High Mileage 2002 PreRunner diff oil - Trans

looks dry!

they must not have filled up to the proper level on the rear diff when the seals were changed
these shops are known to do that at times...

they can't even do a proper brake job at the dealer leaving the stupid caliper slide bolt missing causing braking issues 2 years later

 

Will keep an eye on it for the next 100 miles or so.
Man those pictures tell a story don't they? LOL
22 years and counting!
Thanks for your quick responses.

 

it can all be cleaned off and recoated
make it look badass black underneath there!!

 

I know, that's why I prefer to do stuff I have the tools and skills to do myself.
Somethings like frame welding is out of my skill and tool set.
I did have some stiffeners added and the right rear shock bracket repaired a short time ago.
Was lucky to find someone local to do it.
"A mans gotta know his limitations"

 

I use this in all 3 of my Toyota trucks. That squeeze bottle is amazing. No more pumping gear oil for me ever again!

 

I didn't have too much trouble just squirting it in using the nozzle/tip that was on the bottles.

 

Prerunner has no front differential!
Those squeeze packets in that area of very little clearance on the 4wd work excellent

 

Got it!

 

How would you suggest cleaning?
Wire brush?
Sandblaster?
C4?

What kind of coating?

thanks!

 

Scotts Brite pad....

 

If You have the sandblaster setup it will make short work of it and a BIG mess!

 

thanks!

 

wish I did but nope...

 

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/vht/vht-paint-epoxy/vht0/sp671

 

Nice.
I mentioned frame work I just had done.
At the moment the "hidden" areas are coated with 3m cavity wax
The visible areas (over rear wheels) just have rust-oleum black on there. Could I cover that with this VHT?

 

Yeah every time I mess around the rear or any wheel well, I just buff and clean that whole area and slap another coat on.

Front chassis area I'm at 2 or 3 good coats over half decade...

and all the rear areas....I'm close to 4 or 5 coats....
especially on the diff and axle housing.
Light thin coats over time.


Probably 7 or 8 cans worth........better to retreat over time, instead of globing it.


I even got some super high heat silver for the muffler ends and seams...

Places I cant paint....I use fluid film and the 4D long straws.....until it drips out the holes...

 

Have some time today so am seriously considering draining and refilling the auto trans fluid.
Considering all the opinions I have heard and read, I think its probably a good idea, not going to do more harm than good.
Mileage is a bit over 274k, no record of this being done as I am third owner.
Anyway, I figured I'd upload a couple pics of the dipstick and rag where it was wiped.
Obviously you can't smell it but I sense no burnt odor.
Any thoughts based on the photos?
Thanks!

 

Surprised no one has commented on the photos yet.
Does it look that bad?

 

Might be original fluid

 

I think you are right.
Amazing how this simple maintenance is overlooked or ignored by so many.
Seems even drain and fill (only no flush) is still a gamble?