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

Okay guys question:

Where is the front diff drain/fill plug located for Manual Trans? I changed the Trans/ Rear diff but not the front....sorry for the questions I'm a n00b

 

This should help: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...ront-diff-transfer-case-oil-change-howto.html

Basically go in from the drivers side along the front axle and you'll find the front diff. The pics in the attached should help. Don't be sorry...I was there last year when I did mine the first time!

 

And for situational awareness here's a post of mine from last month: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...es-before-powertrain-warranty-expiration.html

 

I dont know if this has been adressed i tried searching but couldnt really find how the answer.. i changed my rear diff oil for the first time (in my life and the life of the truck possibly) and first off the nuts were hard as heck to take loosen mainly the drain plug.. after PB blaster a couple knocks with the hammer it came loose.. when i unscrewed the fill lug a bunch of air pressure came out... Is that normal? or is my breather not working propperly?

Sorry iam a noob..

 

Ok thanks Chris!

Thanks you guys guys ive learned a load of things! really do appreciate it

 

*pressurize*

Lucky you're good w/ numbers and building/fixing stuff!

Sorry man... ... not much going on at work tonight.

 

I just finished doing both differentials and the TC this AM. Easy as pie- thanks for taking the time to prepare this tutorial!

 

strange, just changed my rear diff oil and put about 3.5 qts in. Normal?

 

Mine may have taken a littte over 3 quarts. I let it sit for a while and then drove it about 50' before topping it off again. The 3+ quarts includes a tube of TransX LSD additive (7oz tube). The gear oil I used is Valvoline 80/90 Dino for LSD.

 

I used Lucas, haven't read anywhere about the possibility of overfilling the differential nor hurting the diff if overfilled. Read everywhere to fill untill fluid comes out of the fill hole.

 

ya just came back from dealer they want 91$ per bottle,i think it takes 2 or 3 quarts i don't know if you you buy their oil it alreadt has has the additive

 

I bought my oil on-line from Advance Auto Parts (on-line, store pick-up option) using an online coupon for $20 off. The total for 6 quarts of gear oil and the LSD additive was about $35. The Valvoline gear oil is for LSD differentials but posts on here indicate it's not quite enough so additional additive is recommended...

 

Is it ok to add the LSD additive after the fact? Like say 3,000 miles later?

 

Cool, thanks.

 

after reading and posting i get several different messages hear,my 09 sport 4x4 6 cyl with no lsd sticker on the rear diff,but does have the box on the passenger side with all the lines coming out,i have a botton on the dash which shows to engage lsd but still don't know wether i need to add lsd or not were i have no sticker on the rear diff housing i guess i don't need it,too much contrudiction on this write up,dealer says take out fill pug if fluid is red its lsd,brown no lsd needed

 

No additive needed for '09 and up. It uses the brakes for the LSD not the mechanical clutches that the older models have.