What Have You Done To Your 2nd Gen Tacoma Today?

Sounds like a few guys got lost. Severe Weather is another thread.

 

Getting Moab ready.....

 

I did some much needed maintenance today. Oil had not been changed in 5550 miles, so I did that first. First used Mobil1 and have now switched to Pennzoil Ultra Platinum thanks to hearing about somebody's oil analysis and how Pennzoil makes their oil.

Next was the rear diff and this was the most time consuming. I bought 3 quarts of Lucas Oil synthetic

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

75W-90. First had to go buy a 15/16" socket that had the correct drive for my impact wrench, then when I got the fill and drain plug (IMPORTANTLY in that order) off, noticed my rear diff oil was gray, milky, and smelled almost nauseating. Replaced it with the 3 quarts of Lucas oil and was slightly relieved to notice that it had a similar smell.

I had to hand pump the oil in which left quite a bit at the bottom of each bottle, so I handsawed the top off and poured all the excess into one bottle. Nearly a quart was left!!! Glad I noticed. Only worry I have is that some oozed out of my pump and of course, some stuck to the inside of the bottle. Nothing unusual, but surface area to volume is maximized with 3 skinny bottles and add to the excess that oozed out, and I bet I'm 1/10th of a quart off. Hope it's alright.

As for my old oil being gray and milky... Someone told me that means WATER got into my differential and it will require replacing of the gasket. Has anyone else experienced this? Lucas oil stabilizer claims (boldly) to stop leaks but I have never been one to buy shelf additives...

Overall good, productive day and some much needed maintenance! Drove her straight to a local Buffalo Wild Wings TW meet and ran fine.

 

Couple comments>>> Hope you didn't use the impact to reinstall the plugs?
And I haven't checked the book, but the fill hole on differentials is generally meant to also be the fill level indicator. Fill till it overflows and cap it. If the 3 qts you bought didn't overflow, ...you might check the book on that?

 

that pungent smell is probably normal. the rear diff oil smells TERRIBLE when you drain it.

 

Run the truck for awhile then pull your fill plug and stick your finger in there to see if you still get any grey, milky residue. If so then you will want to pull the cover off (after draining the fluid ) then take some brake cleaner and clean the gears. Blow it out with some compressed air then re-install the cover and fill. If you are not going to change the diff oil on a regular bases then I would go with the synthetic. Otherwise the regular gear oil is fine. You may have a bad seal but more likely you pulled in some water from the breather valve. How often have you submerged the rear pumpkin? Also metal shavings can add thickness and a grey color to your oil. Might want to look at doing the breather mod and relocate it up by the gas cap or in one of the storage boxes.

 

Are you on a lift?

 

Very badass

 

No sir. Impact is a last resort and I would hope to not use it next time. I tightened them about 95% as tight as I could with a ratchet. I don't know the torque specs but usually that method is good, but I feel like using an impact is overkill and could cause damage because there's no way to gauge how much torque you just put on there.

I will read the manual now that you mention that fill/check issue. Thanks.

I noticed I cleaned my hands with Fast Orange, took a shower, washed my hands, went to dinner and still couldn't get that smell out of my nose.

I'll check the oil by hand when I go to put more oil in. I hope the local auto parts store sells some synthetic oil, I do my maintenance religiously now and I still use whatever oil is the best to my knowledge. So full synthetic everything FTW. What's a few dollars for the health of your truck? Not very often do I submerge it but over 105,000 I bet it's happened at least 5 times.

I cannot believe I didn't diagnose the breather stem. I also can't believe I even asked you how water could get in. I have explained to multiple people what the relocate is for... And I did not think of that. I've had the parts forever and haven't done it, I will soon.

 

Ordered a replacement for my Lifetime LED headlight that went out.

 

Thanks bud!

I have them mounted on the grill, I plan on taking some photos with it on the truck later.

 

Glad to see the Hand sanitizer is at the ready...lol

 

Lmao

Non-scooped hood problems

 

Can't see over the hood

 

Follow the light!

 

Don't mistake it for the Jergens.....oh man!!!

 

Yeah...that looks amazing.

 

Haha ain't nobody got time to get sick

 

Note to self: Never pick nose with gleesy finners.