3rd Gen Differential and Manual Transmission (6MT) Fluid Change

Yes thanks for the clarification I just read in the post before yours. I'm infuriated. Toyota misleads by stating my TRD has a LSD. It's only traction control operating off the ABS system

Since I was born in a time when positraction was the hot ticket two wheel drive option and was later improved by the LSD I automatically assumed LSD was what I grew up with on my 2016 TRD.
Toyota should just leave off the LSD notation and just say it has ABS, ESC and TC. Dannyblues

 

P. S. I like how you stated simulated. Yes it's a simulation of LSD and should indicate that on the window sticker and sales information.
Big difference between the real LSD and traction control LSD. Dannyblues

 

So I can wrap my head around this let me try and understand this new form of simulated, as shakerhood calls it, LSD. The TC operating off the ABS applies the brakes to stop a wild rear wheel spinning in ice for example on the right rear wheel. Yes? But does the full 100% of remaining rear wheel drive power get transmitted to the rear left wheel? That's where I'm lost. Without a closed or locking rear differential how does that left rear wheel get power?
Dannyblues

 

Not only does the ECU regulate the Brakes to simulate Limited Slip but it also can and does cut engine power to also stop slippage.There is a good bit of info on here and in the Owners Manual on how all of the different modes operate.

 

So first day commuting since rear diff change and maybe it's coincidencidental but I got +2 mpg both ways on 15 mile trip and it feels like there's less rolling resistance. Letting off the gas it doesn't seem to slow as quickly. Only thing I've done since last week. No psi changes. Hell even has a full tank of gas. I don't know but I like it. 25 mpg Is pretty damn good.

 

The 24mm hex from the transfer case works for the front diff fill plug. I didn't try the 24mm from the rear diff but I imagine that would work also. This is on a '08 4Runner but everything should be the same on a Tacoma.

The front diff drain plug is a much larger diameter bolt for some goofy reason, I doubt any other plug from the driveline will swap with it. Of course, no surprise, I couldn't get the 10mm drain plug out. Used a transfer pump to siphon the fluid out.

 

Just changed the Front/rear diff. oil and the Manual Transmission Oil with Amsoil products. One thing I have noticed is the truck seems to go into reverse easier now. Not sure if its just in my head or not. Seems smoother now.

 

Could be but it was in my head too then. Generally speaking, all shifting (especially N to 1 and 1 to 2) has gotten smoother for me. I've put close to 3500 miles on since my fluid change and this write up and the performance enhancements have not dropped either.

OA

 

Getting in Reverse has been the only complaint l have with this manual, looks like a fluid change is in order

 

After driving it a couple days it definitely goes into reverse easier. Not as notchy as before.

 

Thanks for sharing!

 

Quality write up, thanks. I'll be doing this for sure.

 

Maybe I'm inpatient. But I can't figure out what the spec is for my truck's rear end...
Double Cab TRD Sport 2wd.
Is there a nice way to denote the spec?? has someone deciphered it?
BTW, planning to do it this Saturday. 58k miles... I think it deserves one. No howling or leaks.

 

Your "model code" can be found on your VIN sticker in your driver side door jamb. Toyota's way of defining the spec is obnoxious as shit. Assuming you highlighted your model code, I think it's saying 3.22 quarts for your rear diff. Obviously just fill until it trickles out of the plug.

OA

 

The only thing that is bugging me is weather to buy 3 or 4 quarts. I currently have half a bottle from changing out my diff fluid off my dad's 4Runner. So if its 3.22 quarts, I will just buy 3 and use the one I already have.

That's what I'm debating about.

Thanks for the response/advice.

 

You can get the extra quart and then return it if you don't need it, better to have extra than not enough.

 

Remember when differentials had plain old 80-90w and people drove for 20 years and did not even know that you were supposed to change it?
And manual transmissions..."There is oil in there?"

 

If diffs weren't leaking, I'm sure folks could get by doing the same today. Doesn't mean it's a good thing though!

OA

 

ok guys. Just finished doing mine. I pulled the trigger on only getting three LITERS and it worked out perfect.
I checked the level with my pinky and I touched oil before draining it and after.

The overall process is like any plain o'l diff.

There's two 24 mm bolts but I was able to use a 15/16... (don't judge)

Used a pump to pump the new stuff. All OEM. Sh!t was not cheap... even with my brother's discount of almost 50%. 78.30 for all three cans. At least I can say that it came from Japan.

So below is what you should expect to see after 58k miles. Kinda gloomy.

 

The Toyota TC fluid comes in a 1L (Liter) can (1L = ~1.1Qt). One can was exactly enough for my drain and refill.