Rear Diff Metal on Plug??

2018 with 55k miles. First rear differential fluid change. Should I be concerned about amount of metal on drain plug??

 

Seems normal

 

Nope. There will always be a bit of metal even at 300K when you change it.

 

Some burs and slag off the initial break-in. I wouldn’t worry about it.

 

Thanks!

 

Ok next issue. Rear diff should be 4 qts. Overflowing at less than 3 qts. Truck is dead level before drained.

 

I think you’re supposed to drive it a bit and then add more to overflow.

 

Models without a rear locker (like your Sport) only take ~3 qts. Also, as others have said, that amount of metal is typical for a 1st drain and fill.

No, just fill it until it starts to drip out of the fill hole and you’re done with the job. Driving it around won’t make room for any more oil.

 

Just put oil until it starts spilling.

 

Once you’re done make sure the breather is not clogged or dirty and free spins.

 

I've had many toyota pickups since the 70's, and never had that much metal material on the drain plug magnet....usually it's just a light flim of fine metal filings when replacing the fluid. If this is what I expect in the future changing my differential fluid, its scary.

 

i have same year and did a change around same amount of miles. mine had a 1mm-2mm film of powdered metal sticking to the magnet but not chunks like you have on there. make sure you add in the right amount of oil, its different depending on what set up you have.

 

Ok, I drove it a few miles and it didn't "settle" so driving doesn't make a difference, however I was able to squeeze the remaining amount of 3rd qt. Done. Thanks for input!