Front Diff and Transfer Case Oil Change Howto

Yes Lucas 75W90 is great for both diffs and the transfer case.

For your transmission do not use Lucas 75W90. Transmission fluid will depend on if it's auto or manual.

 

Thanks guys. I was just looking for diffs and xfer case to start. I will need atf for the trans. I wish it was manual though.

 

I just did all 3 of mine today and found the same thing... front and rear were a little gray, with just a bit of fine metal on the magnets. The transfer case oil was clean as new. Used full synthetic

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

75W-90. Truck is just a little quieter, it seems.

 

Quick question...would it be bad if i fill diffs and t case till fluid started coming out of fill plug?

 

That's what I did. The fill plugs aren't at the very top of the diffs, so I don't think you could over fill it.

 

I just did both diffs and transfer case last week. I did a ton of research and reading and watching YouTube, and from EVERY video and article "how to's" I read/watched, they said fill until the oil just starts to ooze out of the fill hole. I did that, and compared the specs on the capacities with filling until it starts to "ooze" out of the fill hole, and it was really close to the capacity amount in the owners manual, give or take maybe a tablespoon of oil as it oozed out. So long story even longer, yes fill until the oil just starts to leak out of the fill hole. Remember also, not every drop will be drained out, so you prob will not be able to pump the exact amount the owners manual specifies due to some old oil remaining. Hope this helped and didn't confuse you more. I suggest also when filling the rear diff, fill until it starts to ooze, then just thread the plug back on finger tight then go do something else for 10 min or so (I drank a beer) then remove the plug and fill some more. This allows for the gear oil to to run into the axle and distribute evenly

 

Um... I'm positive if you read the directions on the first page, that is what it tells you to do.

 

Um...just giving my take on what I did. Just tryin to help guys out that may not have read up on everything

 

It also states specific quantities for filling..then at the bottom of post says to fill until it drains out fill plug..hence my question..only trying to see what others did so I can get an idea of what I'd like to do. But thanks captain obvious

 

Thanks bud

 

Yea I've read mixed things as well..some with specific specs and others just say fill till fill plug starts draining some out..just wanted to get an idea of what people do on here..And good to know about letting it sit for a while...thanks!

 

You bet. It really is a pretty simple job too. As with anything, just take your time. I do recommend if not the night before, at least a good while before you start, to hit the plugs with some penetrating spray because they can be stubborn knuckle busters, and be sure to pick up all new washers, each plug takes a different one, I got mine from the dealer, only like $10 bucks for all of them. Just a good thing to replace each time you change the oil, some guys are gonna chime in and say you don't need to, I just figured for as little as they cost it's just good peace of mind. I have the part numbers for each if you need them. 2 are aluminum, 3 are crush style and 1 is a copper washer.

 

Jake.A, here ya go

2013 DCSB TRD OR 4x4 4.0 V6 (should be the same for your 2014)

Torque ft lbs:
Front diff drain plug washer (copper) = part #

$3 90430-24003 Front Differential Drain Plug Gasket

90430-24003 48 ft lbs
Front diff fill plug washer (crush style) = part #

$14 12157-10010 Toyota Oil Drain Plug Crushable Steel Gaskets Set of 10 OEM 12157-10010

12157-10010 29 ft lbs

Transfer case fill plug (aluminum) = part #90430-18008 27 ft lbs
Transfer case drain plug (aluminum) = part #90430-18008 27 ft lbs

Rear diff drain plug (crush style) = part #12157-10010 36 ft lbs
Rear diff fill plug (crush style) = part #12157-10010 36 ft lbs

*post edited for rear diff fill and drain plug torque specs

 

You can call me Senior Chief Obvious.

 

Which rear diff plug measurement is correct?
Is it 49 ft/lbs ?? or
36 ft/lbs ??


Another post

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/tacoma_4runner_30k/maintenancep4.htm#tranny

I am going to say 36 foot pounds.

 

I apologize in advance if this is a stupid question.

I changed the front diff fluid last week but did not realize i had to change the transfer case also because I was referencing a different thread and not this one. That other thread did not mention anything about the transfer case. So if I change the transfer case fluid this week, would I need only 1.1 qt or are the front diff and transfer case "connected" and so if I drain the transfer case, the front diff fluid (1.6 qt) will also be drained, making the total fluid that I would need be 3 qts?

Gawd, that does sound like a stupid question. My hunch is that they are not "connected" and that I would only need 1.1 qt for the transfer case but I just want to make sure.

 

Yea the t case takes its own fluid. The front diff and t case are not connected so if you drain the t case you will not drain the front diff. And yea you will just need 1.1qts to fill it...maybe a little more to get the fluid to start creeping out of fill plug. Hope this helps

 

Thank you!

 

Yes sir 36 ft lbs for rear diff drain and fill plugs, sorry I was looking at so many numbers that day my brain was fried, post has been edited

 

Whew.
Thanks for clarifying. Was hoping I didn't eff up.