3rd Gen Differential and Manual Transmission (6MT) Fluid Change

I believe the 4 cylinder gets 100K on the spark plugs while the V6 is 60K.

 

Yes, the transmission needs to be at operating temp to measure the level correctly. Same process on the old Lexus LS430.

 

Century mark on the transmission, unless you're towing 10k through the mountains lol

This right here

Then again, both of my 3.5 L are at 80,000 mi on factory plugs. Probably need to change them but I'm broke

 

F, I need to do my 2nd gen plugs? Grrr. Thought I had all my rigs done.

 

WELP! I went and picked up my MPI and go figure.... zero recommendations and everything is perfect. Everything is in the green and with 60k on the vic.......oh please. Guess my survey will most certainly reflect accordingly. I hate to do it to them since I know how much they can hurt/help them...but what am I supposed to do? Any thoughts @CygnusX191 ??

 

To be fair at 60k, you should only be looking at brake fluid and oil changes, although I'm surprised they didn't approach you about transmission and four-wheel drive service on your next visit or something to that effect...

Technically the first differential/ transfer case service should be at 60k but... We all know you can take them a lot farther. But it's so easy to do for peace of mind. I would just do it at home if you don't have a bad back or anything.

 

This place honestly was just horrible in its customer service ability. I will certainly be doing my rear diff one of these weekends coming up, whenever I'm not upset with my teenager and want to teach him...lol. But do I need to consider my transfer case at the same time, or is that a century mark service along with the trans fluid?

 

Don't you have a 2 wheel drive buggy.

 

Generally speaking the rear diff, the front diff and the transfer case are all done at the same time. Seeing as how you have a two-wheel drive truck... I be real impressed if you had a transfer case.

 

This is definitely evidence of my lack of knowledge. Lol. But yes, I have a 2-wheel drive truck. So I guess just the rear diff it is.

 

Saved yourself like 80 bux! That Tcase quart of fluid is spendy

 

Front mounted PTO would be cool tho

 

I just changed my transmission and front/rear diffs today. Truck is at ~51,500. This was the first change as far as I know...I've owned my truck since 8k miles. Anyway, I was VERY surprised that all three looked great actually. The front/rear diff were both still a light amber color, only minor metallic shavings (mostly). I haven't done any off-roading and rarely tow so it's hasn't worked too hard.

The only thing I'm questioning is, what's this big piece of metal that came out on the rear drain plug....any thoughts?





Also, I wasn't sure when I ordered them but these easy packs are amazing....

 

My 22’ came without a magnet on the lower bolt. This is what the redline looks like after 15k flashlight shining through it.

 

All of the diffs should have a magnet. For some reason I don't think the t cases ever came with magnets. But as long as that fluid is flowing, and not sludgy or thick, you should be fine

 

Just finished my front and rear diff (waiting on Redline MT90 to show up in the mail) at 15K miles. Similar to the OP, rear looked fine but the front was noticeably darker. I attribute it to just a smaller volume of fluid in the front differential and initial break-in.

I went with Valvoline synthetic for the availability and convenience of the flex pouches. No pumps to deal with and even the limited space around the front diff wasn't a problem.

https://theengineblock.com/valvoline-flexfill-gear-oil-squeezes-innovation-into-every-drop/

 

Amsoil has those flex pouches. Lifesavers if you're working at home

 

The only pouches any of my local auto parts stores had was Valvoline for gear oil. Went with Redline for MT fluid. Going to plan ahead and go with Amsoil next time. I hate messing with those pumps.

 

Did my first change with hand pumps... Messy, messy, messy.