Differential fluid changes

Ok, this is a really stupid question but I have to ask it because I don't know dick.

I'm trying to change my front and rear differential fluids. Do I change the front, rear, and t case fluids? Or do I change the front and rear differential fluids?

Basically, is the front differential the same as the transfer case? I change 2 or 3 things?

Thank you

 

I think the manual says to do all at 30k miles. No they are not the same thing.

Front and rear diff use same fluid. Transfer case is different.

 

Can I use valvoline 80-90 in all 3 and be done?

Thanks.

 

Its a good plan to use the viscosity and GL rating for each of the 3 units that the manual calls for.

 

Use this straight 75W for the t case or the more expensive Toyota version. This says transmission, but it meets the specs for Toyota

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ravenol-J1...928792&hash=item23aee0dfc3:g:py4AAOSw8KJb6ZW7

 

If, you "don't know Dick", why are you fucking with it??

G.

 

It kind of depends on your usage. I swap out the rear axle gear oil more often and usually use 85W-140 unless I'm going somewhere cold. I use a lighter oil in the front and transfer case.

 

I wouldn’t bother with it. Especially if you don’t know any better.

Toyota doesn’t even have a basic recommendation for changing it. The manual says every 30k under special operating conditions. Most traditional diff oils were changed every 100k or so.

Maybe leave it and do it at 30k or 60k

 

Def take a looksie at the DIY, it explains everything quite well, including what fluids to use, torque specs, etc.

 

Gotta learn somehow. I actually enjoy doing it, maybe OP will discover a new hobby.

 

75w85 as per Toyota Owners Manual.

 

Couldn’t agree more. The world needs more wrenchin’ and less whinin’

 

If you never done it, STOP and ask for "hands on" help. See if you find another tacoMANIAC in your area to show you how and learn by seeing and doing.
Anyhow, if you decide to venture in this action, have the right tools and sockets (since the fill and drain plugs are thin, I made a socket for this purpose) and FIRST open the FILL plug. Have seen situations where the drain plug was opened, fluid drained but the fill plug was stuck...now you are SOL without a differential.

 

Learn a new hobby on a old beater, not a newer ish truck.

Remember the dude that wanted to check his rear brakes, and decided to press the brake peddle to see if his emergency brake was working...with the brake drum off?

 

OP, you can easily do this yourself... it’s very basic. Just get the tools, the gaskets, and I recommend the OEM oil for the diffs... it’s on Amazon.

 

Maybe the Taco is his beater truck... And no offense, but in my neck of the woods working on an old beater means working on rust and F that.
You are right though, shit can go really wrong, but this isn't hard to figure out. If he found TW, he can find youtube and helpful links.

 

FFS......it’s like changing diff oil is akin to effin brain surgery.......all hope is lost.....time for that asteroid.

OP.....even as a total newb, you will be more careful and do a better job of changing your own diff and transfer case oil than the dude down at the dealer who’s just thinking about his lunch, or that spliff he’s got for the end of shift.

 

Who waits until the end of the shift?

 

There is 0 guarantee the guy at the dealer doing lube changes isn't doing it for the first time either.

 

Should you not change the engine oil unless it’s a beater? Differential and transfer case fluid changes are pretty idiot proof.