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

Any reason why the dealer add LSD additive?

 

$$$

 

My 30K service was free. I am doing my 60K service myself because it looks about as easy as changing the oil.

 

Same reason my dealer wanted 22 bucks to replace a burnt out tag light.

 

Dealer boo-boo then.

 

I see. Dang dealer. Thought they had "Toyota trained" technicians.

 

Other than cost there's no downside to having the additive in there. Perhaps the tech was playing it safe instead of investigating whether or not you really needed it.

Since you were not charged, there was no downside to you.

 

Just went to dealer they sell their own synthetic snake gear oil $51 pint.

No lsd additive needed.

 

Pint or quart?

$51 per quart would be really expensive but $51 per pint would be crazy expensive.

 

Quart, had my sizes mixed. The container looked similar to a quart of paint. $51 was dealer cost. Said I would need 3 of those per the tech. Guy came out and said Pennzoil could not match it. Pennzoil is what this dealer uses for oil.

 

Has anyone ever used 75-110 synthetic in their front and rear diffs such as Amsoil Severe Gear 75-110? Would that cause any problems in real cold weather like sub zero temps down around -15? I was thinking that since it's still 75w for the cold it wouldn't make any difference and should I travel to someplace where it is really hot between changes like up around 100+ degrees it would handle that as well. The synthetics such as Amsoil are good for about twice the drain interval of a dino and synthetics handle cold much better as well. Therefore huge temperature extreme's are very possible considering the longer drain intervals.

 

Change it now, it should be somewhat dirty because everything is new. Then I would go ahead and check the level @ 60k or just change it for peace of mind. I use Lucas synthetic.

 

I have a 2013 SR5 4x4 does my front and rear diff. and transfer case use synthetic oil, if not can I switch it to synthetic. I plan on purchasing Amsoil, should I purchase 75w or 80w-90

 

What would recommend 75 or 80.

 

Im about to do my rear and transfer case oil change. just to be on the safe side, i have a 2012 trd offload 4x4, so i know i need the

$29 75w-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75w-90 does it have to have so sort of special additive?

 

Thanks!

 

@AkArin Heat the plug red hot with a torch and the plug will come right out. Depending how stripped out it is, you might get a chisel and make like an X over the center, then just use the 10mm allen after heating it up. new plug is like $11-12 at dealer for the drain plug

 

hey so I know this is a super long going thread and ive tried to find my answer needed in comments but couldnt find it. So on the original write up, the note on top says

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

then also on the original post, it says

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

and brianr has a 2010 tacoma... so im just confused

I have a 2010 TRD sport ( with LSD) and am planning on using royal purple, as it is readily available here. So I SHOULD add the additive, or go with the note and NOT add the additive?

@chris4x4

 

'09+ do NOT need the additive, the rear ABS simulates an LSD. Only '05-08 models were available with a mechanical LSD which needs the additive.

 

Did this today (for the second time since I've owned the truck. Apparently two things 1) I'm a dumbass because I switched the drain and fill plugs on the last change (I know it doesn't necessarily hurt anything but DOH!) 2) Either the garage in the house I'm living in is sloped or I spilled a ton of new fluid because I had to put about 3.2 quarts in to get it to the fill plug hole. Oh well, no such thing as too much lube.