Front Diff and Transfer Case Oil Change Howto

welp, my front diff drain bolt is officially stripped to shit!

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/front-diff-drain-plug-alternate-oem-part.604989/

 

thanks, will definitely get one to replace whenever I get this thing out! Some other good info in that thread too, I'm going to try a T55 bit.

 

I’ve had good luck using the T55. I go straight to that over the hex for sure.

 

you might remember I jacked that bolt up pretty bad the last time...this time I annihilated it! Luckily I already bought a new bolt for this change. Will try the t55 tomorrow

 

If all else fails you can weld a bit in there and get it out. I stripped the 18mm head off the fill plug on my sisters Trailblazer the last time I changed the fluid in it. I had to sacrifice a craftsman socket to get that one out. lol
I usually use a 1/2” breaker bar with an adapter to 3/8” and a socket type hex bit on our Toyotas and haven’t had any trouble.... yet.

 

The information at the begnning of this thread is 10 years old, although still relevant to apply to my 13 yo truck... Would someone please confirm that the procedure and information in OP is flawless...?

 

I can't guarantee flawless but it's worked for me multiple times

 

2020 and i just followed this old thread on my 2012 tacoma. Ujoints greased and did a full front, transfer, rear fluid change for first time 50k miles.

pb blaster 24hours on the titanic wreck looking rusted bolts of NW PA salt under my truck. countless full on hammer strikes and more blaster. screwdriver picking rust around bolts and those hex heads to get one to fit in. more hammer strikes. got all them out with no issues at all i was amazed how easy i prepared for worst. $130in fluid, pump, gaskets, two new front plugs and that 3/8 hex ratchet - saved me $300 from stealership. thank you all who added to this thread! oh happy 4th to me and you

 

I did the front dif and transfer case today. Piece of cake!! This thread made is simple, thanks!

 

The 3rd Gen Tacoma manual says this for transfer case:

Oil capacity 1.1 qt. (1.0 L, 0.9 Imp.qt.)
Toyota Genuine Transfer gear oil LF or
Oil type*
equivalent
Recommended oil viscosity SAE 75W

can I just use

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

75w-90 manual transmission fluid?

 

Does the front diff require lsd additive like the rear?

 

Most Tacoma front diffs are open, unless you or a previous owner added an LSD it does not need it.

 

Very helpful thread. Thanks to the OP. Trucks running great after a weekend of fluid changes

 

Getting stuff together now to do front diff, TC, and rear diff. we shall see how the plugs come out...

 

Plugs give you any trouble?

 

I might should be asking this in the rear diff write up but can you guys actually feel any difference at all after a fluid change? And I guess the consensus of opinion is that royal purple is the way to go?

 

Haven't done it yet. Waiting for the oil to come in. I'll get back to ya!

 

I did both diffs, transfer case and manual transmission oil. Much smoother in all ways. Very satisfied.

 

Thinking about moving over to Royal Purple for front diff, transfer case, and rear diff. Anyone running RP? What are your thoughts?