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

Just checked the rear diff oil in my 2009 tacoma and was going to change it but looks pretty clean .it is unknown when it was last changed I've had it 25k km and it has 250k km .dont really wanna change it if it looks clean .was going to wait till summer time to replace .anythoughts

 

Did this yesterday, OEM oil can needs to be opened with a can opener or opened all around since it doesn’t come with a tab like a soda or soup can. I ended up opening it all around and used a big syringe, I believe that removing the spare tire will allow to get use a funnel but I couldn’t lower the spare, I can’t believe it’s soooo complicated to lower the spare, perhaps after you lower it once it will be easier but since I never did it before and it was getting dark I used the syringe.i started to do my own services about 50k ago and I never replaced it before but the old one was very very clean.
Anyway, I just wanted to advise people about the can opener because I didn’t have one, I had to ask my wife to bring me one from the store..

 

Are you sure it was 70$ A litre ? I paid 85$ for all 3 last week and that's in Canada .id be taking to that dealership

 

https://www.ebay.com/p/658730486?iid=153606306428&chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=153606306428&targetid=809744313105&device=m&mktype=pla&googleloc=9031257&poi=&campaignid=6470661093&mkgroupid=80120008480&rlsatarget=aud-622524040958%3Apla-809744313105&abcId=1141156&merchantid=138373877&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyr3JqPyD5gIVT18NCh07-wYmEAkYCCABEgLFwvD_BwE


But I found it cheaper

 

gotta watch out with ebay sometimes .3 litre for 80$ Canadian

 

Has anyone accidentally completed the job without putting a crush washer/gasket back on the drain plug bolt?

I discovered it in the catch pan when I was finished and I really don’t feel like redoing the whole job. That oil reeks.

I’m going to keep an eye on it for any weeping fluids but I’m curious if anyone else has done this and what the results have been.

 

I'm sure plenty of people (and shops) have. I wouldn't worry. If it's torqued properly you should be fine. Poke your head under there every once in a while to check for any leaks if you're concerned.

 

Just did this again for rear diff and transfer case at 60k maintenance interval and fluid looked just fine. Will do front diff after I replace ECGS bearing this week.

One thing to note is I recommend using a 6 point socket so you dont round off or strip the rear diff and transfer case bolts.

Great job OP still a great reference.

 

Can any of you point me in the direction of the actual location of the front differential plugs on a 2004 Tacoma? Is it the crank case directly under the center console area of the truck or further forward on the front axle? Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

Anybody know the part number for drain plug that has to be replaced? Mine is a 2003 Tacoma trd off-road prerunner. What oil should I use as well. Thanks In advanced

 

The drain plug shouldn’t need replacing unless you stripped it.

 

Do I need “LS Diff addative” I have an 03 trd off-road prerunner

 

Let your Owner's Manual (pg 295) be your guide but, in short, no.

 

Are all Gear oils synthetic?

 

No.

 

Thanks, I'm having trouble finding conventional gear oils through the usually recommended Amsoil, redline, and so on. Anyone have a recommendation for non synthetic?

 

I'm pretty sure Amsoil's and Redline's entire product lines are synthetic.

Not looking to start another oil debate, but why do you want to avoid synthetic? All other things being equal, they usually flow better, lubricate better, and offer longer service life than "dino" options.

 

I’m not against synthetic in any way, I’m just concerned that if it’s had Dino in it for its whole life and then I put synthetic in, it could cause issues with seals and such.

 

Unless you've got exisitng leaks/seepage, I don't think you'd have any issues. In my experience, synthetic doesn't cause issues with seals but, since it tends to flow better, folks tend to notice existing issues a little more.

 

About ready to do this to my 3gen.