Differential fluid change

A slightly modified one gallon weed sprayer works well for pumping the fluid.

 

I would wait till 60k for the front and i would do the rear diff before that my reasoning is the rear is used all the time and when your truck is new the gears still have to mesh and there will be metal in the diff its normal. I would like to have new fluid in the rear to get rid of the break in period contaminates go with ams oil and then do it every 60 k after luca oil is also very good east coat gear supply wrote a very informative article on diff oils explaining the best ones and why check it out. Also do this work yourself there are a million videos made by people that want to save you money.

 

I would classify myself in the server category for the diff changes. Did all diff, Tcase, and trans drain and fill at 30k. Decided then that I want to do diffs at 15k which I am coming up on. When I last did the change I used

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

75w-90 Amsoil severe. Would I be getting much benefit with that over say Valvoline with a 15k interval?

 

My thought would be the 15k intervals, which I am also doing, would keep wear down to a minimum. I also suspect most wear likely occurs during the first 10,000 miles. I also don’t recall any posts indicating diff problems, especially for those who change their oil frequently.

I hesitate to admit that I also use Amsoil and don’t mind the slight upcharge to do this service. Here we go, they are going to come chastise me for ridiculously wasting money while they get new tires, wheels, suspension, etc. lol.

 

Hahaha. I definitely feel like you get what you pay for and I believe Amsoil is a quality product but for $100 more even with the member discount every 15k miles feels like a lot in the short term. Although my gut tells me I’d be happier with it and won’t overthink it. Exactly why I used it last time.

 

Update if anyone even cares…

A dealer for Amsoil lives 5 mins down the road picked up 7qts from him at cost so I’m happy. Now just waiting for all the gaskets. I ordered extra of each should be good for 6 or so changes on all drive line items!

 

Not sure if it's been listed but the updated part number for the t case washers is 90430-18008.

 

Is 35k a premature interval to replace all the diff and transfer case fluids?

 

Certainly not if you're the one selling the fluids or service..

 

Very valid point...especially my truck that has never towed not even a jetski

 

Just changed the front and rear diff yesterday at like 35,775. I am glad I did, front diff fluid looked really similar to the rear when I don't use 4WD all that much. Plan on tackling the transfer case around 60k when I get there in a few years. Ironically you read a lot on here about the front diff 10mm hex bolts being a pain, I had no trouble with those. The biggest pain in the ass was the rear diff fill plug..

 

How much you spent on the fluids? You went OEM?

 

Bought Valvoline

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

75W-90 gear oil in the squeeze pouches from Amazon, think it was like $70 for 6 quarts. Spent another $10 or so on gaskets, another $8 for a 10mm hex bit, and ended up upgrading to Lexus front diff plugs. Probably right around $100 total for everything needed.

 

I know this OP is old as moses, but a little tip for anyone DIYing this. The Rear diff & Transfer case plugs call for 24mm, but it fits a tad loose, and easier to bugger them up. 15/16 is slightly smaller and fits better

Also you can replace the 10mm hex head front diff drain plug with Lexus part # 90341-34016. Has a standard socket head and easier to work with.

 

I replaced front and rear diffs at around 60k, existing oil both looked pretty clean, then transfer case at 100k, looked very clean since I only use 4wd seldom.

 

Check this out

https://www.ebay.com/itm/405717442222

These come in handy for differential fluid and transfer case oil changes .
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