Changing my differential fluid.

I am getting ready to change my front and rear differential fluid in my 1996 Tacoma extended cab V6. I understand how to, first remove fill plug, then drain plug. Drain all fluid, replace drain plug, fill until it comes out the fill plug. Replace fill plug.
But I was wondering what the best fluid is to use. I have heard that some differentials have yellow metal in them (brass, copper) and heard certain oils ruin that stuff. Is this true? What's the best?

Royal Purple Max Gear 75W90?

Mobil 1 synthetic gear oil 75w90?

Others?

Thanks, Josh.

 

this^^^^^^^^^^^

 

I use Lucas 85w 140. It was recommended by ecgs for their gears.

I heard redline shock proof is pretty damn good. One of the best to use.

 

I use Lucas too, in the same truck as you.

 

Amsoil Severe Gear 75W90.

 

Taco Bell Mild Sauce.

 

I'll only ever use amsoil and redline gear/trans oil products.

 

Why mild? The hot sauce lasts sooo much longer.

 

whatever's on sale, gears just need lube, If your not racing being picky and pricey is not justifiable.

 

When do i change the differential fluids

 

Now we talkin.

 

Vavoline.

 

I've been meaning to do this. Now I don't have to look up how to do it. Thanks OP!

 

FWIW Royal Purple is not good oil...

a few people including Chase who runs East Coast Gear Supply say the largest number of diff failure were running RP

Lucas is highly recomended by ECGS, Richmond Gears, and a few other places. Mobil1 is good stuff too

 

i hear they slap their sticker on the cheap barrels...

If i'm going to cough up for higher quality gear oil i like redline mt90 for my mani tranny's.
I've never put expensive stuff in a diff (usualy just get napa or wall mart brands) and i've ran 150 mile laps in the high desert at 40-70mph, done rubicon a dozen times and once on a set of gears with only 15miles on em, fordyce several times and never any issues with gears, it comes down to how your gears are set and what viscosity works for you. But if you guys crap easier knowing you forked over for the good stuff then more power to ya.

 

i run mobil1 synthetic 75w90 in the front/rear diff and transfer case,
and then redline mt90 in the transmission (it's GL4 so it doesn't attack the brass synchros, etc.)

 

When you refil it, on mine anyway after the fluid started to come out of the fill hole moved the truck to the street and put both wheels one at a time on the curb so that the truck leaned and the fluid went into the axle tubes then parked it on level ground let it set and re checked the fluid level, just to make sure that the axle brgs weren't being starved for lubrication. my $0.02

 

I work at an airport, and with the economy its been really really slow. So, I have a lot of free time to do things at work. I really need to do the front dif, rear dif and transer case. Bought the truck with 74K and I now have almost 87, and I don't know when the previous owner did the fluids. Brought it to the dealership for a battery and oil change and asked them to check the gear boxes. The technician said they're all pretty dark. The cstomer service guy told me it would be $400.00 to do the change, and I said maybe next time lol.
I used to do a lot of maintenance on vehicles for a garage I used to work at so I know how to do gearbox changes, but I always just used the fluids and equipment the garage had. Never really asked what it was. So my question is . . .
The owners manual for my truck lists:
1.2 qts. of

$28 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75W-90 for the front
1.1 qts of 75W-90 for the t-case
2.8 qts of 80W-90 for the rear

Does this sound right? It's an 03 2.7L

I'm planning on doing it with Mobil 1, and also do you think a AutoZone will have that hand pump to get the fluids into the cases?

Sorry this post is so long, I suck lol.

 

sounds about right. i was told by a number of people to use 75w90 in the rear diff as well to avoid getting "diff chatter." autozone/o'reilly's/napa should all have a hand pump for the fluids... probably around $10.