Differential Oil Changes - verify the numbers?

Been watching vids on doing this and there are variations in the numbers reported there so I wanted to verify the information. My owners manual does not document these.

2014 Taco 4WD

Front Differential
- top bolt: 10mm hex socket or 24mm conventional socket?
- top bolt torque: 29 ft lbs
- top washer diameter?:
- bottom bolt type: 10mm hex socket or 24mm conventional socket?
- bottom bolt torque: 48 ft lbs
- bottom washer diameter?:
- Oil: 1.6Q limited slip 75w90 or 80w90 cold weather

Transfer Case
- top bolt: 24mm socket
- top bolt torque: 27 ft lbs
- top washer diameter?:
- bottom bolt: 24mm socket
- bottom bolt torque: 27 ft lbs
- bottom washer diameter?:
- oil: 1.2Q 75w85 or 75w90

Rear Differential
- top bolt: 24mm socket
- top bolt torque: 36 ft lbs
- top washer diameter?:
- bottom bolt: 24mm socket
- bottom bolt torque: 36 ft lbs
- bottom washer diameter?:
- oil: 3Q limited slip 75w90 or 80w90 cold weather

Do I have these numbers right?

On the torques, they are suspect, different videos report different numbers. Does anyone have a manual reference on these?

Also, can I get the same oil for all three cases? Will "limited slip" be fine in the transfer case? Will 80w90 work in the transfer case?

 

Another question - some people use a plastic hose to pump or funnel the new oil into the top holes - what diameter is that hose?

 

The only real way to know is get under and double check.

Unless you owned the Truck from New and Did all the service work yourself.

I have found many interesting things over the years.

For years I used 85-140 gear oil in everything here in Pa .

If you have the recessed plugs clean them very well before trying to remove.

ALWAYS remove the fill plugs first.

6 Point sockets for everything!!

 

This is an excellent resource for all the DIY tech specs.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...e-quick-reference-guide.438945/#post-12733810

For the front differential, I use a fluid pump. You can get them for less than $25 at most all auto parts stores.


Don’t use the hose on on the end I of the quart bottle method. It will just blow off and make a HUGE mess. Ask me how I know.

Here is what I use.

 

Also, that front diff drain bolt can be a BEAR to get off. I use a 10mm Allen socket and impact screw driver.
Most are 3/8” drive. So you’ll need a 3/8 drive socket style 10mm

Do a few little taps to seat the 10mm and then a good solid SMACK.

 

That cross post is excellent. Thanks much!

I got a syringe style pump like you show... way better than the bottles. But it was still quite messy and clumsy. It's one of those 3-handed tools. And it required frequent refilling to do all 6qts on all three cases.

This guy's video was one of the helpful ones I used to educate myself on this job. About halfway through he starts filling with a much cleaner looking pump that is like a hand soap dispenser bottle. The pump sits atop what looks like a 2qt jug of gear oil.

I'll see if I can track down where he got that solution. It looks more convenient than the low capacity syringe style.

 

Great tips, thanks.

 

Ooof.

Fortunately my small breaker bar cracked it open without much trouble in my case.

 

If you have an extra 15/16 socket, or extra 24mm socket, grind down the bevel to give the socket more surface area to bite the thin head on the bolts. The same size bolts are on our RX and sister’s N200t transmissions for doing ATF flushes. For filling the case them Valvoline gear oil squishy bags are quite handy and you don't need funnels or pumps.

 

I didn't see anyone mention about the limited slip so I'll chime in on that. Most of our trucks do not need any limited slip additives. Read the user manual and cross-check against info in that linked Quick Reference Guide thread in post #4.

Also there is a possibility of needing a 14mm socket/wrench if you (or the previous owner) has modded the drain plugs with Lexus parts to get rid of those awful 10mm hex plugs. Only way to know is looking under there. Luckily 14mm is probably the most common size on the whole truck so you should already have those tools around.

Everyone has their favorite "flavor" of oil brand and weight but I typically follow the OEM specs. I have AMSOIL Severe Gear 75w90 in all three locations with no ill effects (basically the same as 75w85, don't over-think this). ECGS and some others suggest 85w140 which is probably fine but also depends on your climate and how you use your truck. Again, pick what you think is best and don't over-think it too much.