Rear End Recall and changing fluid?

What do you mean?

 

It's not "required", it is a one-size fits all recommendation that eeks out some tiny bit of mpg (letting Toyota better meet the CAFE requirements) at the expense of engine wear. It is adequate engine lubricant for average use in average North American climates, for new/lower mileage engines that really only have to make it through the warranty period.

If you are not an average driver or live in a non-average climate, or want optimal engine protection 'cause you plan on driving the truck 'til the wheels fall off--and then putting the wheels back on and driving some more--then use an optimal motor oil for your driving and more importantly your climate's conditions.

One other factor is engine "age", hours of operation, "miles". Older engines are "looser" than new engines--that is an inescapable fact. As they age what was once an acceptable but not optimal lubricant becomes far less optimal and less/not acceptable. That is why my '09 4.0 will be getting 10W-30 in its belly next time...

BTW, Toyota also "recommended" the grade of steel and corrosion protection for Tacoma frames that cannot withstand some environments, the design of the rear springs that come undone and rupture the fuel tank, the design and selection of materials for the melting headlamp housings, the assembly/sealing of rear differentials, etc...

Since those all worked out so well I guess it does make sense to blindly follow their lubricant specs...

 

I get what you are saying but you are going way off topic, the OP was concerned about his warranty being void for using a different brand oil. My concern is using a different spec oil can come back to bite him. Once beyond warranty then you can start using whatever you like. Toyota did step up to the plate and replace frames and springs for their mistake. If you choose to ignore the big 0w-20 sticker only under the hood then you are taking the risk of your warranty not covering any engine damage.

 

Check it: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...tenance-and-stuff.472106/page-2#post-14580560

Love your avatar btw

 

I don't think the condition of your fluid was unusual or excessively contaminated. You could change the fluid on nearly all diffs and they would look similar. But I understand some people's need to feel they have to change it. Certainly can't hurt

 

Sorry bro, but I couldn't disagree with you more.

 

Just saying....under normal conditions Toyota doesn't even show a fluid replacement....at least through the 1st 60k miles. I've not really look at the maintenance schedule beyond that.

That said. I'm at just over 30k. I'll be swapping it out for some M1 juice soon.