Tacoma 75W Transfer Case Fluid

In the United States, Toyota started using transfer case fluid part number 08885-81080 in the Toyota Tacoma 4WD models in 2016. The 75W is an updated formulation compared to the standard 75W-90 gear oil that was originally recommended in the 2015 and older Toyota Tacoma 4WD models. Toyota transfer case fluid part number 08885-81080 is a 75W viscosity fluid 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 also offers better lubrication and flow to key areas of the transfer case when the transfer case is not given time to warm up. It also supplies better cold climate lubrication. These improved lubrication qualities offer improved transfer case longevity.

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 Tacoma 75W Transfer Case Fluid Part Numbers & Fitments

The Toyota 75W transfer case fluid 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 08885-81080 is known and identified as the USA and Japanese region part number.
  • Toyota also identifies the 75W transfer case fluid under part number 08885-81081. Part number 08885-81081 is used for the Toyota Europe region.

Toyota Tacoma 4WD models require 75W transfer case fluid part numbers 08885-81080 and 08885-81081. 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 transfer case fluid part numbers 08885-81080 and 08885-81081 for the following Toyota Tacoma 4WD model fitments:

  • 2016-2021 Toyota Tacoma 4WD 2.7L gasoline models use 08885-81080 or 08885-81081 transfer case fluid.
  • 2016-2021 Toyota Tacoma 4WD 3.5L V6 gasoline models use 08885-81080 or 08885-81081 transfer case fluid.


Toyota Tacoma 75W-90 Transfer Case Fluid

The 2015 and older Toyota Tacoma 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 its 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma 4WD model fitments:

  • 2009-2015 Toyota Tacoma 4WD 2.7L gasoline models use SAE 75W-90 GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil.
  • 2009-2015 Toyota Tacoma 4WD 4.0L V6 gasoline models use SAE 75W-90 GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil.

Toyota Tacoma Transfer Case Fluid Fill Capacities

  • 2016-2021 Toyota Tacoma 4WD 2.7L L4 gasoline engine transfer case fluid change capacity is 1.0 liter or 1.05 quarts.
  • 2016-2021 Toyota Tacoma 4WD 3.5L V6 gasoline engine transfer case fluid change capacity is 1.0 liter or 1.05 quarts.
  • 2009-2015 Toyota Tacoma 4WD 2.7L L4 gasoline engine transfer case fluid change capacity is 1.0 liter or 1.05 quarts.
  • 2009-2015 Toyota Tacoma 4WD 4.0L V6 gasoline engine transfer case fluid change capacity is 1.0 liter or 1.05 quarts.

Toyota Tacoma Transfer Case Fluid Change Intervals

When should you change your Toyota Tacoma 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 Tacoma Transfer Case Fluid Be Changed?

The Toyota Tacoma 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 excessive 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 regular 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