Front Diff oil is BLACK

Just finished changing out the transfer case oil and front differential oil. The transfer case oil looked good and clear, while the front diff oil (broke off my Mastercraft allen key adapter while trying to remove the drain plug) came out black. The truck has 60000 miles on it and I think this is the first time it has been changed. (Bought the truck with 43000 miles). I'm in the process of changing out the rear differential now so we'll see what that looks like.

Quick question, does anyone put anti seeze on there drain and fill plugs?

Thanks

 

I haven't bothered anti seize on any of the plugs. The front diffs are always a pain to remove, even on the earlier generation Tacoma's. A quality bit, 3/8" drive ratchet, and ensuring the hole is cleaned out before attempting to loosen really help allot (I snapped a 1/4" bit on my previous Tacoma). The rear diff and transfer case shouldn't be nearly as hard, but still may require a good heave to get them loose.

Nice flag by the way...

 

I've never put anti seize on drain or fill plugs. I've never had a problem with them getting rusted up in the period between maintenance intervals.