Changing differential fluid - A step by step "HOW TO"

^^^

 

No. You want the bottle to say GL5, whether you get synthetic or conventional, there are also different weights.

 

I know that... I just quoted from the very first post in the thread. "(for you guy like me w/ the Sport model, you'll need a 4oz. tube of LSD additive)."

 

Thanks guys. I saw that comment in the OP about the OR not needing the LSD additive. I'm sure I meant to type "I don't need" and just wanted to double-check after reading through the thread. Thanks for the smart ass replies too, my mistake.

 

I used Valvoline DuraBlend 80W-90 for my diffs and added 2oz of LSD additive for my LSD rear with no problems. DuraBlend has 3% LSD additive in it. I've read Toyota calls for 4%. No chatter been 2 months now.

 

Some SR5 models came with a LSD rear, mine did.

And yeah I have the sticker and it does say it on my vehicle inquiry report I got from the stealership.

Limited Slip Differential......Retail 390.00

 

The funny thing is.... I emailed Mobile 1 about their 'friction modifier' wanting to know what it is and how much is in a bottle ... But they can't seem to answer my email.

 

Now that's pretty sad that a company that big can't supply an answer to a simple question about their own product. I have used Valvoline since the late 70s in all my vehicles with no problems and see no point in changing what's not broken.
However, I have switched to using Royal Purple in my transmission with good results, having the 6 speed and when I bought this truck it had a slight grind going into 3rd gear every so often, I have not had that grind since the switch 2 months ago. Shifting is much smoother as well. Time will tell. When I bought this truck at 47k it had factory fill for all gear oils. Now at 52k all has been changed and everything runs smooth.
Good luck in getting your answer, I don't know it since I've never used Mobil oil.

 

This may seem obvious (as it did to me about 20 seconds too late to be helpful), but one thing I just learned the hard and very scary way:

If you're going to use any sort of tubing to get the oil into the pumpkin, make sure the tubing you use is too long to fit all the way into the diff. I got to spend a good hour with a flashlight and wire hanger fishing out a 4-inch piece of nylon hose which I had stuck on the nipple of the oil bottles I had to get some extension and visibility for when the oil was flowing or not - didn't occur to me that this was a bad idea until the hose slipped off of the bottle and sank into the 2/5 quarts of fluid I already had put in (and then had to drain back out and try to funnel back into the bottles so I could put it back in).

 

I couldn't agree more. I asked a similar question on their facebook page - and got a 'generic' response. I've read this same paragraph on their website. Hi Jandy - Mobil 1 Synthetic Gear Lube LS 75W-90 contains special friction modifiers designed for limited slip-type differentials. In most applications, the addition of special LS (limited slip) additives is not required. For axles requiring the highest level of limited-slip performance, OEM specific LS additives can be added to this fluid. Thanks for using Mobil 1!

They could theoretically claim they put it in ...but that statement covers just about every situation on the planet. I've always used Mobile 1 and the changes they've claimed over the years never cease to confuse the crap out of me (to the point they're not believable).

We have used Amsoil Severe Gear in our Corvette diff. That's a highly recommended oil for the corvette diffs and its worked great. Not easy or convenient to get a hold of.....

Doesn't matter..... diffs are done, chatter is gone (after 1.5bottles). In 3 years from now when I'm ready to do it again - things will probably be different and confusing once again.

 

Won't do that again!

 

If u use anti -seize on this do u have to lower the ft- lbs when u torque them down? I will be working on this this weekend. Got some anti- seize I thought about using on all my diffs. Since I've already heard stories about how hard some are to get out the first time, though mainly its the front diff and transfer case I've heard of issues from.

 

I didn't have any problem breaking loose any of my drain/fill plugs on my diffs, transfer case nor tranny from the factory fill. I also didn't use a 24MM socket as it felt a little loose on the nut. I used a 6 point 15/16 socket which fit on tight. As for the 10MM hex I took a hammer and tapped it in and then slipped the racket on. No issues.
I suppose it wouldn't hurt to use anti-seize on them.

 

Good info on the 15/16 socket. I did the math and you're right, it is slightly smaller than a 24mm. I haven't done mine yet but I did buy a 24mm for it, and I'm betting that I already have a 15/16. Thanks.

 

What is the 10mm hex for? Not sure if I've forgot something or simply overlooked.

 

10MM hex fits Front Differential fill & drain plugs.

24MM or 15/16 6 point socket will fit Transfer Case, Manual Trans and Rear Differential fill & drain plugs, a 12 point socket from what I've read can cause the bolt head to strip and/or leave marks. My 24MM socket was a 12 point which could be why it felt loose, my 15/16 was a 6 point.

 

Thanks! The 24 mm I got from Northern Tools is an el cheapo $5 socket, but it's a 6 point socket. I checked the fit, and it seems snug...

 

I have never done this and it seems pretty simple.

I am not exactly the most mechanic savvy person but I am learning a lot from this site. I do my own oil changes, thats about as much as I get into it. ...for now anyways

My 09 DCSB 4X4 (no locker, no TRD) has roughly 65K on it and I dont know when this was done last. I imagine there is some nasty stuff in there.

Any advice for a first timer. I guess I am concerned about seals, leaks etc. I do have the LSD and I am a bit confused regarding whether an additive is needed or not. Right now everything is fine and I dont want to mess anything up.

Thank you all for the info and wish me luck!

AT Fluid change and Front transfer case fluid change maybe next if this goes well.

 

You have an 09 which should have the AUTO LSD -which is brake actuated. You do not need friction modifier.

But to be safe, walk around to the rear of your truck and take a look at your rear diff. If there's a red/white sticker that says "Only LSD Oil", then you'll need friction modifier. I'd post a photo of the sticker but I can't do it with the phone.

 

You only need the additive if you have this sticker ^^