Front Diff and Transfer Case Oil Change Howto

if the torx doesn't work, drill it out a little deeper hole and use a easy-out, just try not to drill through the bottom of the plug so you don't get shavings inside... heat the case a bit with a hot air gun, and chill the plug with some freeze-spray before you use the easyout and it should come out easier.

 

Hallelujah! T55 torx didn't do a thing but the ol' hammer and chisel worked on the drain plug. I felt an enormous relief as soon as it came free. You wouldn't believe the dark slush that came out but it's now full of nice, new Royal Purple.

With the old, rotten drain plug gone, I put a new one in its place (along with a brand new fill plug although it didn't seem necessary).

 

Thanks for all the info in this thread, op and others, changed my front diff and transfer case oil. You guys kick ass!

 

Thanks for the thread! Helped a ton today!

 

Hey all I have a 1995 toyota tacoma 3.4L v6 with 280,175 miles on it and I have replaced the front c.v. axles 3 Times 2 Times due to 3" rev tek lift kit and then at 172,000 did the original clutch kit replaced and then at 235,791 miles had to replace the water pump and timing belt that job was not to bad and that milage was done all on O.E.M parts from dealer then replaced radiator that was not to hard to do and if any one needs to know how you can ask me it's pretty easy no need to take the grill out or any front nose clip parts... Now it's time to do the trans gear oil and transfer case as well as front and rear diffs it's all original gear oil never been changed and same with alternator it's original from factory but thanks for the tips and capacity for the gear oil but one question how many 1 quart bottles all together do you need for both diffs and T-case will I need???

 

You'd find better info in the 1st Gen thread. The 2nd gens aren't wildly different but enough that you should read those instructions.

 

hammer and chisel gets it everytime,as long as you have room to work at it

 

Rain in Portland this weekend so this is my Saturday morning fun. Found the

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

Mobil 1 75W-90 on Amazon (6 qts) for $9.38 ea. shipped. Pep Boys was the vendor, can't find the link now...

 

So, at 110l miles I changed the transmission, transfer case, and front + rear differential fluids. Mobile 1 75w90 in everything except for the transmission (royal purple 75w90).
This thread was very informative. Since changing the gear fluids, my mpg has been significantly better. I've gone from getting around 20 mpg to around 23 mpg doing the same commutes and routine driving.
Over the last 180 miles i've been getting 24+ mpg.

I should mention that I also changed my spark plugs in the last 2000 miles and have been running my tires at 34 psi (G265/70 general grabber AT2s)
However, I do have a cap and over 250 lbs of stuff in the bed of my truck at all times.

So, if your thinking of doing this maintenance but have been putting it off... go for it. Your truck may need it as bad as mine apparently did.

 

wow, i've never gotten anything *close* to 24mpg from my 08 V6 stickshift 4x4.

my average is 14 mpg, my best tank ever was 19 mpg.

 

I have to ask, since I also got unusually high MPG readings on my UG, until I calibrated it. You calibrated yours for the actual gas used, not just what it thinks it reads, right?

 

yeah, do those readings correlate to your actual gas consumption, miles driven divided by gallons to refill ?

 

Been fighting with this front drain plug for about 3 hours, 10mm still fits but I can tell anymore pressure and I'll start to strip the plug. So I hammered in a T55 and tried more pressure, no dice. Oh, and I've soaked it with ¼ can of PB Blaster. So, anymore suggestions? Stealership quoted me $60 to put the truck up on a lift and loosen the bolt. I'm about to start calling some local shops for other solutions... Tough to get any leverage on the front drain plug.

 

Just did this today and wanted to give thanks for this thread!

While I am here, I also wanted to add some lessons learned.

I work at a nuclear energy plant and have been trained to work methodically and I went against it today. I cut the tips off the bottles of new oil and placed the caps back on. I got under the truck with everything and had both the drain and fill ports open. I placed the bottle tip in the fill port to see what kind of room I had and pulled it out. Not long after removing the tip I realized that the cap was no longer on the tip. Yep, it went in as I pulled it out! I got a flashlight and inspection mirror and no sight of it. I was about to cry. I decided I'd get the old oil and fill the bottles up and try to flush it down to a visible spot through the drain port. After flushing two bottles down I was able to see the end of the cap thankfully! 10 minutes later with a dental pick I was able to extract it. I got lucky! I did the transfer case, transmission flush, front and rear diff. I'm gonna spill the beans... first time @ 140k... yeah, shame one me. The majority of my miles are on road so it didn't surprise me when I saw the condition of the front diff and transfer case.

 

I was able to get mine off with a 10mm and a 2lb sledge. Two taps with the BFH and she came right off. I have to say that without it I don't think I could have cracked it loose.

 

Did you tap the bolt with the sledge or use the sledge to hammer the 10mm into the bolt?

 

if you get 3 #

$22 12157-10010 Toyota Oil Drain Plug Crushable Steel Gaskets Set of 10 OEM 12157-10010

12157-10010(crushable)washers you can reuse the copper(front diff) and the 2 transfer case washers, ive done this many times no leaks

 

Once I was able to get the 10mm into the drain plug I was able to hold it steady with my left hand. It is a very tight fit for a 10mm so that can be a pain if you have rust. Get a wire brush if needed. The 10mm was hanging at the 6 O-clock position and I just gave the wrench two swift hits with the 2lb hammer. I wouldn't hit the Allen into the drain plug it could cause it to strip out.

 

Use heat.

You're in Mass. PB Blaster, a propane torch, and alternate methods to remove stuck shit are your friends.

 

Also, Kano Kroil. Makes PB Blaster look like a chump.