Don't Put Off Changing Front Differential Oil

2007 4cyl/5spd/4x4 Access Cab with 42.6K miles.

Just changed all my gear oils to synthetic (rear diff, xfer case, manual trans, & front diff).

For those that might be putting off changing out the front diff for whatever reason, don't wait. I was surprised at how dirty the front diff oil was. And the magnet had as much metal shavings (or maybe even a little more) as the rear diff magnet.

Wanted to throw this out there because when reviewing the excellent how to thread:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/24545-changing-differential-fluid-step-step-how.html
I noted a lot of folks asking about pictures for the front diff and talking about difficulties with the skid plate bolts (not a problem for us base guys), etc.

DblD has recently posted pictures of the front diff fill/drain plugs.

Granted, weather conditions here in Alaska have me using 4WD more than some might elsewhere, but my advice is still:

Don't put off that front diff!

 

I agree! I proclaim change it once at the right time when you know the diff gears are done breaking in and done cutting metal, and never change it again for the life of the vehicle.
I also recommend synthetic gear oil for cold climates (people that live in Southern California, Florida, Texas don't need synthetic)

 

"Never change it again for the life of the vehical"? WTF?

 

Why not change it for the life of the vehicle after only once? I had a Tundra that I would at least filter the oil out every spring using a metal strainer and an electro magnet(magnetising the strainer) and change it every 30k.wit RP. Now you say don't change at all. Just wondering and would love to hear a long detailed explanation cuz you just blew my mind.
Thanks

 

because the diff gears only break in once, as they are breaking in its normal for the gears to cut some metal (but I have no idea to know when they are done breaking in)
when the gears are done breaking in they don't cut any metal anymore, so you don't need to change the diff oil, plus a good quality syn diff oil will last forever
but if you want to change it every year, I don't care

(gear oil never wears out)

 

Total BS right there.

 

Is ^that^ true? Would it not break down over time in the presence of heat generated by the moving parts?

EDIT: read Pugga's post below - that makes more sense.

 

The oil is for lubrication... even after the front gears 'break in' they still need lubrication when the front end is engaged. Oil breaks down with heat and pressure so you still need to change it. By your logic, once your engine breaks in at 5-10,000 miles, you would never need to change your engine oil, which is horrible and extremely flawed logic...

NO OIL LASTS FOREVER!!

 

First off let me say I have been wrong in the past. I make mistakes. But to never change diff oil is kind of flawed logic. If using dino oil then there is less of a cost compared to synthetic. So why not do it? Also every couple of years is peace of mind if you plan on keeping the truck forever, which I plan on doing. And I had a 1965 Mustang back in 1991, changed oil on a regular basis, but not the diff, I sold it to an older guy who wanted to restore it(not RACE) and the differential took a crap six months later, no leaks had plenty of oil bit it wasn't doing the job or just old parts, who knows, but he ended up needing new rear end. I'm not telling anyone how to spend their money but in my opinion it's worth the cost of doing every couple of years especially if you do it yourself.

 

Based on how the used oil looked when it came out, here's my plan:

Rear and Front Differentials - I'll change again in 15K to 20K; for two reasons:
1) I engage 4WD as road conditions warrant in the winter (6 months worth in Alaska)
2) I tow my cargo trailer and ATV trailers; 1 to 6 times a month (more in Summer)
3) Ounce of prevention is worth a pound or cure. (gram worth a kilogram for my Canadian brothers)

Transfer Case and Manual Trans - I'll change again in 40K to 50K.

Oh, and thank you BS for not caring how often I change my gear oil.

 

You're a moron aren't you.

Gear oil DOES wear out.

Synthetic does NOT last forever.

Gears will continue to wear even if properly lubed, just at a slower rate than during the break in.

Synthetic oils are not just of use in colder climates. They show higher performance throughout the operating temperature scales.

 

I'm pretty sure moisture getting into the oil is also another reason to change it at recommended intervals.

 

I changed mine at 15k and then every 50k. I now have 226k on my 2006 DC. No issues.

 

Tiger Blood never wears out!

 

Sounds about right for your usage... I go 30,000 for front end, rear end and transfer case but my truck is fairly light duty and I don't use 4wd very often. Transmission I'll do at 50,000 miles.

 

Hammer time?

 

I wish, but he (Chris) doesn't agree.

 

I do the gear oils at 25K.

 

That was Krazie.