Alphard 3.0L MNH15W AWD limited slip differentials?

[MarkATH10W]

Hi All, is there a possibility of limited slip differentials in the 3.0L MNH15W drivetrain?  I want to know as I will be replacing the transfer case / rear differential gear oil and need to know if I will need to use an oil that contains a limited slip differential friction additivie.

[Rojie]

16 hours ago, MarkATH10W said:

Hi All, is there a possibility of limited slip differentials in the 3.0L MNH15W drivetrain?  I want to know as I will be replacing the transfer case / rear differential gear oil and need to know if I will need to use an oil that contains a limited slip differential friction additivie.

 

Remotely possible.

 

Send your reg or VIN to Picasso.

 

He can check

[MarkATH10W]

Thanks for your reply.  Have you changed out the oil in your transfer case or rear differential?  Im interested in knowing what oil the community chose to perform the service.

 

For our information:

 

TOYOTA GENUINE HYPOID GEAR OIL “SX”

API : GL-5

SAE: 85W-90

 

[MarkATH10W]

I did some fruitful research, these are the following viable options:  I will be going with option 2 unless I find out there is an LSD in play.

 

1. TOYOTA GENUINE HYPOID GEAR OIL “SX”

API : GL-5

SAE: 85W-90

200L DRUM, 20L PALE CAN

08885-00503

 

Mineral oil.

LSD additive = No.  For LSD applications, use Toyota Hypoid Gear Oil LSD GL-5 85W-90 08885-00305

 

From <https://www.nakabc.co.jp/english/genuine-motor-oil/toyota-genuine-oil/toyota-genuine-hypoid-gear-oil-sx/>

 

2. AMSOIL Long Life Synthetic Gear Lube 75W-90

 

Synthetic

No LSD additive

 

3. MOTUL GEAR 300 75W-90

Viscosity at 40°C (104°F) ASTM D445 86.5 mm²/s

Viscosity at 100°C (212°F) ASTM D445 14.2 mm²/s

Viscosity Index ASTM D2270 170.0

Synthetic

No LSD additive. Use  MOTUL GEAR 300 LS 75W-90 for LS applications.

 

From <https://www.motul.com/sv/en/products/gear-300-ls-75w90>

 

 

4. AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® Synthetic Extreme-Pressure (EP) Gear Lube

 

Synthetic

LSD additive

"AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 80W-90 provides superior performance and replaces competitors’ 80W-90 gear oils. It is formulated to exceed the requirements of front and rear differentials, transfer cases, transaxles, manual transmissions, oil-lubricated wheel bearings and steering gear boxes."

 

Edited September 10 by MarkATH10W

[smurf]

I think I read somewhere recently about a mention of a Torsen diff being an option, so they might be a rare beast. 

[Rojie]

I agree with Richard.

 

An LSD is possible, but unlikely.

 

Imho, they don't don't need an LSD, a diff yes; not an LSD.

 

[MarkATH10W]

On 9/10/2024 at 9:28 AM, Rojie said:

 

Remotely possible.

 

Send your reg or VIN to Picasso.

 

He can check

I did more research. Generic Translated Alphard manual page 256 states that Torsen LSD is a grade option.  The optinal LSD is manufactored by "ZEXEL TORSEN INK". While unlikely, I will need to ensure that I do not have an LSD, otherwise use gear oil option 4 which states its compatible with every use case but supports LSD.

 

@Picasso Can you please tell me if my vehicle has LSD from the following information?  Otherwise Can I look by looking at the differential itself?

[Rojie]

1 hour ago, MarkATH10W said:

I did more research. Generic Translated Alphard manual page 256 states that Torsen LSD is a grade option.  The optinal LSD is manufactored by "ZEXEL TORSEN INK". While unlikely, I will need to ensure that I do not have an LSD, otherwise use gear oil option 4 which states its compatible with every use case but supports LSD.

 

@Picasso Can you please tell me if my vehicle has LSD from the following information?  Otherwise Can I look by looking at the differential itself?

 

Hi, Several of us are aware that the Torsen LSD is an option.

 

What we are not so sure of is that you have one fitted in your vehicle.

 

Enquiries ongoing !

 

Hopefully, you'll get a definitive answer soon.

[MarkATH10W]

Update:  I completed the rear differential gear oil.   I like the tested viscosity values for option 2 and option 4 and that they are fully synthetic.  I chose option 4 for the following reasons:

 

1) effectively the same price as option 2,

2) comes in a squeeze pack. 

3) the advertised 80W90 is closest to toyota's hypoid 85W90 gear oil

4) is considered the more premium product

5) has LSD aditive, just in case my vehicle has the LSD option.

 

Drain and fill plugs are loosened using 10mm hex.  The procedure was a breeze due to lots of clearance to work with in conjunction with the squeeze pack.

 

Front transfer case is next... about 0.4-0.5L of fluid needed.  large 23-24mm bolt? (I don't have this size) to perform the service.  Less clearance to fill so I will likely need to add a tube to the squeeze pack if I don't want to do a messy job.

 

 

Edited October 4 by MarkATH10W