Differential

2005 Tacoma, V6, TRD, 4WD, manual trans.

Any suggestions for front and rear differential fluid brands/types? I normally would not ask such a stupid question, but I learned my lesson when I used less expensive fluid in my manual trans.

Also, any tips or things to be aware of when changing these fluids. I heard that doing the front differential can be a pain in the butt for some reason.

Thanks.

 

85w140 Lucas Non-Synthetic for me. You don't have to worry about LSD additive with this as well if you have the mechanical LSD in the rear. The front is a PITA because you need a pump to get the fill the fluid back up. Not to mention the smell of diff fluid.

 

Red line 75w-85 in your diffs and transfer case (or

$30 75w-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75w-90 if you tow a lot or run in hot weather a lot). Redline MT-90 in your tranny.

Biggest tip is to loosen the fill plug before you dump the oil. Also doesn't hurt to hit all the plugs with PBblaster or WD-40 the night before you do the deed.

 

@zippsub9 @timothom Thanks for the input. Do either of you know the proper torque for the fill/drain plugs on the rear and front differential?

 

www.tacomaworld.com/threads/changing-differential-fluid-a-step-by-step-how-to.24545/

This says 36 ft pounds

 

Also be sure to buy some new gaskets/washers for all the drain and fill plugs. It's cheap insurance for 15 bucks.

 

The Redline MT-90 in my tranny made a noticeable difference in feel when I'm downshifting into 2nd and 1st. I'm very glad I did it at 20k.

Also, since you have 4wd, you have greese points on your train. I think there's 2 on the front driveline, and 3 on the rear one.

 

+1.

FWIW, I run Amsoil Severe Gear 75W-90 in the transmission, transfer case, and both diffs.

 

I will echo the Redline synthetic- I have used it in multiple applications- great in a manual transmission!

 

I though that stuff is only for the differentials. Why are you running it in your transmission?

 

I don't know how to ask without sounding sarcastic, but that's not my intent... Is this a trick question?

I run it there because it meets/exceeds transmission lubrication requirements and the truck seems to shift more smoothly with it than the OEM lube.

 

Trans is spaced for gl3, which is supposedly a bit easier on the syncros. I don't think it makes much difference personally. Things and old posts on this forum make a big deal about this. Amsoil is a top quality product and I fully expect @Norton transmission to last as long as mine

 

Sorry, I should have been more clear. I thought Amsoil makes a separate product line for the transmission, and the Severe Gear line is just for the differentials.

 

GL-4 and GL-5 are American Petroleum Institute (API) service characteristic ratings for (spiral-bevel and) hypoid gear lubricants. The primary difference between GL-4 and GL-5 is the amount of extreme pressure additive package. (GL-4 has less than GL-5 does.) The caution here tends to be with regard to certain manual transmissions. The GL-4 specification is primarily used for those with high yellow metal content (e.g., brass and/or bronze sometimes found in manual transmission syncros). Under certain conditions, the higher additive content can corrode yellow metals. According to the folks at Amsoil, Severe Gear® 75W-90 is "recommended for use in differentials, manual transmissions and other gear applications requiring any of the following specifications: API GL-5... Can also be used in axles where an API GL-4 lubricant is recommended."

According to p.460 of the Owner's Manual, the manual transmission calls for "API GL-4 or GL-5" 75W-90.

Got it. Thanks for the clarification!

You're correct, in that Amsoil does offer several suitable products including Manual Transmission & Transaxle Gear Lube 75W-90, 75W-90 Long Life Synthetic Gear Lube, and Severe Gear® 75W-90. I went with the latter to keep things simple, since it's also recommended for both differentials and the transfer case. As mentioned above, Severe Gear® 75W-90 is safe for both API GL-5 and GL-4 applications.

 

@zippsub9 @timothom @Norton @TacomaArto
Sorry, here is my dumb question of the day. If my 2005 Taco TRD six speed has a rear locking differential button on the dash, that means that it does NOT have a limited slip differential, correct?

I need to buy the fluid today and want to make sure I get the right stuff. Thanks.

 

You shouldn't need the LSD additive. As I understand it, you have an open differential with an electronic locker mechanism.

Prior to 2009 there were mechanically locking LSDs that could be purchased stock on the Tacomas. If you have a factory e-locker (which explains the switch) then you don't need the LSD additive to your fluid. If this were a post 2009 auto or electric LSD controlled by the brakes and not clutches in the third member, then you not need the additive as well.

 

My 05 has also locking in4 wheel low only.witch only locks axle one to one no clutches or other friction engagement.on Tacoma world you can modify it to lock up whenever( stopped!).look it up.No posi in the carrier.I use Mobil 1 Syn.Or whatever.read on my friend.

 

Correct. As @zippsub9 said, you have an open differential with an electronic locker mechanism.

Our TRD OR trucks do not require LSD additive. (The same was true of my 1st Gen TRD OR.)