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

This was literally SO EZ. Can’t thank you guys enough. Did a rear breather while I was back there too! No idea when this was done last. Truck has 131k. 2008.

 

I just changed the fluid on the rear diff. The Haynes says I have a front diff on my 4wd? How often do i need to change that and how much fluid does it take?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/front-diff-and-transfer-case-oil-change-howto.147631/

 

Awesome write ups here.. getting ready to do some 90k maintenance and this is on my list.

Rear is more important, but should I just take the extra time and do the front at the same time.. I have a 2011 4x4 OR.

 

Sure, do the xfer case as well. You’ll need 6 quarts to do all three. Careful not to strip the front diff drain plug!

 

So I am in the middle of doing this exactly as instructed in the write-up. I have it in my driveway on level ground. Put over 3 1/2 quarts in and still nothing coming out of the fill plug. Should I just keep going until it comes out?

 

I finally got it to where fluid comes out at about 3.6 quarts. I just closed it up at that point. Not going to try to add anymore lol.

 

Did a 30K drain and fill on rear diff. replaced original drain plug with a gold plug AP-05 stainless magnetic.
The magnet in original plug couldn't even pick up a 24 mm socket, the one in the gold plug was strong enough to pick up the socket and wrench..

https://goldplug.com/shop/ap05/

Drove for about 30 minutes before hand so fluid would be warm and left to drain for another 30 minutes.
Used Amsoil severe gear 75/90 (whats also in the transfer case on front diff

Gold plug does make a regular hex nut replacement for the 10mm allen key front diff drain plug..might be the solution to the complaints about the 10mm version being hard to remove.

https://goldplug.com/shop/ap24/


https://goldplug.com/shop/ap05/

found an economical drain plug gasket set on Amazon. Enough for 2 complete drain and fills for everything for $13.

$7 Rexka 12pcs Transfer & Differential Service Gasket Kit Compatible with Toyota Lexus 4Runner Land Cruiser Tundra Tacoma FJ Cruiser Highlander RAV4 Sequoia Sienna 1215710010 9043024003 90430A0003

https://www.amazon.com/Rexka-Transf...et+Kit+Differential+Oil+Drain+Plug+Gasket+Set

 

i went with the oem style steel crush washer on the gold plug for the rear diff... the one it comes with is aluminum..
I did use the aluminum washer they provide on the transfer case since that is what the factory uses.
on the front diff i went with OEM copper..

 

handy picture for reference , shows all the washers , part numbers and locations for front and rear diffs and transfer case.

 

Just did all 3 fluid changes today, and also greased the drive shaft while I was under there. Front diff and t-case oils looked good and clear still, but the rear diff was pretty black and soupy. Now they’re all fresh and ready for winter.

My local AutoZone only had 7oz tubes of friction modifier instead of the usual 4oz that people have been using. Seems to be just enough because there’s no chatter after doing a few figure-eights in the parking lot.

Fun Fact: a 15/16” socket will work perfectly if you don’t have a 24mm.

 

Like this?

 

Where do you put the fluids in?

 

In the “fill/vent plug”, as pictured in first post

 

just ran across this thread … old time mechanic tip …. ALWAYS make sure fill plug breaks loose before draining fluid ... just sayin !!!!

 

Planning on doing this next weekend. Just to make sure I'm on the right path, I'll need a total of 6qts of

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

75w-90 to do the Front Diff, Rear Diff, & T-Case, correct?

Also will need the washers listed here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...transmission-drain-plug.454197/#post-13377433 .

That should have me good to go, right?

 

The short answer is yes.

The longer answer is, according to pp 528 & 530 of your Owner's Manual, Front Diff capacity is 1.59qts, Rear Diff capacity is 3.12qts, and T-Case capacity is 1.1qts, for a total of 5.81qts. Washer part numbers I listed previously should still be correct.

 

Thanks, Norton. Really appreciate it.

 

I would buy 7 quarts just in case. My rear diff took about 3.6 quarts for some weird reason. I did my front diff, rear diff and T-case and it was good to have and not have to go back to the store a 2nd time. Especially in the middle of doing the maintenance.

 

Good call, thanks!