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

That was my first choice up until I heard that RP has shearing problems according to hokiemule a few post back so I just dont know.

 

I hear ya, Sorry about your unemployment sitch

 

I don't have any experience with the RP myself, but a very knowledgeable and respected friend and member of another car forum said he strongly discourages people from using RP because it is more prone to shear. He recommends Amsoil or Redline MT90. There are discussions about it on a number of other forums.

I am very pleased with the MT90 in my Spyder.

 

Thanks for the info, I think im going with the redline.

 

Alright I'm ready to try and change my diff oil. Is Valvoline brand going to be ok? I bought a 24mm socket and studied the steps and I think I'm ready.

 

Valvoline should be fine, 75 -90 or 80-90 weight. Remember your LSD additive if you are such equipped and dont forget your drain pan or bucket.

 

What size is that hex socket for the front differential fill/drain plugs? And did you have to remove the skid plate to access it? If so what size socket did you use for the skid plate?

 

you do have to remove the skid plate, i forget if the bolts are a 10 or 12 mm, and the fill and drain plugs are a metric 10 hex.

 

I have a 2009 access cab 4x4, with e-LSD (not clutch-type). I just looked at the rear diff housing, and a sticker directed me to see the owner's manual for details on the type of gear oil. The manual mentions no requirement for LSD additive - I'm thinking this makes sense - am I correct?

I read this enitre thread but...

...if I replaced the front and rear diffs and the transfer case with the appropriate amount of 75W90 "dino" gear oil in each, does anyone foresee a problem? (Owners manual calls for 75W85 for the diffs, but I can't find any, and the dealership "only sells the diff oil in bulk" - as I was told by two dealerships). Using 75W90 instead of 75W85 appears not to be a problem. I'm thinking of using Mobil 1 75W90.

Thanks all.

EDIT: I have the base model 4x4, and from the window sticker, I don't have LSD or a locker... so I'm almost certain I don't need the LSD additive.

 

No need for the LSD additive. 75W90 will work fine, and Mobil 1 75W90 is available almost everywhere...it's synthetic, not dino, but synthetic is almost always a better choice in the case of 2nd gen Tacos...

 

Thank you muchly. Since 32,000 km is the interval between these fluid changes, synthetic it is.

 

Subject to use of course. If your diff gets in water a lot or you tow often, change it more often...say 15 to 20,000 miles (MILES AND KM ARE QUITE DIFFERENT UNITS!).

 

True enough, thanks for the reminder. As yet, I've yet to submerge the diffs or tow anything... I know, pretty lame. But when I change the rear diff fluid I'll throw on the breather extension mod too, just in case.

 

I sent you a Pm apologizing about not seeing this and answering you sooner, again I am sorry.

You do not need to remove your skid plate to get to your diff. I can't find my allens to double check, but I believe it was a 10mm.

 

Correct, 10mm Allen for the front diff. Yes, you will need to drop the factory ENGINE skid plate (rear portion only) to access the front diff if you have the OR package. The skid plate is bolted on with four 12mm bolts. You will need a 3" or great ratchet extension or socket driver to reach two of the bolts on the skid plate. It's in a small recessed area that will not fit the head of a ratchet.

Manual says it takes about 1.6Qt of gear oil, mine took closer to 1.8...just fill until you get a bit of drainage out of the fill hole, then close her back up.

Thank god I changed it...did the front diff today when the truck hit 1000 miles, and the stuff that came out was pretty rough looking...booger grey and milky, and this was the factory fill! I bought the truck new with 75 miles (retrieval and test drive) on it.

Anyway, it's full of mobil 1

$29 75w-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75w-90 now. Should be happy.

 

I must have a different truck because I don't need to drop my skid. I walked out to check.

 

Do you have the TRD Offroad? If so, do you still have the factory skid plates?

This only applies to factory TRD OR skids.

 

My truck isn't TRD. I have the stock skid. I can't take pics at the moment camera is with GF. Our skids stop a good bit before the diff. No reason to drop or lower the back portion, that I can think of.