Rear Diff Oil

I changed my rear diff fluid today and it smelled really burnt! It was a strong burnt smell. My Tacoma is a 2013 2.7L 2x4. I last changed my diff fluid 38k miles ago and I used redline 75w-85. I will change my fluid around 20k miles next time. For now, should I use a different weight, additive, etc? I do have a constant load of around 4-500 lbs. I use my truck for pest control. Thanks!

 

Gear oil stinks, as long as there wasnt large chunks of metal, dont sweat it.

Stick to what you've been using, its top shelf, the fluid doesnt really matter but it may give you peace of mind.

 

This. I use Redline 75w90 in front and rear diff, MT90 in manual tranny and transfer and life is good. Increase your change interval if pulling the loads you state.

 

If you are truly worried you can have the old oil sampled by a company like Blackstone and they'll tell you the true condition of the oil.

 

Awesome! I had no idea.

 

Another thing to add. I was about a quarter to maybe a half a qt short from filling up the diff. I didn't realize stores didn't stock 75w-85. I can either wait until tomorrow morning and see if Toyota has some, or top off with

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

75w-90. What's the better move?

 

Scratch that. There is an O'Reilly that has a bottle in stock.

 

I put whatever is recommended in my rear diff. Pretty straightforward.

 

Gear oil smells bad. You can put your fingers in the fluid and see if there’s any debris.

Pretty hard to burn diff fluid unless you have a limited slip.