differential oil question

i need to change my differential oil and i have never done it on my own before and i want to attempt it. All i should have to do is remove the fill plug, then remove the drain plug, once it finishes draining install the drain plug and then fill it back up? is it that easy or is there other components to be changed anywhere else? i have a 2001 2.7L prerunner. also, what is a good brand of oil to put in there? i tow a boat pretty regularly. i use conventional oil everywhere else so is it ok or necessary to use synthetic?

 

i keep reading about the LSD additive. do i need that? i do not have the TRD package, just the SR5 prerunner 2WD

 

X2!

If you have a Limited Slip Differential, YES you will need to use the LSD additive. However, many people have suggested using a basic Dyno oil and LSD additive with an LSD, because using a synthetic w/ LSD additive can cause noises from the diff.
So in other words, if you have an LSD. Use Dyno oil instead of the synthetic oil.

However if you have a non-LSD diff, you can use Dyno or synthetic oil.

Get underneath your truck to look at the back cover of the diff and see if it has a sticker that says LSD. If it doesn't have that sticker, than you don't have an LSD.

That link that MTgirl put up has a lot of good info, read through that thread.
If you have any other questions, let us know.


This is off a 2nd Gen Diff cover, but will look similar on a 1st Gen diff cover.

 

ok thanks, can i use

$29 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75W-90 even when it calls for 80W-90?
and there is no LSD sticker so i guess i wont be adding any additive

 

yes