Anyone had low diff fluids?

Yes. The front skid plate is 2 separate plates, each has 4 bolts. The front diff is above the rear plate. There is a tab on each side of the front of the rear plate that is above the back edge of front plate. I think you could just remove the rear plate and slide it out from under the front plate. Point is they overlap. The back edge of front plate ideally comes off first. I took them both off just to see how it was arranged. For sure when you change oil only the front plate comes off to get to oil filter. There is a cut out in rear skid plate to allow easy access to oil drain plug

 

Thanks.

 

The front plate covers the oil filter, but the rear plate covers the oil pan and drain plug. For oil change, remove front two bolts of rear pan first, so tabs on rear plate hang on front plate. Then remove rear plate.

Repeat for front plate, as front of it hangs near front bumper.

 

What the? Really? Why are these coming low from the factory?

 

Can someone post a link to the pdf where the screen shot came from on the first page?

 

For engine oil change the rear plate doesn't need to be touched. Not sure if you are talking about t-case or what.

 

Is there a more scientific way to check the levels other than sticking your finger in the hole and seeing if you can touch oil?

 

I don't know of one. On level ground, I fill until it flows out. Howen, Swimmer is correct:rear plate has hole in it so removal not required to remove drain plug. I was just under there the other day checking front diff. I am talking about a 2016 TRD OR 4 WD. Other trucks may be different? I doubt it.

 

Level should be within 5 mm of bottom plane of fill plug. The most "scientific" way (although expensive since you have to buy oil) is to top off until overflow and then let the overflow stop and see how much you had to add. But the key is knowing that if you fill too fast it will overflow out the fill plug before it has time to migrate down the axle. That's why you always check again after driving. Some people say to fill to overflow and then put the fill plug in and let it sit to fill the axle, and then pull out the fill plug. If nothing comes out add again to top off, if it overflows after some "wait" time then you know you're full. Let the overflow stop and re-install fill plug. Drive, re-check, and move on. Here's some specs. Some of this data is a guess based on other Toyota's, but a pretty good guess nonetheless.


Replace differential oil

Torque specs:
Rear diff drain plug - 36 lb-ft (24mm or 15/16")
Rear diff fill plug - 36 lb-ft (24mm or 15/16")
Front diff drain plug - 48 lb-ft (10mm hex)
Front diff fill plug - 29 lb-ft (10mm hex)
No. 2 engine under cover assembly - 22 lb-ft (12mm)

Parts:
Toyota Genuine Differential gear oil LT 75W-85 GL-5 or equivalent - Toyota part # 08885-02506
Front - 1.6 qts; Rear - 3.1-4.2 qts (varies with model)
Rear drain plug gasket - Toyota part # 12157-10010
Rear fill plug gasket - Toyota part # 12157-10010
Front drain plug gasket - Toyota part # 90430-24003
Front fill plug gasket - Toyota part # 12157-10010

Tips:
1) Perform with vehicle level
2) Ensure you can remove fill plug before draining
3) Proper level should be within 5 mm of bottom of fill plug opening
4) Re-check level after driving
5) Save new fill plug washer until final check
6) Will need to remove skid plate and may need bottle pump for front
6)

$12 GENUINE TOYOTA GASKET KIT FOR TRANSFER AND DIFFERENTIAL SERVICE

Diff and xfer case gasket kit

 

My rear diff was a full quart low, 4500 miles; no symptoms of any kind though.
But I believe this may cause premature wear
I'm not happy.

 

What brand fluid did you use? Did you have to drain original fluid or can you just top off with new?

 

I just changed the oil, not transfer case. I had to remove the rear plate to get to the pan and plug. Will go back out and double-check. 2016 TRD-OR.

 

Okay, if this is true then I removed it for no reason. But you would agree then that oil pan is above rear plate, even though removing it was not needed because of hole?

Gosh, I was worried for a moment I drained something else then doubled up the oil. But the dipstick does not lie. Sorry to hijack thread.

 

There is no public link.
It's available at TIS(Technical Information System); costs $20/48hrs access.

 

Wouldn't it be better to have the dealer check for you so you have documentation that it came low from the factory if future issues were to arise?

 

The manual is very confusing about capacity of rear diff. There are like 10 exceptions. Mine is a 4 WD, short bed, double cab. The designation for chassis type is on vehicle ID sticker on driver door jamb. I believe it is a 6 or 7 character designation. Anyone know what the capacity is for above vehicle. I guess when you drain you just measure what comes out.

 

My front diff was 1/2 qt low but the front does not have the solid axle tube to fill like on rear. The rear level may drop after driving. Important to recheck and fill again

 

exactly, you pour until it comes out the fill hole. You are looking at roughly 4 quarts either way.

 

Man first transmission was low, drive shaft had no grease, u bolts weren't tight and now I have to check this? At this point I guess I should feel lucky the tires had air in them when I bought this thing.

 

Gotta feel bad for those people that never check a forum.

Don't forget the diff fluid and hood glue.