1999 Tacoma 2.7L 4x4 Manual Tranny and Diff Fluid Change

I'm sure this question has been beaten to the death but I'm new to this and I just got this truck. Love it so far but there are things here and there that have been neglected and I'm doing a lot of the work myself. Next thing I want to do is the transmission fluid. Previous owner had it for about a year and I doubt he did anything to it. He didn't have any service records or say anything detailed he can tell me about the truck. Took it to my mechanic and he said it looks and feels great.

So I am asking for help in this regard. What kind of transmission fluid does it take or is the best recommended? Its got about 237K miles on it so I'm guessing anything high mileage.

Also, I'm thinking of doing a diff fluid change as well. Any ideas what would be the best?

Anything is appreciated. Thank you!

 

fluid is a matter of preference... make sure the fill plugs come out before you dump the fluid.

 

Transmission: redline mt90
Diffs/transfer case: valvoline synthetic 75-90

that’s what I run every 30k. Always remove the fill hole screw first.

 

If you have a manual use MT90.

The Amsoil bags can be reused and make the changes eas.

Front diff hex bolt tend to strip so be carful and do the top one first

New crush washers are needed.
8 quarts total needed, transmission needs a different type because of brass parts.
I do mine every 50k

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld
Transmission Redline Mt90
Diffs and Tcase Valvoline 75w90
Remove fill plugs first
Use NEW crush washers
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https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CJHTDVV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_i_HCPWJ34AF17JG5QX8AD7?_encoding=UTF8

 

Thank you guys, much appreciated. Would I need to change the washers on every fluid change? Also, what are the service intervals for both tranny and diff?

 

Yes, they are CRUSH type,
Do them all at the same time,

I have 660,000 on mine

 

Two things not mentioned;

the fill and drain plugs on the front diff are hex. Do yourself the favor of using a pick and cleaning out any and all dirt/debris caked in there. The hole is shallow enough that if the tool isn't inserted all the way, could cause you to strip the plug.

second thing is, order Toyota part 90341-24016 which is the Lexus plug to replace your front diff drain plug.

Your front diff fill plug torque spec is 29ft/lbs

Your front diff drain plug torque spec is 48ft/lbs

Your rear diff fill and fill plugs torque spec are 36ft/lbs

And your transmission plugs are at 27ft/lbs

Last time I serviced my diff, few months ago after replacing my CV axles -



Here you'll see the new Lexus plug -

 

We’re your two fill and drain plugs the same size on the front diff?
Mine were different sizes both having the Allen type style so I was only able to replace the bottom drain plug with the Lexus plug.

If you have the Amsoil type bags no need for using a pump FYI

 

No, front diff has a different sized drain and fill plug.

Only the drain plug is replaced with the Lexus plug.

 

I wonder why it’s the drain one that gets seized in there?

I had to use a chisel and a big hammer to get mine out.
Top one was piece of cake,

 

Well the drain plug has a higher torque spec rating on it so, that's why it'll be on tighter.

Mine came off easily, but that's because I used a 1/2" drive as shown above. I used a 3/8" drive on the fill plug.

 

I used a 1/2 drive too and cleaned it out with brake cleaner,
It just rounded the inside of the Allen bolt on the bottom plug.
Yes the torque spec is probably why then

 

Yeah that fucker is easy to strip seeing as how the metal is soft, and the hole is shallow.

I didn't soak it in any solvent or anything but when I placed the hex tool/socket on the plug, I whacked it a few times with a mallet before putting the ratchet on it.

Now I need to do my rear diff when I've got time; good thing is I've got all the crush gaskets and new plugs.

 

I just changed my manual transmission and diff fluids and also recommend Red Line MT90 for the transmission and transfer unit. I used Valvoline High Performance Gear Oil 80w-90 GL-4/GL-5 in the front and rear differentials. Amazon has a good price on gallon jugs of MT-90, and while you are there, I suggest buying the Rexka 12-pieces Gasket Kit that contains the complete set of new crush washers, which you should always replace when changing these fluids. And while you are doing the fluids, don't forget to grease all the driveshaft grease fittings as part of this fluid service.

 

I think replacing the washers every oil change is a little overkill, I just do mine every 3-4 times

 

So much wisdom on this site. Every time I’ve a job to do there’s someone who has already asked and many willing to share tricks, hacks, and hard learned truths. Thank you all

 

I bought my Tacoma with 213k miles. Don’t have records of any transmission fluid being replaced. I’ve seen videos where people state not to replace at that point. Should I still change the fluid? I have 220k now on it.

 

Yes absolutely change fluids as normal.

 

This thread is discussing manual transmission, Tcase and differentials not automatic transmission fluid changes.
Start a new AT fluid change thread