A few differential questions

Hello,

Just picked up a 2007 TRD Sport DCLB from a long time family friend. First 2nd gen Tacoma for me, although I had a V8 4runner before so a little knowledge, but limited.

I have a few questions pertaining to the differentials:

1. Is the front a LSD?
I couldn't find anything, but it appears fronts can be LSD on certain vehicles. Mostly just wondering if you need LSD oil for T-case and front diff. I know LSD oil doesn't hurt non LSD diffs, just curious.

2. I changed out all the oil (screw the mechanic that air tooled the front diff drain plug shut) on the FD, TC, and RD. The front oil was honey colored, but also dark at the same time. It seemed the oil was holding quite a bit of suspended shavings. The magnet had some on it as well.
How worried should I be?

3. I used Valvoline Synthetic 75-90 with LSD modifier in it and drove around in a parking lot and don't seem to have any chatter or vibes. Do I need to add any more LSD modifier?

I have read that synthetic doesn't seem to work well or it needs more modifier. I also feel if it works it works, but don't know the long term effects.

4. I have a 3" lift and a drop kit on it. Vote seems to be split like this country on to install or not. I don't really wheel and if I do its not hard. My only real concern is it causing less than the correct amount of oil in the front diff. Although I put in much more than 1.6 qts last night.

Keep it or remove it?

Thanks for the insight.

 

Edit: To clarify for other/future readers, the only reason he needs the additive in his rear diff is because he has a mechanical LSD. This was only available on some models from 05-08. Mostly sports, but some SR5 as well.

1. The front is open, that's the only option on these trucks. Some of the newer trucks with traction control may simulate an LSD, but there's no mechanical LSD available on the front diffs. You do not need a friction modifier in the front or t case.
2. Only worry if there are actual decently sized shavings or chunks of metal. It's totally normal for there to be a very fine metal sludge on the drain plug with each change.
3. Only lsd additive is needed for your rear diff but if it's the synthetic with the already added modifier in it, then that's fine too.
4. Take it or leave it, it doesn't matter if you have a diff drop. It really makes no difference and it's not going to starve your diff of oil. People like to speculate that but I've yet to see some viable evidence that it happens.
5. Regarding putting too much oil in, don't do that. Your truck should be level front to back, side to side. If you overfill, you're going to start leaking at the axles. Open the fill plug and let it drain out until it stops, then you're at 1.6.

 

What he said ^

I used the same oil (VAL 975) when I did my 60k service about 22k ago. Havent noticed any problems since then. At this rate Ill be doing the 90k service this coming spring.

And Ill just add that I was surprised how much sludge was on the front diff drain plug when I did mine. I suspect it was the factory oil I drained out. The T-case and rear looked fine but the front definitely looked a little 'glittery'

 

Truck was as level as my garage which is pretty good. Filled until it ran out the fill hole. This is what I have always done. But I am pretty sure I used around 2 qts.

 

If you're certain your truck was level, then I wouldn't stress about it too much. I follow the same procedure, I just never pay much attention to how much I'm putting in. I just stop once it comes out of the fill port. If you wanted the peace of mind, crack the fill back open and see if any leaks out.

 

Yeah, I am only really concerned because the previous owner said he had new CVs put in this summer and said the oil was changed at that time, but I just looked a receipt and it was last summer, so makes sense that the front oil is looking the way it is.

 

What pump are you using?

I need to do this. I can't pour uphill.

 

$17 Slippery Pete Fluid Pump for Gallon Bottles and Wide Mouth Quart Bottles (Not for Standard Quart Bottles) - Transfer Gear Oil, Transmission and Differential Fluid, Antifreeze with This 30cc Hand Pump

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DTS8N7P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It works pretty well minus one thing, both Mobil 1 and Valvoline Gallon jugs don't fit it. They are too big so the screw top options don't fit. I just hold it in one hand though and pump with the other. It still beats using a quart size one and having to switch out qts under a truck.

The black nozzle clips also do a pretty good job keeping it from falling out of the fill hole, so not an issue using both hands to pump.

 

Without comparing side by side, I think mine is bigger than yours.

I have a quart one that I used to use and the one I listed moves so much more oil it is amazing. I would use mine on quarts as well just because it pumps so much faster.

 

I just use some clear tubing and feed it into the front diff from the driver's side wheel well.
I have my wife lay on my creeper and tell me when it starts leaking out the fill plug.
Put some Teflon tape on that plug before you put it back in. This will help keep it from seizing the next time you want to remove it. I've been doing this for decades and have never had a problem with it.

 

ROFLMAO......

Yeah, not likely to happen. Get my wife to go under the truck to watch for oil.........

Shoot, can't hardly get her out of the house.