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

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by brianr, Jan 21, 2009.

  1. Jan 21, 2009 at 3:22 PM
    #1
    brianr

    brianr [OP] go shit in your hat

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    BUILT, not bought...
    NOTE: 2009 and newer trucks do NOT need LS Diff addative, or TRD Off Road trucks with the factory locker.

    Yesterday we (Chris4x4, and I) got together to help you all change your diff fluid.

    Here is what is required;

    -24mm socket (1st gen diff may be a different size)
    -ratchet
    -rags/shop towels
    -milk jug or coffe can... EMPTY ofcourse!
    -3 qts 75-90 weight gear oil ( I used 80-90 becasue it was readily available)


    (for you guy like me w/ the Sport model, you'll need a 4oz. tube of LSD additive).


    IMG_2351_b977128598dafcfae3ff26f594f35babe1a6f535.jpg


    First step is to remove the higher of the two plugs ("fill/vent plug").

    IMG_2352_c777f7ce9c0a566a4ab8fa915f1f94fe7e8f34be.jpg

    Step two, remove the lower plug ("drain plug"). Be sure your jug/can/tub/pan is handy.


    IMG_2359_58d59bac94a610e3efc07930f7f21bb718c34a1c.jpg

    IMG_2353_4e92e7be579c33316a282e2070d3ef35990b703f.jpg


    While the old gear oil is draining, take the time to clean off the magnet on the end of the plug.


    IMG_2354_d9928b8e7dc05adbabc5f25a5a5fb5f39f2d3a7a.jpg

    IMG_2355_d47883791b64d152530fb5452c28eb7346db05f9.jpg


    When the oil has completely drained, replace the lower or "drain plug".


    IMG_2359_58d59bac94a610e3efc07930f7f21bb718c34a1c.jpg

    Now you can begin to refill your differential! You should add your LSD additive sometime between your first and second quart of gear oil.

    IMG_2360_485218203a1747e94c4060d419a06789e5f69eb1.jpg

    When filling, the oil will begin to run out at some point. Put the plug in the fill hole, and let the gear oil run down into the lenght of the axle shaft. After a few minutes, remove the plug and begin to fill again.

    Remember to replace your fill plug! And to torque the fill plug, and drain plug to 36 ft- lbs

    EDIT-
     
  2. Jan 21, 2009 at 4:00 PM
    #2
    Packman73

    Packman73 ^^^^ 3%er ^^^^

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    Awesome write up!

    When will I need to do this?
     
    TacomaCZman likes this.
  3. Jan 21, 2009 at 4:03 PM
    #3
    -TRDMAN-

    -TRDMAN- ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

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    BADASS!!! good write up guys!
     
  4. Jan 21, 2009 at 4:43 PM
    #4
    tacomaman06

    tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Enforcer

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    great write up!!! should be stickied! i forgot all about doing a write up when i did mine on the 06, and again when i did mine on the 04!
     
  5. Jan 21, 2009 at 6:17 PM
    #5
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    4.10 gears, sliders, and lots of buttons.
    I think its recomended at 15,000 miles.
     
    Stryker420, TacomaCZman and Berto like this.
  6. Jan 21, 2009 at 6:20 PM
    #6
    dually

    dually Low and slow

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    When i changed mine a while back, it was the worst smelling shit ever.
     
    taco abbo, kslade and Medina33 like this.
  7. Jan 21, 2009 at 6:27 PM
    #7
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Yeah, it doesnt smell good. Brian thought he smelled it in his truck when we were finished. :p
     
    duece5811 and scottalot like this.
  8. Jan 21, 2009 at 6:33 PM
    #8
    Packman73

    Packman73 ^^^^ 3%er ^^^^

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    Ok, thanks. That'll give me something extra to do on mod day. :)
     
  9. Jan 21, 2009 at 6:38 PM
    #9
    tacomaman06

    tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Enforcer

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    getting there....
    actually...every 30k:D.......but change it early and go with synthetic!!
     
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  10. Jan 21, 2009 at 6:41 PM
    #10
    wildjerseyfirefighter

    wildjerseyfirefighter I sell fishing and fishing accessories

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    think this is like trans fluid? if its never been done, dont do it? Ive got 125K on my 96, and ive never done the trans,coolant or rear fluid since ive had it(got it at 61K).
     
  11. Jan 21, 2009 at 6:43 PM
    #11
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    4.10 gears, sliders, and lots of buttons.
    Ah. Ok. I change mine every 15k or so, but I tow a boat, and dunk the rear in the water often. FWIW, I havent found a synthetic that works good in the LSD rear of the second gens. :)
     
  12. Jan 21, 2009 at 6:48 PM
    #12
    Toy4Life

    Toy4Life 668: The Neighbor of the Beast

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    Don't forget, if you have 4WD, there is also a front differential and different tools required to change the fluid.
     
    Scrat likes this.
  13. Jan 21, 2009 at 6:53 PM
    #13
    wildjerseyfirefighter

    wildjerseyfirefighter I sell fishing and fishing accessories

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    so whos gonna do a write up on the front diff? lol
     
  14. Jan 21, 2009 at 6:54 PM
    #14
    brianr

    brianr [OP] go shit in your hat

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    oh gawd, change it!
     
    cryptolyme, ayshiri, burntkat and 2 others like this.
  15. Jan 21, 2009 at 7:12 PM
    #15
    afd23a

    afd23a Well-Known Member

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    For those who haven't done it before, you may want to get one of these to make it easier to get the fluid in.

    [​IMG]
     
  16. Jan 21, 2009 at 7:15 PM
    #16
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    4.10 gears, sliders, and lots of buttons.
    Thats a good thing to have. I have only needed to use them on the front diff, and transfer case, as I have found the rear has enough room to just pour it in from the bottle.
     
    ready6delta and BassAckwards like this.
  17. Jan 21, 2009 at 7:16 PM
    #17
    Monkeysuncle

    Monkeysuncle My Cat's breath Smells like Cat Food

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    If you don't have a 24mm socket, which I didn't, a 15/16s socket will work, thats what I used on diff and 5 speed oil changes a few weeks back.
     
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  18. Jan 21, 2009 at 7:17 PM
    #18
    wildjerseyfirefighter

    wildjerseyfirefighter I sell fishing and fishing accessories

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    is it safe? I dont wanna "shock" it:eek:
     
  19. Jan 21, 2009 at 7:19 PM
    #19
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Yes its safe. You may feel much more power in fact, as the gears dont have to try and transmit power thru thickass old oil. :D
     
    tony453rd and BoiseTaco like this.
  20. Jan 21, 2009 at 7:19 PM
    #20
    Toy4Life

    Toy4Life 668: The Neighbor of the Beast

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    You should be ok. Probably shouldn't switch to synthetic unless you feel like installing new oils seals as well.
     

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