1. API GL-5 – the most common differential class

the most important global standard.

intended for:

• rear axles

• hypoid gears

• SUV locking differentials

• 4x4, AWD and heavy-duty transmissions

GL-5 contains high EP (extreme pressure) additives that provide gear protection.

Note: GL-5 does not fit many manual transmissions, but it does fit most differentials .

2. API GL-6 (obsolete, rarely used)

designed for hypoid gears with very extreme loads.
Little used today — manufacturers have switched to improved GL-5 and LS (limited slip) oils.

3. Ls / limited slip specifications

Special GL-5 modification for limited slip (LSD) differentials .

description:
Contains friction modifiers that ensure that the LSD lamellae do not jump or wobble.

typical designations:

• gl-5 ls

• 85w-90 ls

• 75w-140 ls

• limited slip axle oil

usage:
BMW M models, Subaru STI, Ford Mustang, offroad 4x4s (Jeep, Toyota LC), sports cars.

4. SAE J2360 (formerly MIL-PRF-2105E)

American standard used by:

• mobile

• shell

• watchful

• amsoil

• gm

This is a standard for higher-quality hypoid oil and is compatible with GL-5.

5. OEM specifications (car manufacturers' own requirements)

some car manufacturers provide their own exact differential oil specifications.

mercedes-benz mb 235.xx series (differentials)

• mb 235.0 – older bridges

• 235.6 mb

• 235.61 mb

• mb 235.7

• 235.71 mb

• 235.8 mb

• 235.81 mb

• 235.85 mb

• 235.89 mb

MB uses a special formulation in both open and LSD differentials.

BMW

BMW often uses:

• bmw saf-xj 75w-140 (for lsd)

• bmw saf-xo 75w-90

• bmw msp/axle oil

ford

Ford uses its own exact codes:

• ford wsl-m2c192-a

• ford xy-90-ql

• ford m2c197-a (lsd with friction additive)

General Motors (GM)

GM uses LS oils with the designation:

• gm 88862624 (lsd)

• GM Axle 75w90 GL-5

toyota / lexus

Toyota often uses:

• hypoid gear oil lt 75w-85

• hypoid gear oil lx 75w-90

• LSD gear oil

Nissan

• nissan differential oil hg

• nissan lsd oil

jeep / dodge / chrysler

Chrysler 4x4 diffs often use Mopar LS oils.

• mopar 75w-140 synthetic with friction modifier

summary – the most important classes

where is used	specification
most passenger car and SUV differentials	api gl-5
LSD (limited slip) differentials	GL-5 LS / LSD oil
high-load-bearing rear axles	saw j2360
Mercedes, BMW, Ford, GM, Toyota original oils	OEM specifications
older highly loaded hypoid transmissions	gl-6 (rarely used)