Differential fluid exchange at 30k?

And...by this point in the thread I would have expected for someone to state the proper fluids used. And then for the thread to hijack itself into a heated discussion of why that fluid sucks...

 

2007 with 32,750 miles.... did the rear/front differentials, transfer case, and auto transmission fluid at 15,000 & 31,000 (about every 7 years.)

 

Honestly, I should have done the rear diff at 5k but it is what it is. Everything else looked good

 

I just use my dip spit, never had any problems. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a soft-handed nincompoop.

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Why are they recommending the diff service? According to the service manual, it’s due only if your truck is used under certain scenarios-
Everyone has their own preferences but do what you feel comfortable with.

After looking in the online manual, it only ever says check the fluid under normal operation, not replace… https://di-uploads-pod17.dealerinsp...fhomestead/uploads/2019/07/T-MMS-19Tacoma.pdf

 

Not to hijack this thread, but does anyone know why on every maintenance interval in my manual the 1st thing they say is check installation of driver side floor mat! Could perhaps some idiot installed one and interfered w/ gas or brake pedal and sued Toyota?

 

If you drive mostly in town on pavement and don't tow, you are probably fine to just do the rear diff at 30K and do everything else (including rear diff) at 60k. The service intervals just say to inspect those fluids, even up to 60k unless you are driving off road a lot, towing, or in salty conditions.

The transfer case takes a specific Toyota fluid that is expensive from Toyota, and many people seem to report that dealers just use regular gear oil and not the fluid that is specified. If I was paying, I'd make sure they use the specified fluid. I used Ravenol MTF-3, which is a much more reasonable price.

I did mine at 20k just to see what it looked like. I get out on gravel roads and maybe moderate trails about once a month, and have taken a couple trips to CO loaded down with camping gear. The diffs could have gone to 30k easily, but probably not 60k. The transfer case was clean and could easily have made it to 60k.

 

My local Toyota dealer performed the service. I’m satisfied. Not willing to try to do even the smaller things just because I’ll screw it up. They did the front the rear and the transfer case for about 350

 

Rear diff? Agree
Front diff? Nope, just because it's a bitch to get that bottle in there with the suspension junk and you need to take off the front skid to access it.

I'll be using a funnel next time, expensive fliud waste be damned.

 

The dealer quoted me 450 dollars for front/rear and transfer case.

Look I'm pretty lazy with a above avarage income but no way in hell am I going to pay that for a fluid change.

It is extremely simply to do with even some cheap hand tools, and I 100% recommend attempting it yourself if you have garage space or a driveway.

Think of it this way, you'll save hundreds of dollars, throw that savings into a index fund or go to a fancy dinner... It's literally 90 minutes of your time... Though if you have a Trd pro skid having someone help take it off/on is.... Imma say mandatory or your neighbors will beat the profanities trying to line it up.

 

Its wild how dealers charge different prices. My dealer calls in the full 4x4 service. Front and rear diff and t-case. $180 bucks with oem fluid.

 

I'd have paid 180 no problem cause I'm lazy, but there's a point you just have to do it yourself.

 

You would be amazed how often my dealer sees cars who have multiple floor mats and are not secured. The record I've seen was four floor mats for the driver floor board.

 

To pay that for OEM fluid and not have to worry about getting rid of the old stuff is a no brainer for me.

I was even quoted 400+ at another dealer.

The service writer told me that it takes so little time that he can discount the service down and sell it at a fair price.

 

I spent ten bucks on a fluid transfer pump and got Walmart brand full synthetic gear oil for the diffs. It was very inexpensive and super easy. I have to do my f350 soon and on that I have to pop the diff cover off on both ends but it’s still easy.

 

I used clear plastic tube routed to the driver’s wheel well (3-4') and attached to the bottle.
When I replaced the needle bearing I used my mtb brake bleeding syringe to top off the fluid.

 

Not certain what you Gen3 guys run for oil in the Diff/Trans but they sell

$29 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75W-90 full syn in squeeze bags now... No pumping required.

 

Thats a bend over, 700? Kiss my ass . It can be messy, but totally doable. You cant overfill anything. Try it yourself OP.

 

If you are in the New England area I’d be happy to do it for you next time- NO CHARGE. Just provide the gear oil.