Fluids

Hey y’all, new here. I just bought a 03 tacoma with the V6 but it’s RWD, just looking for some helpful info regarding transmission, diff, and any other fluids for the truck.
I’m not sure when or even if the transmission fluid has ever been changed, same for the diff.
Should I just change both myself or take to a mechanic to check for me?

 

here is a good video for it. lengthy but thorough. having just gotten my 2020 swapped out it was recommended at 25,000 - 30,000 miles. had mine done at a dealership at it was about $600. it doesn't look overly complicated but i say that having had someone else do it for me.

https://youtu.be/oPHNLLP6z88

Also check her for a TW curated maintenance listing with a lot of great detail, parts lists, and information.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...s-get-300k-miles.789809/page-14#post-28927390

 

You can find a copy of the owners manual here if you don't have a physical copy: https://www.toyota.com/owners/resources/warranty-owners-manuals

As for the fluids:
Rear diff - just send it. 75w-90 of your favorite brand. You need a 6-sided 24mm socket and a breaker bar. Always open the fill first.
Transmission - What transmission do you have? Automatic or Manual? If you have a manual, it's straightforward- just change the fluid, similar advice as above. Automatic is a little more nuanced, but the bottom line is, that you SHOULD change the fluid via the drain and fill method. Don't have a shop use a pump forced system. There are many threads that detail this process out.

The bigger thing you need to check off the maintenance list, are the front lower ball joints. Unless the previous owner left maintenance logs with receipts of what parts were used, you NEED to change the LBJ with OEM parts. The LBJ's are a known failure point of these 1st gen trucks, and they fail without warning. Aftermarket parts are also known to be inferior, so even if the previous owner installed new offbrand LBJ's last month, you should change them out for OEM. There are also many threads that cover this.