Rear Diff low from factory, likely hood front diff is low as well?

So I recently leased a 2017 TRD Sport DCSB 4x4 manual transmission and have about a 1000 miles on it. No problems so far, love the way it drives. Will most likely buy it when I am done with the lease. After reading this forum for a while I decided to check the rear diff to see if it was low, sure enough about a quart low. Topped it off with 70w-90. Called Toyota and they said that if you can touch the level with you finger it's considered acceptable. They said I could bring it in and they would check it out, but the dealer is 3 hours away so that's not a real option. My question: likelihood front is low as well? Any input from fellow members would be greatly appreciated....Thanks!

 

I believe 85-90 is the correct fluid and yes I would also check the front diff.

 

How do you check the rear diff fluid level? I know I could look in the manual...

 

Thanks for the quick reply! I was gonna check it tomorrow but just wanted to see what others experience with this is. Just doing the math, if Toyota shorted every new vehicle about a quart of fluid, at the price they charge for it they sure would make a bunch of extra cash. Let's hope this is a rush to build vehicles as fast as they can (still shitty and unacceptable) vs a business decision.

 

My thinking was, check and top it off just like the rear. 5 minutes for piece of mind.

I ended up just replacing both after about 5k miles anyway. I think front diff is like 1.6 quarts.

 

I will definitely be checking mine when I get it and will also probably change them out at about 5,000 miles too.

 

Pull the Fill Plug and stick your finger in, the level should be right about there.

 

Okay, does it have to be at operating temperature or anything specific? Thank you for the response

 

Please check before you respond. 75w85 is the correct fluid. 75w90 is acceptable. Both are stated in your manual.

My front and rear diff were both .5 quarts low. So yes it is a common problem.

 

I always check cold so no air is in there and it has a chance to settle. Also if you do a change ALWAYS remove the Fill Plug before the Drain Plug.

 

Didnt look in the manual but my dealer was giving me shit for using 75w90. Told me it needed 80w90 and i could only use toyota oil. Told em i promise they wouldnt be able to tell the difference if i dumped a qt of each on their heads. I do parts and they sell service. Cant blame em for trying i guess

 

I would have topped it off with 75w85 if I could find it, but nobody carries it around here. Plus paying Toyota $25 a quart is a bit steep. Amsoils option is 75w90....figured the 90 would sheer to 85 in a while.

 

Yeah previously 75w90 was recommended. I personally went with AMSOIL Severe Gear as well. Now the manual states 75w85; only Redline has that spec locally.

 

Gonna try to Swap to severe gear this weekend as well. Both front and rear diff.

 

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

75w-90 Royal Purple was on sale.... Way cheaper than the $32 for the toyota 75w-85.

 

Might be in my head but I find my diffs are quieter after the switch. I never had the howling noise that the others had but now that I have filled it to the exact level it seems to be quieter than before. I will admit since I bought the truck I have been downright paranoid about diff noise so that might be saying something.

 

Lol yeah the only noise I have in the ocarina front control arms. Going in Friday for 5K service, so I'm gonna have them plug em. I'm gonna grab the washers while I'm there, might even go ahead and do the transfer case too.

 

Sounds like Toyota is pretty stingy with their fluids and greases. We should make a sticky guide that's all in one topic with links to all the threads about low levels including a list of all fluids and greases to check after picking up a new truck from the dealer. I believe there's a few good topics about these issues, just not all in one place.