The FJ Cruiser's fluids changed more during its run than most Toyotas, for two reasons. The engine went from the single VVT-i 1GR-FE to the dual VVT-i version for 2010, which changed the oil spec. And the automatic and manual FJs use completely different 4WD systems, so the transfer case and front diff capacities split by transmission.
Every number below is from Toyota's owner's manuals for the 2007 and 2014 FJ Cruiser. Toyota lists these as reference capacities: fill engine oil to the dipstick, gear oil to the bottom of the fill hole, and the automatic to its overflow plug at operating temperature.
Automatic vs Manual: Two Different 4WD Systems
- Automatic FJs (5-speed automatic) use part-time 4WD, with H2, H4 and L4 positions.
- Manual FJs (6-speed manual) use full-time 4WD with a lockable center differential. There is no 2WD mode.
Toyota's owner's manuals list the transfer case and front diff by automatic vs manual, so use the column that matches your transmission.
FJ Cruiser Fluid Capacities
| FLUID | 2007 MANUAL | 2014 MANUAL |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil (1GR-FE) | SAE 5W-30. 5.5 qt / 5.2 L with filter; 5.2 qt / 4.9 L without | SAE 0W-20 (5W-20 OK until next change). 6.4 qt / 6.1 L with filter; 6.0 qt / 5.7 L without |
| Coolant | Toyota SLLC. Automatic 10.4 qt / 9.8 L; manual 9.9 qt / 9.4 L | Same |
| Automatic transmission (5-speed) | Toyota ATF WS. Drain and refill up to 3.2 qt / 3.0 L | Toyota ATF WS. 11.3 qt / 10.7 L total |
| Manual transmission (6-speed) | GL-4 or GL-5, 75W-90. 1.9 qt / 1.8 L | GL-4, 75W-90. 1.9 qt / 1.8 L |
| Transfer case, automatic (part-time) | GL-3, 75W-90. 1.1 qt / 1.0 L | Toyota Transfer Gear Oil LF, SAE 75W. 1.1 qt / 1.0 L |
| Transfer case, manual (full-time) | Hypoid GL-5, 75W-90. 1.5 qt / 1.4 L | Toyota Transfer Gear Oil LF, SAE 75W. 1.5 qt / 1.4 L |
| Front differential, automatic | Hypoid GL-5, 75W-90. 1.6 qt / 1.5 L | Toyota LT 75W-85 GL-5. 1.64 qt / 1.55 L |
| Front differential, manual | Hypoid GL-5, SAE 90. 1.5 qt / 1.4 L | Toyota LT 75W-85 GL-5. 1.48 qt / 1.40 L |
| Rear differential, no locker | Hypoid GL-5, SAE 90. 3.2 qt / 3.0 L | Toyota LT 75W-85 GL-5. 2.64 qt / 2.50 L |
| Rear differential, with locker | Hypoid GL-5, SAE 90. 3.1 qt / 2.9 L | Toyota LT 75W-85 GL-5. 2.59 qt / 2.45 L |
| Power steering | DEXRON II or III ATF | DEXRON II or III ATF |
| Brake and clutch fluid | DOT 3 (SAE J1703) | DOT 3 (SAE J1703) |
The 2007 manual's SAE 90 diff spec applies above 0°F; it calls for 80W or 80W-90 below 0°F.
What Changed, and What It Means for Your FJ
Engine oil, 2010. The 2010 FJ got the dual VVT-i version of the 1GR-FE (roller rockers, more power, regular fuel). The 2014 manual specifies 0W-20 and 6.4 qt; the 2007 manual specifies 5W-30 and 5.5 qt. If you own a 2008, 2009, 2010 or later truck, the oil cap and your owner's manual are the final word for your exact year. More on the two engine versions in our 1GR-FE engine guide.
Gear oil spec. Toyota moved from conventional 75W-90 and SAE 90 gear oils in the 2007 manual to its LT 75W-85 GL-5 for the diffs and Transfer Gear Oil LF 75W for the transfer case in the 2014 manual. Many owners of early FJs switch to the later fluids; if you do, use LF 75W only in the transfer case and LT 75W-85 only in the diffs.
Rear diff capacity. The 2007 manual lists about 3.0 L for the rear diff and the 2014 manual about 2.5 L. We have not found Toyota's explanation for the difference. Either way, fill until oil reaches the bottom of the fill hole with the truck level, and you will have the right amount for your axle.
Service Tips
- Break the fill plug loose first on the diffs and transfer case before you drain anything.
- ATF WS has no dipstick. Check the level at the overflow plug with the engine idling and the fluid in Toyota's specified temperature range. A drain and refill (about 3 qt) changes only part of the 11.3 qt total.
- The rear e-locker is electrically actuated and does not need limited-slip friction modifier.
- Manual-trans FJs share brake and clutch fluid. One reservoir feeds both; bleed both when you flush.
- Big tires and regearing: if you are regearing for 33s or 35s, change the gear oil after the break-in period your gear installer specifies. See our Toyota regear chart and FJ Cruiser tire fitment guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much oil does an FJ Cruiser take?
A 2014 FJ Cruiser takes 6.4 quarts (6.1 L) of SAE 0W-20 with a filter change, and the 2007 FJ takes 5.5 quarts (5.2 L) of 5W-30, per Toyota's owner's manuals. The change came with the 2010 dual VVT-i engine; confirm against your own year's manual or oil cap.
What transmission fluid does an FJ Cruiser use?
Automatic FJs use Toyota ATF WS, 11.3 quarts total, with no dipstick. Manual FJs use 75W-90 gear oil (GL-4, or GL-4/GL-5 in the 2007 manual), 1.9 quarts.
What oil goes in an FJ Cruiser transfer case?
The 2014 owner's manual calls for Toyota Transfer Gear Oil LF, SAE 75W: 1.1 quarts on automatic (part-time 4WD) trucks and 1.5 quarts on manual (full-time 4WD) trucks. The 2007 manual called for 75W-90 gear oil in the same amounts.
How much does the FJ Cruiser rear differential hold?
The 2014 manual lists 2.64 quarts (2.50 L) without the locker and 2.59 quarts (2.45 L) with it, using Toyota LT 75W-85 GL-5. The 2007 manual lists 3.2 and 3.1 quarts with SAE 90 GL-5. Fill to the bottom of the fill hole.
Is the manual FJ Cruiser full-time 4WD?
Yes. Manual-transmission FJ Cruisers use full-time 4WD with a lockable center differential, which is why their transfer case holds 1.5 quarts instead of 1.1. Automatic FJs use part-time 4WD with a 2WD mode.
Related FJ Cruiser Guides
Keep reading
4Runner & FJ Cruiser Torque Specs: Suspension, KDSS & Drivetrain
Key factory torque values for the 5th gen 4Runner (2010–2024) and FJ Cruiser: lower control arm cam bolts 129 ft-lb, upper control arm pivot 85 ft-lb, coilover top nuts 47 ft-lb, coilover lower bolt 70 ft-lb, lower ball joint to knuckle bolts 118 ft-lb, upper ball joint nut 82 ft-lb, sway bar end links 52 ft-lb, rear lower links and lateral rod 96 ft-lb, rear upper links 59 ft-lb, rear shock lower 72 ft-lb, lug nuts 83 ft-lb. Torque every suspension pivot with the truck's weight on the wheels.
Toyota Regear Chart: Tire Size vs Gear Ratio vs RPM
To get back the factory feel after bigger tires, multiply your stock axle ratio by (new tire height ÷ stock tire height). On a 5th gen 4Runner, FJ Cruiser or 2nd gen Tacoma (3.73 stock, 31.6″ tires) that math says about 4.0 for 33s and 4.1 for 35s. Most owners overshoot on purpose because armor, racks and water add weight: 4.56 is the common pick for 33s to 35s, 4.88 for heavy 35″ builds and 5.29 for 37s. 3rd gen Tacomas and GX460s start at 3.91 on shorter tires, so they land about one step higher: 4.56 for 35s, 4.88 for heavy 35s or 37s.
Toyota 1GR-FE 4.0 V6 Engine Guide: Specs, Problems & Reliability
The 1GR-FE is Toyota's 4.0L (3,956cc) aluminum V6 with a timing chain. It powered the 2003–2024 4Runner, 2005–2015 Tacoma, 2007–2014 FJ Cruiser and 2005–2009 Tundra V6. Early engines are single VVT-i (236–245 hp); the 2010+ 4Runner and FJ got dual VVT-i with roller rockers (258–270 hp). It is one of Toyota's most durable V6s, with 250,000+ miles common. The real known issues are an early front timing cover oil leak, occasional head gasket seepage at high mileage, and secondary air injection pump failures on later trucks.
Biggest Tires on a Stock FJ Cruiser: Fitment Guide
On a stock Toyota FJ Cruiser (2007–2014) with factory suspension and factory wheels, the biggest tire that fits with zero rubbing is 275/70R17 (32.2″). A true 33 like 285/70R17 (32.7″) fits with mud flap delete and Spidertrax 1.25″ wheel spacers. Real 35s need a 3″+ lift, body mount chop, aftermarket UCAs, and usually a regear.