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

Awesome how-to. Yesterday I changed the fluids in both front/rear diffs, and transfer case. Did the front first, no problems, except that you have to have a pump or some other way to get the oil from the bottle to the fill hole. I used one of those tubes that screws onto a quart bottle. Someone in this thread had a pic of one. Worked good enough, but leaves a few ounces of oil in the bottle, so I just poured the left over into the next bottle I opened. The fluid in the front diff was NASTY, and the mag plug had lots of sludge on it, glad it's got clean fluid in there now. I used valvoline high perf 75w90 dino.

The transfer case oil was VERY clean, looked like new, and had I known, probably would have left it alone. I only use 4wd a few times/year in winter, and engage maybe once/month to keep the juices flowing, so should've figured it'd be pretty clean. Also used the valvoline for the refill.

On the rear diff, I had a helluva time getting the fill plug to break free, like several others in this thread. Had to borrow a length of pipe from a neighbor as a make-shift breaker bar. Good news is I got the plug to break free. Bad news is I forgot to put my gloves back on before I did it and my driveway is now the proud owner of some of the skin from the top of my left hand. Comes with the territory I guess The rear diff fluid also looked pretty good, was red stuff. Magnet on the drain plug had a little sludge, but not as bad as the front. I refilled with LucasOil Synthetic 75w90. I wasn't sure whether or not to put in the LSD additive, since the oil bottle said it was good for use in LSDs, but put a little in anyway. Hope "too much", whatever that is, doesn't give me problems. BTW, truck just went over 100k yesterday, and I've never done this service before. Since I don't tow or do any heavy off roading, doubt I will ever do this again. Maybe if I still own the truck when it hits 200k.

 

It makes me want to change it. I just hit 30k, but since they needed to do a lot of warranty work, took it to have it done at the dealership. Dfinetelly I will do it at 45k.
Thanks for the write up

 

This is one of my projects for today Write-up seems simple enough. More to follow later.

 

Do i need the additive for the 2011 DC sport 2WD? Seeing conflicting stories in this thread...

 

Note from first post \/

Changing differential fluid - A step by step "HOW TO"
NOTE: 2009 and newer trucks do NOT need LS Diff addative, or TRD Off Road trucks with the factory locker.

 

Missed that ...i was going off the google link from the spark plug how to lol

 

I'll probably be doing this next weekend along with the tranny fluid. My truck is pushing 85k.

 

it was VERY simple. should I be worried that I didn't get the "fluid leaking out" portion of the step? It took the full 3 quarts...It looks just shy of being level if the fill plug as well.

EDIT: and whoever posted that the oil is rather pungent...I couldn't agree more...I stilled smelled it when I went into the house a couple hours later...

 

I didn't get any leaking out and mine's been fine, or should I say no issues in 12K miles

 

subd

 

I ended up lowering the spare out of the way for this. made it easier to get the bottles up in there (and gave me head room lol)...also gave me a chance to check that tire's pressure (WAY low) and to make sure the cable is rusting like some other vehicles had issues with.

 

Ok let me ask this on the fill of the transfer case and front diff and manual gearbox can I fill all these till it starts coming out of the fill hole? I am the most worried about the transfer case and front diff. My truck has 72 thousand and I am going to make a 1500 mile trip to California next week or so.

 

Put in the amount listed in your OM.

 

Which is until it comes dribbling out the fill hole... haha

 

Wrong^
Toyota put the fill hole at that location for a reason...you fill until it starts to drain out of the hole. The amounts given in the owners manual are the same called out in the Chiltons manual. They say the capacities called out are "approximate" and to add as necessary to bring to appropriate level.. which they say to be at the bottom of the plug opening. In addition, the Toyota Factory Service Manual calls to add as nessesary to get the level within 5mm (0 to 0.20 in.) of the bottom of the filler plug opening.

 

Thats the answer I was hoping for fill till plug the old school way
Thanks for the clarification.

 

I am new to 4x4 so I read your links you posted on 4x4 use. Very good info thanks.

 

I dropped my spare tire so I could sit under there and fill with the Mobile 1

$30 75W 90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75W 90 - I saw the fluid already had the LSD additive in it too.

 

It DOES NOT have the additive in it.

It only means that it is compatible for LSD diffs.