Changing rear differential fluid

Hello all,
I'm trying to change my rear diff fluid & the vent/fill nut is being a real b***h to get off. I just want to make sure it's not reverse threaded. I've tried using a 24mm socket according to the write up on this particular job which fits good and snug but this sucker won't budge!! I don't know if it's ever been changed before which might be the problem. I have 83K miles on it and got it with 64K. I wanted to change it since I have no idea whether it's been done or not. Any suggestions?? Also, I removed the spare for better access.

 

It has a conventional RH thread. Most likely the plug is seized from rust. Spray it with PB Blaster overnight. If you don't have an impact wrench, use a breaker bar at least 16" long.

Worst comes to worst, you can fill through the breather vent, but have to gauge fluid quantity through other means (e.g. beaker). Might as well do this mod at the same time while you are at it... http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/15686-diff-breather-mod-dummies-pics.html

 

breaker bar

 

WD-40 and let it sit over night and just keep spraying it! It took me three tries...

 

All good suggestions allready. I know there's not alot of room down there for a good angle with a breaker bar. Mine made a heck of a noise when it finally broke free...used a bottle jack under the wrench.

 

breaker bar. i used one and in fit under fine. should make it easier. i did not have to remove spare either.

 

I just twisted it off with my hands

 

If your having issues now - wait until you get to the front diff

 

Reminds me to use anti-seize next time I change fluids.

 

Haha Blackhawk, that was a good one! Anyhow, I got it to break loose finally, got the old oil out (no evidence of metal shavings anywhere) & poured the new stuff in, including LSD additive. I took it for a test drive & did some figure 8's like suggested & hear no grinding or noise so I'm guessing it's GTG. Thanks for all your suggestions, it was just being stubborn & needed some sweet talk first, lol.

 

Give it a good tap with a hammer if it happens again.

 

I hate the smell of used gear oil.

 

I kinda like it. Is that weird?

 

x2 and yes I haven't met any one that shared that like... LOL

 

The gear oil did'nt smell to bad to me at all, from all the stories I heard I expected it to be much worse.

 

Smell comes from the sulfur in the oil. So you like the rotten egg smell?

 

Doesn't quite smell like rotten eggs to me, I don't care for sulfur too much. It's not terrible but I don't like it.

I like to sniff my gear oil, it has a weird scent like nothing else, and it lingers, and sometimes I feel like it's there but I can't decide if I'm imagining it or not. It's fun stuff but doesn't come out of clothes very easy.

 

For that first second it smells to me like a delicious big breakfast of eggs and onions and sausage. Then it makes me want to vomit. That's funny about the smell lingering, I changed the oil a couple of weeks ago and I if the wind blows right across my driveway I still smell it (and I didn't spill too much ).

 

Hope it's not sulfur as in H2S.... If so, y'all are sniffing the wrong shit.

 

... ^^^ ... Used a hydraulic jack on a ratchet before and it does a super job and you can control the torque very well too. ...

Use a rubber pad on top of jack and don't get your teeth knocked out or loose a eye in case it slips. ...
.