Rear Diff. Fluid Change

I’ve been wanting to change out the rear differential fluid on my tacoma (2013 2WD Prerunner) for some time now, but after searching the internet for a couple weeks I can’t find much that would help.

I’m very far from being a mechanic, just a guy trying to swap out some taco sauce by myself. Owner’s manual says 75W-85 GL-5, but in terms of what specific fluid/how much fluid/LSD or not, I am basically clueless on what I need in terms of fluid.

 

Welcome, do your google search with tacoma in it and it will bring you back here with all the post.

 

Luckily there are many threads, I used this one to help guide me on my 2013 prerunner.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/changing-differential-fluid-a-step-by-step-how-to.24545/

Reaf diff is the easiest fluid change on the Tacoma IMO. I used 75-90 Mobil 1, no need for LSD additive for trucks 2009 and newer. Drain and fill until it slowly drips out the fill hole and then close it up.

 

Very easy to do... just make sure the fill plug will come off before removing drain plug.

 

https://www.redlineoil.com/motor-oil

I use Redline full synthetic oil in my differential and transmission, and have those on a 30K fluid change interval. Recommend entering your vehicle data into the "Find products for my vehicle" section in the above weblink. It will tell you what weight oil and how much you need to buy. You can then purchase it from a local shop or through Amazon. You'll need a hand pump to pump the oil from the bottle into the differential, and you can buy one of those from any auto parts store.

If you've never changed it before, I highly recommend you remove the "fill plug" before you remove the drain plug. That way if the fill plug has seized, you won be stuck with no oil in your differential and no way to refill it.

 

im a big fan REDLINE products
they have several weights

buy what U need
if everyday transport ( work , mall , home ) U need not get the heavy duty stuff

good luck

 

The importance of this cannot be overstated, make sure this is step #1!

 

Just changed mine and I am using Supertech

$30 75w-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75w-90 synthetic

 

Lots of great information here and on line.....here is a video to watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNWzQ2MbcX0