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Changing differential fluid - A step by step "HOW TO"

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by brianr, Jan 21, 2009.

  1. Jul 26, 2016 at 8:18 AM
    #2141
    totmacher

    totmacher automotive hypochondriac

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    Cut & broke off some stuff.
    Did anyone else feel like there was more slack/sloppy feeling in the drivetrain after putting synthetic in the rear dif?
     
  2. Jul 28, 2016 at 8:02 AM
    #2142
    UBYBC

    UBYBC Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the info here. I used new OEM crush washers and Redline gear oil with the specs listed in the manual. I dropped the spare, used a 24mm 6-point socket on a 1/2 drive ratchet and a rubber mallet to break the plug bolts loose. Drained and simply poured the new oil in using a funnel. Super easy.

    Next is transfer case and front diff.
     
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2016
    DrFunker likes this.
  3. Aug 17, 2016 at 9:45 AM
    #2143
    imas1313

    imas1313 New Member

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    i have 2012 2wd 5 lug tacoma. do i just need 4 qt's of 75w90 or do i need the lsd additive as well
     
  4. Aug 17, 2016 at 7:36 PM
    #2144
    dirtnsmores

    dirtnsmores A camping truck

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    Mike
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    done! This was easier than I expected. Thanks for the write up
     
    DrFunker likes this.
  5. Aug 22, 2016 at 7:36 AM
    #2145
    btwice22

    btwice22 Well-Known Member

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  6. Aug 26, 2016 at 9:46 PM
    #2146
    TAC1

    TAC1 Well-Known Member

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    Hello folks,
    I did the last diff fluid change 16,000 miles ago. I have an '08 Prerunner SR5 but I bought a new LS diff from Toyota about 60,000 miles ago. I used this friction modifier on my 3 diff flushes done so far it is a 7 oz bottle & I have to be careful not to add more than the 4 ozs. Part #402508 pictured below:

    Also thanks to @chris4x4 , @brianr , @Demoncleaner , @MonkeyProof for their post & help with questions I had.
    upload_2016-8-27_0-29-27.jpg


    Or can I use this one which is available at my local NAPA store and is a 4 oz bottle:
    upload_2016-8-27_0-30-27.jpg

    Or this one available at Walmart that is also in a 4 oz bottle:
    upload_2016-8-27_0-31-41.jpg

    Is there a significant difference between either one of these or is ANY friction modifier good enough? Sorry if the question seems silly but I paid $1439 for that diff so I want to add the right stuff in there & I don't want to add TOO MUCH friction modifier so that's why I'd rather get the 4 oz bottle.

    Here's the link to when I did the diff swap from open to limited slip:
    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diff-installed-finally.258876/
     
  7. Aug 26, 2016 at 9:53 PM
    #2147
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    FlimFlubberJAM
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    If you add 7 oz., it wont hurt anything. Any of those will work fine.
     
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  8. Aug 26, 2016 at 10:06 PM
    #2148
    TAC1

    TAC1 Well-Known Member

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    Awesome!

    Thanks again :thumbsup:
     
    chris4x4[QUOTED] likes this.
  9. Sep 8, 2016 at 2:54 PM
    #2149
    jdm94

    jdm94 Well-Known Member

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    This is what I have at home so this is what Im gonna used for my 06 TRD Sport edition. What you guy think!!!

    image.jpg
     
  10. Sep 8, 2016 at 4:28 PM
    #2150
    Kevmeistah21

    Kevmeistah21 Well-Known Member

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    TAC1 likes this.
  11. Sep 8, 2016 at 7:44 PM
    #2151
    TAC1

    TAC1 Well-Known Member

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    You don't need the LSD additive. Here's how it breaks down.

    2005 - 2008 Tacoma Sports Diffs have clutches in the diff which require the additive to be added along with the Gear Oil.

    2009 - 2015 Tacoma Sports have electronically controlled LS diffs. Basically it is an open diff. What makes the Limited Slip "effect" is the brakes. When one of the wheels starts to spin the computer applies the brakes to that particular wheel, creating a similar effect to Limited Slip. If you wheel a lot you may wear your rear brake shoes faster than the front brake pads.
     
    NAAC3TACO, Caprizzy, Norton and 2 others like this.
  12. Sep 8, 2016 at 9:19 PM
    #2152
    Kevmeistah21

    Kevmeistah21 Well-Known Member

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    Awesome, thank you for the detailed information!
     
    NAAC3TACO and TAC1[QUOTED] like this.
  13. Sep 8, 2016 at 9:25 PM
    #2153
    TAC1

    TAC1 Well-Known Member

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  14. Sep 9, 2016 at 5:11 AM
    #2154
    Caprizzy

    Caprizzy Well-Known Member

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    Don't forget to get a hand pump I just did mine last weekend the rear diff and transfer case I didn't need it but the front diff I needed it and it helped out a lot, also the gasket kit from Amazon is awesome comes with all 6 gaskets needed.
     
  15. Sep 9, 2016 at 3:58 PM
    #2155
    Norton

    Norton Senior Member

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    Good advice on the hand pump, but the kit from Amazon comes with all 6 gaskets needed only if you have an automatic or aren't changing the MT oil at the same time.
     
  16. Sep 10, 2016 at 5:00 AM
    #2156
    Caprizzy

    Caprizzy Well-Known Member

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    That is correct on the gaskets it has two for the front diff, two for the rear diff and two for the transfer case, I have an AT so it worked out perfectly for me.
     
    Norton[QUOTED] likes this.
  17. Sep 13, 2016 at 10:25 AM
    #2157
    sdsurfer

    sdsurfer @ODNAREM life...

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    Thanks for the write up. I just want to confirm... I have a 2016 TRD Sport. It says in the OP that 2009 and newer trucks do not need the LSD additive. Am I safe not using the additive for the 2016 Sport? Also, I have heard that LSDs do not like synthetic gear oil. Since this is an electric LSD is it okay to use synthetic?
     
  18. Sep 13, 2016 at 10:39 AM
    #2158
    NAAC3TACO

    NAAC3TACO Middle aged member

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    You are ok to use synthetic. 2005-2008 TRD Sports are the only ones that need the additive.
     
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  19. Sep 13, 2016 at 10:42 AM
    #2159
    sdsurfer

    sdsurfer @ODNAREM life...

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    Thx for the prompt response.
     
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  20. Oct 17, 2016 at 7:12 AM
    #2160
    allaboutpartz

    allaboutpartz New Member

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    Per Toyota Tech Tip Bulletin #0078-11 regarding Limited Slip Differentials (LSD):

    "The use of aftermarket LSD fluids or additives as a substitute for Toyota Genuine Differential Gear Oil LX 75W85 API GL-5 may result in damage to the internal differential components, and will contaminate the LSD clutch packs."
    "When performing rear differential service on vehicle equipped with a mechanical LSD, be sure to use Toyota Genuine Differential Gear Oil LX 75W85 API GL-5 -- P/N 08885-02606."

    To clarify, LSD-type rear diffs are NOT to be confused with a LOCKING diff, which does not use friction clutches but rather an electric solenoid actuator to "lock" both rear wheels together.

    Now, I'll be the first to admit that OEMs almost always recommend their own house brands when it comes to fluids and lubricants. And, this stuff they recommend here is VERY expensive.
    (Check your dealer.) But I have yet to find an exact equivalent that I can recommend to customers that does not pose some risk potential. I have seen Tacos come into the shop with differential "chatter", and without exception it was because the owner had allowed a different brand or type of lube to be used by him/herself or by his independent mechanic or lube shop.

    So what say you, Taco owners? Can you vouch for a specific brand or type of diff lube that has worked for you in your LSD without any annoying or damaging results?

    allaboutpartz, Wednesday at 3:54 PM
     

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