Differential Oil requirements

pjdemmitt · 07-25-2013, 02:12 PM

What differential oil to use in '88
<hr style="color:#cccccc; background-color:#cccccc" size="1"> I have an 88 5-speed with a diff making horrible noises when going around turns and a whining noise when accelerating in any gear. The car has just 65,000 original miles and recently had the transmission and differential oil changed. A friend who used to work on Toyotas told me that the noise could be caused by improper oil being used in the differential. The place I took it for service may not have known of any special oil requirements for a car this old and just put a generic grade in. My friend said that there is an additive that should be in the oil. Does anyone know what this is and where to get it?

Any information on what I actually should use and where to get it would be really helpful.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Paul

cre · 08-29-2013, 02:59 AM

Posted in the wrong section. Please read the forum descriptions if you are uncertain where to post. FAQ forums are not for general discussions and are queued for approval before they're ever visible.

Post moved to the main MKIII section.

I assume we're talking about a turbo model (or one of the very few N/A's which had the added LSD option)... The aforementioned additive is a LSD friction modifier. Ask for it at your GOOD, local parts store or order it online. only add enough so that the noise stops. Too much may cause the LSD to slip too often and cause premature wear of the clutch packs.

If you've got an N/A make sure it's got the LSD option... if not you've got bigger problems and an additive isn't going to fix it.

pjdemmitt · 08-29-2013, 03:18 AM

Thanks. I do have an 88 Turbo with the LSD. I did find the special additive and put it in and it does make a BIG difference. I appreciate your response.

cre · 08-29-2013, 03:31 AM

Sorry I didn't see your post sooner. Yes, it can make a big difference. Some oil blends have friction modifiers already mixed in and it's often sufficient... but sometimes it's not enough or the gear oil doesn't have any additives at all. I'm *almost* surprised the shop didn't check after the fluid change.

Bill UK · 08-30-2013, 07:44 PM

The correct Axle fluid is Castrol Axle Z Limited Slip 90 (previously known as LS 90) no additives required,

Karl · 09-21-2013, 02:32 PM

Excuse my ignorance, but what other brands of Differential fluids would you recommend? Are there any Synthetics that would work (better)? Do I have to get the additive?
I have a 87 Supra Turbo.
And, while we're on the subject; What brand Tranny Fluids would you recommend? Any Full Synthetics?
Thanks,

07-25-2013, 02:12 PM	#1
pjdemmitt Stock Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Columbia, MD, USA Posts: 3	Differential Oil requirements What differential oil to use in '88 <hr style="color:#cccccc; background-color:#cccccc" size="1"> I have an 88 5-speed with a diff making horrible noises when going around turns and a whining noise when accelerating in any gear. The car has just 65,000 original miles and recently had the transmission and differential oil changed. A friend who used to work on Toyotas told me that the noise could be caused by improper oil being used in the differential. The place I took it for service may not have known of any special oil requirements for a car this old and just put a generic grade in. My friend said that there is an additive that should be in the oil. Does anyone know what this is and where to get it? Any information on what I actually should use and where to get it would be really helpful. Thanks in advance for any help. Paul

08-29-2013, 02:59 AM	#2
cre Toyota Racing Development Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 5,038	Posted in the wrong section. Please read the forum descriptions if you are uncertain where to post. FAQ forums are not for general discussions and are queued for approval before they're ever visible. Post moved to the main MKIII section. I assume we're talking about a turbo model (or one of the very few N/A's which had the added LSD option)... The aforementioned additive is a LSD friction modifier. Ask for it at your GOOD, local parts store or order it online. only add enough so that the noise stops. Too much may cause the LSD to slip too often and cause premature wear of the clutch packs. If you've got an N/A make sure it's got the LSD option... if not you've got bigger problems and an additive isn't going to fix it. __________________ If something breaks or you need to contact a member of the administration please post HERE. Unless it's a private or administration matter please post it on the forum. It benefits no one else if car related questions aren't posted for future users and takes away from the time I'm able to spend helping on the rest of the forum. If you're so inclined I'm always more than happy to accept tips via PayPal. Tip Jar --->

08-29-2013, 03:18 AM	#3
pjdemmitt Stock Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Columbia, MD, USA Posts: 3	Differential Oil Thanks. I do have an 88 Turbo with the LSD. I did find the special additive and put it in and it does make a BIG difference. I appreciate your response.

08-29-2013, 03:31 AM	#4
cre Toyota Racing Development Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 5,038	Sorry I didn't see your post sooner. Yes, it can make a big difference. Some oil blends have friction modifiers already mixed in and it's often sufficient... but sometimes it's not enough or the gear oil doesn't have any additives at all. I'm almost surprised the shop didn't check after the fluid change. __________________ If something breaks or you need to contact a member of the administration please post HERE. Unless it's a private or administration matter please post it on the forum. It benefits no one else if car related questions aren't posted for future users and takes away from the time I'm able to spend helping on the rest of the forum. If you're so inclined I'm always more than happy to accept tips via PayPal. Tip Jar --->

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08-30-2013, 07:44 PM	#5
Bill UK AEM EMS Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: UK Posts: 891	The correct Axle fluid is Castrol Axle Z Limited Slip 90 (previously known as LS 90) no additives required,

09-21-2013, 02:32 PM	#6
Karl Stock Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 7	Excuse my ignorance, but what other brands of Differential fluids would you recommend? Are there any Synthetics that would work (better)? Do I have to get the additive? I have a 87 Supra Turbo. And, while we're on the subject; What brand Tranny Fluids would you recommend? Any Full Synthetics? Thanks,