Changing differential fluid - A step by step "HOW TO"

Not 100% sure with 3rd gen but 99.9999% sure you have electronically simulated lsd (using brake and engine control) and therefore do not need additive.

If your lsd has clutch packs (unlikely) then you require additive.

 

And torsen style LSD would as well (if anyone swapped to that?). Question, not a statement.

 

Gotcha, initial fluid change was done at the dealer due to some recall or some BS.

About to hit 90k, so Amsoil/Mobile 1 should suffice. Looks like most of the gen pop didnt have any issues w these 2 brands.

 

Good question as I have a Truetrac. Friction additive is not recommended and in the past they recommended non synthetic diff oil over synthetic.

 

Thanks. Guess I should change mine out.

 

I believe no harm will come with running a torsen with synthetic but they recommend straight Dino oil for best performance.

 

Of all the fluids I've changed so far, the stuff I drained out of the rear differential in my PreRunner was the nastiest. I took out 2 quarts and put in 3. I used a 15/16" socket and breaker bar to get both drain and fill bolts. Valvoline 75-90 synthetic. Took about 45 minutes mostly waiting for the goop to drain. Because it was so nasty and neglected, I may do it again in 5000 miles. I was able to get 3 full qts. in because I ran the truck up the ramps enough to allow a little forward slope.

 

Glad I found this thread. Looks like I have a project to do for my 2002 Prerunner.

 

Just over $400 for all of this.
Dealer quoted me 170 each ( front and rear diff and transfer case). Might just have them do it next time.

What’s be best way to get fluid out of these cans and fill the diffs ?

 

That stuff is stupid expensive

 

What kind of friction modifier do y’all recommend? Motorcraft? And if I get 7oz bottle should I only use 4oz?

autozone has this
K&W Products Posi-Trac Gear Oil Additive 7oz
https://www.autozone.com/greases-and-gear-oil/gear-oil-additive/p/k-w-products-posi-trac-gear-oil-additive-7oz/17352_0_0

 

I recently did this in March 2023 and I do have a 2006 PreRunner with the LSD sticker. I used AMSOil Severe Gear

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

75w-90 with AMSOil's "Slip Lock" LSD Additive (just in case there was not enough LSD additive in the gear oil itself).

First impressions: No noise and smooth just as before!

**The previous owner did all his maintenance at the local Toyota Stealership so I called and they confirmed that Toyota's Genuine Gear Oil was used**

UPDATE: As of July 2023, I've only driven my Taco for about 7k miles and there is still no noise and rides smoothly.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
I don't think spending the extra money for the AMSOil is worth it. I will be doing a Mobil 1 and LubeGuard LSD additive for the next 15k miles of maintenance. I will also update my results from Mobil 1 and LubeGuard LSD additive here on this post thread for anyone interested.

 

@Jdilla83194

To answer your question, "Which LSD additive you should use?"
I would suggest either LubeGuard LSD additive or AMSOil Slip Lock.

I'm going to lean more on the LubGuard LSD since you can purchase it at any "Advance Auto Parts" or "O'Reilly's Auto Parts"
* Both LSD Additives are around $10 for 4oz which is the amount needed for our Tacos

 

OK, So '15 Tacoma TRD Off Road 4x4. Changed my front/rear diff and transfer case using Valvoline Synthetic SAE

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

75W-90 Gear Oil. Measured out all the oil per the volume spec. I went for a test drive and now my truck won't come out of 4H back into 2WD. Dash light flashes, and I can hear the servo behind the glove box clicking on and off, but it stays in 4H. I 100% used the right amount of fluid so now I am very worried I won't be able to get it back in 2WD. 4WD worked properly before the fluid change, Thoughts?

 

Did you get this sorted out?

 

I've read through about 20 pages of this thread and I am still confused.

I've got a 2006 2wd Prerunner with the LSD. Last time it was serviced was exactly one Ice Age ago by the dealer as part of a full service (back when I went to the dealer for services).

Its time I crawled under and made it fresh.

Is there a general consensus on which LSD additive to use for the 2006 LSD rear ends?

Thank you.

 

Has anyone tried the Napa brand 75w90? From what I found on BobIsTheOilGuy, Valvoline makes the gear oil for them.
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NOL...Nx9s4hoCtHkQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1

 

My experience with the front diff.


https://youtu.be/JPkSgpdZ4kk?si=7ZZxzgC156En7wHi

 

As info, I changed rear diff fluid this past weekend and it was so much easier removing the spare tire. Also, I used a brass hammer to knock the fill plug a few times and that helped loosen it up to be removed.

 

Definitely drop the spare tire down as it allows much more room to pour or squeeze the fresh oil into the fill hole.
Also fwiw I have been using Amalie lsd additive that I get at local auto parts store in my 05 sport w lsd. It has not chattered since.