Guide for Rear Diff Fluid Change? 2006 Tacoma

3 or 4 bottles do I need?

 

3 quarts. I typically have an extra just in case.

 

Youve been of good help. Thanks. Im gonna get it done tomorrow. Do you think the old oil could be a cause of the vibration/shaking?

 

Maybe. Pick up a grease gun and lithium grease if you don't already have one and hit the zerks on your driveshaft. When I bought my truck from the previous owner my driveshaft was bone dry. Ran a lot smoother (and gained .5 mpg) after I greased that puppy up.

 

Heres a random one for you. I was told by the mechanic I need a new alternator. I tested it myself using a multi meter and a chris fix video. Is there a preffered non OEM brand of alternator or is this something you should get from Toyota? Would I be better off sticking with the original on it now than going to an aftermarket. (the yellow daytime running lights dont work, and the engine revs a little high on startup- I am assuming to charge everything back up)

 

I'd go to NAPA for that one and get whatever OEM or better replacement they have.

As for the high RPM's on startup, clean out your MAF and throttle body intake, that should help with that. It doesn't have anything to do with "charging everything back up". Not sure why your dtrl's aren't working.

 

God I didnt even know there was grease zerks under there. I have a grease gun not sure what grease is in there. Is there a picture somewhere on here with the locations? Is this something an oil change place would take care of? I get my oil changes done at a quick change place (its actually cheaper then me buying the oil) And they usually check all fluids, tires, and such.

 

Not typically, but maybe if you'd ask. Last time I took it to a place like that and asked them they told me they didn't have a grease gun

The zerks are in all the u-joints. My RC 4x4 has 4 in total (two for front drive shaft, two for rear). If you have a AC or DC there will be more.
Here is a good write up on that:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/drive-shaft-lube-points-2nd-gen-4wd.225161/

 

AC OR DC?

 

access cab / double cab. RC = regular cab

 

Heres another one: Looking at the toyota maintenace schedule they mention: "Tighten Propeller Shaft Bolts" pretty often. What are they referring to? Drive shaft?

 

Oh its an access Cab! I should post a pic on here.

 

That's one I've never done, and something I'll have to look into. Thanks for bringing it to my attention

 

Yes

 

I have never done anything to transmission fluid. Too nervous to mess around with it. Bad idea???? Maintenace schedule and manual say to leave it alone if you don't tow. I do tow somewhat regulary but only like about 1000 pound trailer.

Also never done coolant. Don't know what I am doing there either. Is it a simple drain/refill.

You can see I havnen't treated my Tacoma very well as far as maintenance but she never left me stranded!!! I do clean and wax pretty regularly.

 

Got a picture of exactly what bolts they are talking about. Should I just get under there and make sure everything is tight?

 

Have it rebuilt at a local electrical shop if there is one available. Most will remove/repair/replace for about the same price as a reman at a big box store.

If you have to buy one, Denso is the only way to go.

 

Nope. They are obvious.

 

I just did that this past weekend (and my diffs + transfer case for that matter too) same principle as doing the rear differential. Unscrew fill plug, unscrew drain plug, drain, screw in drain plug, fill, screw in fill plug.

For that I recommend something nicer than the cheapest available. I used redline 75w-90ns and its smooooth as butta now

 

I went with M1 for the diff. But any off the shelf

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

75w-90 will be fine.

I dropped the spare for more room. A bit of hose on the end of the bottle was all that was needed. No pump. I believe I put about 3.25 quarts back in. I think I paid $2 for both gaskets.