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

awesome write up and super simple to follow. Anybody post up this easy of an "how to" for the front diff. all the "how to" were not as simple to follow as this one.

 

Same thing, just a different wrench. M10 hex.

 

I have a 2015 2wd prerunner v6 with 29k and I looked in the owners manual for the rear diff oil. 75-85....where I am unsure is if its best for me to use dino oil or if I should use synthetic. I have the squiggly car button ( sorry don't know much about this kinda stuff and willing to admit it ) when I push it is says auto lsd. do I need to add lsd additive to my truck? if I do synth and it has lsd in it is that sufficient? royal purple or mobile 1 recommended or dino from the dealer? any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

LSD additive, not required for you. Dino or synthetic will be fine.

 

thank you josh

 

so no additive is needed for a limited slip?!

 

It is for mechanical clutch based LSD differentials. '09+ Tacomas do not have one from the factory.

 

oh sweet okay! Makes my life that much easier haha

and new seal washer things arent needed right

 

New crush rings are recommended, but not necessary required. It is possible to use the old ones but there is always a chance they will leak. Personally I use new ones, they are cheap and you can get OME ones from Amazon or your local dealership.
Rear Diff part number (Fill/Drain)-

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

12157-10010
Front Diff (Drain)-

$7 90430-24003 Front Differential Drain Plug Gasket

90430-24003 (Brass crush ring)
Front Diff (Fill)- 12157-10010

 

badass thanks man!!

Curious for transfer case is there a washer or seal for it?

and should I use royal purple or mobil 1 or oem oil for all three?

 

Sure man no problem.

The T-case is the same part number for the fill and drain

$7 90430-18008 , Used for Change Transmission Fluid

90430-18008 (also a crush ring).

As far as oil goes there are tons of post arguing synthetic vs regular and also what brands are better. Some say stick with oem because that is what the engineers designed the components to run on (also if your worried about maintaining your warranty this is a good choice) while others think its just a way for Toyota to get more money from you. I don't pretend to be an expert on oil and really can't tell you what is best but I'll give you my 2 cents for what its worth.
1) Always refer to your Owners manual for what specs the oil needs to provide
2) As long as your changing it at the recommended times and keep good maintenance practices, oil is oil and it will do its job.
3) After some research I went with Redline MT-90 I for my transfer case and tranny (I have the 6-speed manual transmission, do NOT use this in a automatic transmission refer to your owners manual for type of ATF) , and mobil 1 in the diffs. My decision was mainly based off $$ and the testimonies of others that have ran the same oils in there rigs.

 

Dude thank you!

Not messing with my Trans yet but will do mobil 1 for diffs and the transfer case!

 

Hey so just drained transfer case and filled rear diff. But! I tried putting 3 qts in and like 1/6 of the qt flooded out

 

What do I do?

 

Put the plug back in (with a new crush washer), clean-up the mess, and call it good.

 

Gotcha! Now to worry about how I just partially stripped my front drain plug...

 

Sorry for the probably stupid question, a little confused after reading...
Does a 2015, SR5 4x4 have an LSD in the rear? Going to do my Transfer case and diffs this weekend, just want to know if I need the additive, synthetic ok without the LSD correct?...
Thanks to anyone for clarifying...

 

You do not need additive. Only 2005-2008 TRD Sports need additive.

 

I have a 2016 TRD Off road with locking diff. As far as I can tell 3.2 in the rear and 1.6 in the front? And ok to use 75-90w synthetic? Am I on the right track, before I destroy my truck?? Lol

 

NAAC3TACO...
Thank you!
Synthetic is good, yeah...
Looked at the owners manual, doesnt say anything...
No chatter, correct???