Front Diff and Transfer Case Oil Change Howto

Do you think I should just finish it off? Tackling the spark plugs will time consuming tomorrow, too.

 

Got an 2015 4.0 4x4 and need to change fluid. What's everyone's recommendation on oil? I was leaning towards the motul gear 300.

3 quarts

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

75W-90 (1.6 front, 1.1 transfer case)

 

You're likely to get as many different answers as there are responses to your question. (Like asking everyone's recommendation on religion or politics...)

That said, I run Amsoil Severe Gear 75W-90.

 

I've actually put Amsoil

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

75w-90 in previous cars and they work great. Thank you for the response!

 

I would go ahead and knock out the front too so you have fresh fluid all around. Skid plate is no problem at all, just loosen the 4 bolts to remove. Get yourself a nice 10mm hex socket piece and if you were having problems loosening the other bolts I suggest getting a cheap $10 breaker bar from the hardware store.

Good luck and don't overthink it.

 

Are you using amsoil

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

75w-90 for both diff's and t-case?

 

Yes. Works great in both diffs, tranny, and t-case. (Also in the rear diff of my Shelby.)

 

Great, thank you for the info! I'll be doing it all this weekend!

 

Thanks for all the info. I just finished the front differential. I hit my wrench firmly with a rubber mallet to loosen the bolt plugs. Ran a fill hose into the diff through the engine compartment and pumped the new gear oil in. Used Redline gear oil.

 

Not sure why the directions say to remove the skid plate. It's not even close to being in the way on my truck. Do some tacomas have a second skid plate under the front diff? Is mine missing?

 

Believe that's a difference between the Sport and Off Road packages. (I had to remove a factory skid to access my front diff.)

 

yeah, the OR's have a fair bit more armor than stock or sport.

 

sub'd

 

im at 54k so I prolly should do this huh....
I got the truck with the 75k warranty so Im hoping at my 30k check up they did this stuff for me

 

You're overdue and funny. Unless your warranty includes maintenance (which they usually don't), they're not likely to do it for you.

FWIW, this is simple stuff that doesn't cost much to do.

 

haha yeah it came with some crazy warranties so i assumed it would do it. Its like toyota care plus with maintenance package to 75k and normal care plus to 125k

might do it myself next do it my next oil change anyways haha

 

If the warranty includes maintenance, I might cross my fingers before spending time and money doing it too. Good luck!

 

Gotta do this soon.
Front and rear diff done, TC is the next on the list.

 

I just did my front and rear diffs, and my TC, Mobile1 Synthetic, only place I could find it was the dealership.

I mentioned that I did this to a senior mechanic at work, and he was surprised I changed it. His Tacoma has 220000 miles and he's never changed it before on any truck he's had, and also noted he's never changed a rear end either. He said it's unnecessary. Just changed the motor oil every 5K.

 

Sadly if you go to the stealership and ask them about rear diff, front diff and trans case fluid changes they will tell you its due at 120k miles. The average Joe, not an enthusiast, will buy that shit and end up screwing up their truck.