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

It is groaning, (post 1630 above). I mistakenly concluded the Mobile LS was newer and had some additive that made it work OK. And since you are the original authority on that, I will take your advice. Thanks for the reply Chris.

 

Has anyone used the Red Line SAE 75W90 GL-5 gear oil ( already contains the additive ) for the rear diff? If so, did you have to add any more of the friction modifier and how much?

Thanks

 

Drained and filled my rear diff today. It took all 3 quarts and doesn't appear to be up to the level of the fill hole. Should I get another quart and fill it until it dribbles out?

 

Interesting... I'd say if you had a leak there'd be quite a bit of fluid all over your ground but still check for leaks. Stick your pinky in an see if you can even find the level, if not just add til it's full and you should be good.

 

No leaks. I'll add more. Thanks!

 

I had the same issue with my diff, as I remember. The axles contain some of the fluid, so that could account for it. Your finger on a level surface is a better indicator than a spec, so I was told by multiple sources when I had the issue.

 

You also have to account for the little left in each quart, hose, pump ect. You cant get every ounce out of and into.

 

Hi guys. New to the forum and been lurking and reading for a few days now. I recently just finally bought a Taco after yeards of wanting one. bought one less than a week ago. 2003 Double Cab 4x4. 142k miles.

As with all used cars I buy, I like to change all the fluids. so my question is is

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

75w-90 good for this year with that many miles for the rear diff and transfer case? are the transfer case and front diff the same thing?

Also, any recommendations on what weight, brand, and kind of Transmission fluid I would need to change that? I read i would need between 2-4qts to drain and fill. I dont plan on dropping the oil pan.

Thanks for any information you guys can provide me.

 

Ok, call me a glutton for punishment, but I have read through all of the posts & do not see an answer to THIS question

I know mine calls for 3 quarts & LSD additive. But do I wind up with 3 quarts, 4 ounces when totally finished? Or do I subtract 4 ounces of lube and wind up with 3 quarts total?, (unless it runs out of the fill port first)

using Castrol non-synthetic. Haven't read anything about Castrol on this thread.

Thanks!

 

Add 2 qts of oil, then add the right amount of LSD additive, then fill with oil after that until it starts to drip out, put in fill plug, wait a couple minutes for oil to settle, remove fill plug and fill with oil until it drips out again, then install fill plug to appropriate torque.

 

Roger that!

 

I think it has been mentioned before, but I recommend a six-point 24mm (or 15/16") socket for the drain/fill plugs on the rear diff, transfer case, manual trans.

An eight-point socket, if you have stuck drain/fill plugs, it can round the plugs. Six-point works much better . . . . .

And for the front diff an Allen socket not just an Allen wrench. Just thought of this, is it possible to put a 24mm plug from the rear diff or transfer case into the front diff to replace the 10mm Allen plug? I was at the dealer getting a new 24mm for the transfer case, and they tried to sell me a 10mm Allen like the front diff, said it was the correct one. It LOOKED like the correct thread and it would work when he brought it out and showed it to me, but I told them to get me a rear diff 24mm and that worked fine on the transfer case. But, maybe it's possible to swap out the 10mm Allens. Those 10mm Allens are a little shaky if you ask me.

 

That's honestly a great idea. Plus finding my 10mm Allen socket months from now when I have to replace fluids again will be another challenge altogether.

 

So you only need to buy the pump for the transfer case, right?

 

Correct
Harbor freight has them cheap

 

Or just use a funnel and snake some tubing...much cheaper...

 

Sub'd.

 

OK, so I have an 06 Prerunner access cab 2wd and what I bought was Valvoline

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

75W-90 gear oil which says Limited Slip on it. It's not synthetic. And the only additive Autozone had, which is Trans-X Posi-Trac limited slip additive, is 7 ounces! Should I pour the entire 7 ounces in? Thanks in advance. Awesome thread. You can go through the whole thing and anticipate any problem others already had.