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

alright so I'm fairly certain I already know the answers to my questions but I would rather ask for the peace of mind haha

I have a 2009 TRD Sport 4x4.
I'm changing the fluid in both my diffs and my t-case. I'm going to run RP Syn. 75-90.
Just want to double check that I do not need the LS additive? (because I'm on 09? or because the RP already has it?)
Also is the oil of my choosing good to use in the tcase? ive read a few posts about synchronizers and oils with lsd additive in them could be bad?

 

If your rear diff has a clutch-based LSD then you'll want the additive (friction modifier).

If you don't have a clutch-based LSD (and instead have AUTO LSD mode) then you can just run regular gear oil.

You'll need to check yourself, but I believe 07 was the last year that had the clutch based LSD rear diff.

 

Thanks for in the info man I appreciate it. I do have Auto LSD, from what ive read I want to say 09 was the first run of auto lsd but I may be mistaken. I should be good to go then with the royal purple. I did a little more reading and it looks like people who needed the modifier ran the royal purple with out adding additional additive and had no issues. Still cant hurt the diff if you add some more just to be safe (if it requires it in the first place) and FWIW I went to the royal purple web site and they said that RP is compatible with bronze synchronizers.

 

Yeah it won't be the end of the world if your diff needs FM and you don't put it in right away. You'll notice it chatter when going around turns.

 

Picked up Three 1 liter Cans of Toyota Differential Gear Oil LT GL-5 75W-85 Part# 0885-02506, and Two washers, Part#

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

12157-10010. Will be changing the Fluid soon. Thanks for the suggestions in this Thread.

 

Rear diff is starting to growl. Time for another fluid change

 

Do I want to use 4wd for a time immediately before a front differential fluid change to heat the fluid up? Sort of like how one wants to change engine oil at temperature? Or is the front diff moving/ heated by the axles turning despite not being on 4wd? Likely over thinking this....

 

Drive around town for a little bit, then hit some dirt/gravel roads within 20-50 miles or so. It really doesn't matter, but it can't hurt to get all the surfaces freshly lubricated

 

Hi Guys. 2015 TRD Sport DBL Cab LB here. Just changed my rear diff and it took 3 and 1/2 QTS with 7oz of LSD additive. Glad I bought the extra quart. Only had 24K miles on the OEM oil and it looked clean when I drained it. I probably could have waited another 12K miles. I used Lucas Syn 75-90W gear oil in mine. Was planning to use Mobil 1 but I have been reading that others didn't have luck using M1. AJ

 

I'm going with 3 - 1 liter cans and no additive in my '14 Sport Pre Runner. My owners manual calls for 2.95 liters and mentions nothing about the additive. Hopefully the 3-1 liter cans will do it. Lol!

 

You don't need the LSD additive. Your 2015 has open differentials (front and back) so the additive is a waste of money.

 

Thx 2015WhiteOR. I wasn't sure myself so I figured I'd take the chance and use it. I assume it wont hurt the diff? At any rate I wont use the LSD additive on the next drain/fill.

 

Nah you're fine. Leave it in there.. it only has an impact when there are clutch type discs in typical limited slip units.

 

Way too thick. It'll work but it'll cause a lot of drag. My old F150 with a Ford 8.8 used that stuff.

 

I know, thats what is recommended for my 4.56s gears though.

 

Yup, East Coast Gear Supply builds diffs for a living and swears by it. The worst they said, is Royal Purple.

 

So I have a 2013 TRD Sport DCLB and I'm about to change the fluids in the differentials and transfer case. Not clear about the need for the LSB additive (for the rear) for my truck. Not sure if it's automatic LSB or clutch LSB. Can anyone clarify?

 

You don't need LSD additive.

Here is a test: On your dash, you will have a stability control button. It's the one of the car with the skid marks on the left side of this pic:



If you hold down this button, it will disable VSC and it will display the "other mode". If that "other mode" says AUTO LSD then you have non-clutch-based differential.

 

I skipped it when I did the work this morning....so thanks for the confirmation!!!