Differential fluid identification

Good day. I have a situation where I can’t figure out which fluid to use on my Tacoma. I have a 2013 Tacoma pre runner TRD sport model. I’ve checked this forum up and down and I just got confused and my local Toyota stealerships were trying their hardest to get me in to change the fluid. Does anyone have an answer for which fluid am I suppose to use and if I need the additive for it? Also which one does everyone recommend?

 

It will say in your owners manual...

 

Check your owners manual but I believe you do not need the LSD additive. Only the older 2nd gen trucks have a mechanical LSD

 

2005-2008 with limited slip (TRD Sport) needed the additive. Yours does not.

 

Why do you think you need to change the gear lube?

Have you crossed rivers and flooded the pumpkin?

 

Pick a 75w90 fluid of your choice and be done. Your rig requires nothing extra or special

 

The TW search feature doesn’t work all that great.

Do yourself a favor and get a decent bottle pump and check to see if it fits the bottles you end up getting. If it doesn’t fit, you can transfer the gear oil to a drained motor oil bottle. Even with a good pump, the task still sucks.

$8 LubriMatic 55-001 4CC Mechanical Fluid Pump for Quart Size Bottles

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BQW5LK?ie=UTF8

I have one similar to this except it has a double thread cap that fits 2 different sizes.

Many say you have to replace the drain plug gasket. I didn’t, no leaks. Another tip, I jacked it up so the drivers side was slightly higher to get a good thorough drain. Put my drain pan up on a box so it’s closer. Never fails, the wind blows and makes a big mess.

I went with redline from summit. Mine took 3 quarts plus the 4 oz bottle of friction modifier.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/RED-57904

 

Hint:

If you must change the fluid, make sure the fill plug can be removed 1st. It isn't oil bathed, so often, it may be sized in the housing. Kinda sucks when you have already drained the lube, but have no way to get new fluid back in.

 

Helps to soak in PB blaster or Aero Kroil a day or two prior. Same for drain plug.

 

I’ve unbolted the axle from the leaves and filled it up through the drain when thats happened on the trail

 

I saw these posted the other day... may give them a try on one of my rigs next change

 

Amsoil has started using these too. I used them on my last change and it was a breeze, no stupid pumping any more.

 

It's like astronaut food for the diff.

 

Thanks for all the help. Now one thing I recommend is getting one Pennzoil 36677 Pennzoil Multi-Use Pump

$14 Pennzoil 36677 Pennzoil Multi-Use Mechanical Pump For Car

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004HL2182
Very worth it