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

I just changed my oil for the first time on Friday, and wanted to comment on this, even though It's not a big deal.

I changed mine after driving it with the oil hot or warm, and on level ground. I let it drain out completely on level ground without jack stands, then after that I wanted to lift the axle higher on one side to see if any more oil would come out.

I lifted the left rear axle (drivers side) almost 8 inches and more oil did come out. It wasn't a lot though, but it did take about 5 minutes before it stopped draining.
I then lifted the right rear axle (passenger side) just like the other side and absolutely no oil drained out at all. I kept it up for about 5 minutes just to make sure.

So I'm not sure if it matters if you do this or not, but I would guess it really doesn't matter. Also I'm sure a lot of other factors play into this like the type of oil you use and how many miles you change it at and other factors.

I bought one of those oil pumps (OEM), it worked good except the fitting did not screw into the Mobil 1 quart bottle. It screws into standard gallon size bottles, so make sure not to make the mistake I made and make sure it will screw into the quart size. Or pour the oil into a clean gallon container and use it that way.

But thanks for the write up guys, it really helped me out a lot!

 

I'm overdue on this by about 1500 miles I just can't break my fill plug. I don't have a way to lift it and I don't have an impact wrench anyone have any suggestions

 

The dealer will usually break a stuck plug for you, or try either a bottle jack under the wrench or a longer handle for more leverage.

 

I took my stock 04' taco dc 4wd trd through clam beach creek last friday.
It looked pretty much like the video below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD2nHT8_UDs&feature=related

My truck has 58k miles on it and I just had the diff fluid changed.
Should I rechange the diff oil and/or anything else because of this water crossing? I will look at the idler pulley, and have checked the air intake. there was some moisture in the bottom of the air box, but the filter was dry.

I will do the diff breather extension after this, but wonder if I should change the fluid.

I have driven for around 700 miles after the water crossing and everything "seems fine".

thanks for any advise.

-John

 

Hey guys, great thread.

I'm gonna be doing my man-tranny, TC, and front and rear diff fluids this weekend. I have the 05 TRD SPORT with LSD and I'm WAY past due... 80K... whoops.

Please make sure I'm understanding what I've read:

- I can use synthetic in Front Diff, TC and Tranny... but I should NOT use it for the rear diff? Correct?

- I need to add a LSD additive to the rear diff in addition to a non-synth fluid? One brand of additive better than another?

- I'm seeing the brand name Redline being thrown around for the rear (or all?) If I can't get my hands on Redline, what standard autozone (or walmart, or NAPA auto...) brands are acceptable?

Thanks so much guys. I figure it's so WAY overdue that I should be sure do get it right... and right away.

Ryan

 

John, personally I have never had any effects from water but if you feel uneasy, theres certainly no harm in changing the fluid.

Ryan, according to the tests Chris has run, synthetic in the LSD is not the best route. I used whatever cheapo 80-90weight dino gear oil that was at the shop I stopped at. Any dino 75 or 80-90 will do. As far as LSD additive is concerned, Chris grabbed the only product they had (its pictured in the OP). 4ounces of additive is what is needed.

 

If you have LSD, there is no reason to run synthetic. You will be changing it every 30,000 miles anyway, just make sure you use the additive. If you have a locker or open diff, you can run synthetic and change it at a more extended interval. 2005 and up Corvettes actually had a problem running synthetic with additive so GM came up with Dexron LS fluid that is not synthetic and contains the proper amount of additive. Of course, that does not mean Tacomas would have an issue with synthetic, but my point is that LSD diffs and synthetic oils don't always mix. If my Tacoma had LSD, I would stick with Toyota's reccomendations. JMO.

 

I have a LSD and have had no problems so far with Redline

$28 75w-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75w-90 synthetic gear oil, it comes with the additive already in the bottle!

 

Redline makes some great products. I plan on using their synthetic gear oils when I do my first service, including MT90 in the 5 speed. Thanks for the info about the LSDs.

 

Thanks guys,

Where are you buying your Redine products from? I can't find the stuff locally.

Ryan

 

as soon as I pick up my new Timberland Mica OR dbl cab next week.

 

I was just about to text you when I logged on brotha.

 

I see most of you use a 75-90 or 80-90 in the rear differential, On a 4x4, the manual says to use straight SAE 90. Is there any big difference there?

 

Manual for my '09 4x4 says

$28 75w-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75w-90 for both diffs and the t-case.

Straight SAE 90 is just less vulnerable to temp change...may be a bit thicker in colder temps...

 

Right. My bad. Got my fingers all twisted together again. Edited to fix. Good catch.

 

I just did the rear diff and transfer case, but i couln't get to front diff on my '04 taco. It looked like i would have to take off the A arm to reach the fill plug? I don't know how else to get at it so i may just take it to the shop and have someone else do it. I didn't see anyone else on here having this problem but I don't see any way around it.