Diff oil?

Sl1dewaysSupra

Destroyer of FWD's
Mar 14, 2006
690
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Colorado
What Diff oil should I use for my 86.5's clutch-pack rearend?
Do I just buy diff oil and drain and refill? I plan on flushing the diff this weekend because I have no idea when the last time it was refilled. Can some one help me and give suggestions or tips on doing this.(This is the first time I have messed with a clutch-pack and don't want to FUBAR any thing.) Thanks much.
 

GrimJack

Administrator
Dec 31, 1969
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Richmond, BC, Canada
idriders.com
Some information from Reg on the subject, clipped from here: http://www.suprasonic.org/public_html/sonictech/mk3/mk3_pmtn.html

Reg Reimer said:
2.2: Differential Carriers

Another condition that may trouble your Supras differential is lack of regular oil changes; this will lead to differential failure or premature wear out. The MA-70 differential holds a very small amount of oil so it needs to be changed regularly. Cold climates are very hard on the differential. I recommend using a good quality synthetic in cold climates. I do not recommend standard 80/90 wt oils in any Toyota differentials used in cold climates. Using 75/90-wt LSD differential carrier oil from Ford motor company makes Supra differentials run quieter and smoother than any other oils tested.

Some LSD differentials in MA-70 and MA-71 cars have excessive LSD {limited slip differential} cage pressure causing premature clutch pack failures after some cars have become stuck in mud or snow, I have opened up badly abused differentials where the LSD oil is completely burnt and Dried up from the heat of one wheel smoking while the other is locked. If you notice some chattery noise from the rear of the car when turning corners donít panic: you have a supra with a very tight LSD differential carrier. On a Supra with tight LSD you can avoid the above clutch pack failure by using the previously mentioned LSD differential carrier oil from Ford motor company. This oil has increased protection for the clutch pack and has proven to be the best differential oil for all Supras from 1982 to 1992. Don't ask me why, all I can say is this oil works like magic. Note: A number of club members are using synthetic oils from Amsoil and Esso in their differentials with good results, one word of caution should be noted." Synthetic oils may make a some differentials that are already noisy, noisier."
 

jawsgear

Undergoing Construction
Jan 29, 2006
465
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Sactown
www.jawsgear.com
Run 75W90 or 80W90. Use the LSD additive to make the clutches slip more. If you want it to be more aggressive leave the additive out but you might get some chatter from the posi and it wears the clutches faster.
 

Orion ZyGarian

Jeff Lange wannabe
Apr 2, 2005
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Sarasota, FLorida
www.suprastore.com
blkt72 said:
Try Redline, I forget which weight, but it works great. A little pricey, but the peace of mind is worth it IMHO.

Indeed. 80w90 LSD is the best oil for our cars. I personally prefer Redline and Royal Purple oils, though dont have experience with Redline.

Perhaps Jeff can get an MSDS sheet on the factory oil to find out what is used. I think synthetics would work best though...synthetics actually are better in engines, so I assume the same for heavy weights like tranny/differentials
 

jawsgear

Undergoing Construction
Jan 29, 2006
465
0
0
Sactown
www.jawsgear.com
Orion ZyGarian said:
Indeed. 80w90 LSD is the best oil for our cars. I personally prefer Redline and Royal Purple oils, though dont have experience with Redline.

Perhaps Jeff can get an MSDS sheet on the factory oil to find out what is used. I think synthetics would work best though...synthetics actually are better in engines, so I assume the same for heavy weights like tranny/differentials

I'll see what I can come up with.