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

Ya, mostly freeway 'n around town miles. But I do tow several times a year. From what I've seen in this thread expected nasty crud to come out. But almost clear and little crud doesn't mean the oil hasn't broken down somewhat. Peace of mind knowing it's done. And now I have the tools and know how to knock it out next time. Thanks for the info.

 

I removed the spare tire and it gave me a lot more room to work in, especially when I was filling it from the bottles

 

Thinking of using Motul GS 300

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

75W-90.

Will I need any additives?

Got a 2017 TRD Sport 4x2 without diff. locker.

 

no

 

I have a 2012 double cab TRD off road.
My rear diff has taken 4 qts and is still not dripping out of the fill...

Has anybody experienced this?
The truck is not on a noticeable grade.

Have I over filled it?

 

Step back, drink a beer then slowly pour more in until it drips out of the fill hole...you can do it!

 

Thanks for the advice taco. I took half of it

I put 4 qts in my rear diff without the fluid dripping out of the fill.
I even jacked the front of my truck up to see if it was because it was on an angle. Still nothing.
Looking inside with a flashlight, it looked like I would need at least another half qt. to get it up to the fill whole (4.5 qts. total)

That just doesn't seem right.

I measured the fluid that I had drained, and it only came to 2.5 qts...
After cross referencing the owners manual, amsoil's fluid volume guide, and the majority of opinions on this thread, I decided to pump some oil back out of the diff.

So I ended up putting 3.25 qts. in (nowhere near dripping from the fill hole), and am calling it good.

If anybody thinks this was a mistake, let me know.
Preferably before I burn it up.

 

I need to do this, but don’t want to do it in my garage in case the fluid spills and stinks everything up. Maybe I can do this in a “neighbors” driveway.....

 

I have a tacoma sport but replaced my LSD with a ARB locker, would I still need to add the 4oz lsd additive?

 

Your 2011 never needed it to begin with. So no.

 

Did a couple of deep water crossings, would it be advisable to change the oil on my differentials?

 

I would.

 

All I did was elevate my rear diff breather vent, silicone my drain plugs and wipe clean with a damp cloth the door weather stripping before entering the water to help prevent water from coming in.

Check out the video I made of our Mojave Desert trip which includes a water crossing. Enjoy


https://youtu.be/hAGnxJfUsZk

 

Thanks for the writeup! Was an easier job than I expected!

 

Great write up. As many others have said before,THANKS!

 

It's hard to judge based off of the amount you drained since you will never be able to drain it all out. I just fill mine till it runs out the fill hole. Its pretty hard to overfill.

 

Put in a little over 3 quarts of

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

Mobil 1 75W-90 into my 2014 TRD OR today. Process went pretty smooth. Would be a lot easier if the truck was jacked up but I have no floor jack.

 

Thank you to the OP.
Just did my 06 with LSD. Mine took just a little over the two quarts plus the LSD additive.
Drove around for a few minutes and said I better check the level after re-reading to let the oil fill the axels.
Its still right at the edge of the fill hole.
I think I'm good.

 

How much crap on the magnet should you realistically be concerned about?

 

Did my 15 last night @ 30,700,

$30 Mobil 1 75w90 Mobil 1 104361 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

Mobil 1 75w90, magnet was a little dirty, very small sliver of metal, rest had a grease consistency...