3rd Gen DIY maintenance quick reference

Agreed, just updated the OP, thanks for pointing this out.

 

You may be right as the values I have are for an auto transmssion t-case. But I wouldn't think the transfer case is that much different for plugs. I have 27 lb-ft.

 

Does any one have a PDF of this, for ease of printing?

 

I am not sure where he got those or if they even changed for the 2016 but I used these when I was installing my suspension.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-torque-spec-guide.318116/

 

Perhaps this file would be of help?

 

Here's the whole suspension section pdf'd from TIS

 

so changed out my TRD sport rear diff fluid today. It ended up only taking 3.5qt before it started coming back out the fill plug. I let it drain for a good few mins. I guess there might have been more in there but kinda surprised it took .5qt less then its supposed to. I am gonna check it in a little after it sits some

 

Per the FSM, also make sure you check after driving as well.

 

i guess I will take it around the block and then check it again later tonight.

 

My 2016 does not. When I YouTube'd it, I was shocked at the procedure used to check the fluid level.

 

so it seems swapping out my diff fluid really helped.
I did it around 1900mile mark. I was getting 16.5-17mpg for my trip to work and home average.
After I did the fluid swap I am easily getting 18-18.5 daily now. I never dip into the 16's or even close unless I am driving really hard on it that day even then its around 17.5. its been 300miles since the swap
I didnt use anything special either. just walmart Supertech 75w90 blend

 

I know what you mean. We lived in southern Mass for almost 10 years. About this time of year I would back the truck and car onto the driveway, open the hood and spray Simple Green on everything, wait 5 minutes then hosed them down. All the salt and crap washed right off without any scrubbing.

 

NO simple green. it will etch aluminum and weaken it. Simple green does not belong around a vehicle because of that. So many other options to get. Zep Purple is really good, or the Zep citrus cleaner both can be diluted to make ALOT of product for $10 a gallon. Just be careful if you plastidip anything the Citrus cleaner will start to dissolve the dip when it hits it

 

I just got a 4Runner Trail Premium for my loaner during 5000 mile service. I drove it to work today and was noting the differences between the two. Since I've had the Tacoma for a few months now I am pretty familiar with the ride/handling on the road to work, so it's a lot easier to do a comparison between the two on the same route. I should do a write up on it in case anyone actually cares. There are things I like about each, and issues I have with each. Neither is really perfect IMHO, but they're still both great

 

So, I'm not much in the way of mechanical skills but I've been trying to get more comfortable with it since I now own a truck. I recently tightened my U-bolts to spec and greased all my U-joints. Now I would like to check my transmission fluid. I've been reading all the threads on this procedure and I'm still a tad bit nervous about two things.

1) Exactly how level does the truck need to be. My driveway is super sloped, but will any near flat parking lot work? Do I need to bring a level and jack stands to make it perfect?

2) What is the margin of error in filling this thing? Is it plus or minus 1/2 quart, 1/4 quart, or do I have to hit it exactly on the mark unless I want my truck to immediately burst into flames?

Thanks for any help.

 

A flat parking lot would be OK but unless it's only a minute away your transmission fluid will probably be over temp by the time you get there. I didn't need any jack stands to get under my truck to check the fluid. Your truck will not burst into flames but if the fluid trickles out of the check hole while idling in a flat parking lot you will be just fine.

On the plus side, you can take a cooler of beer with you to wait until the transmission cools down.

 

I just did mine today and was a little nervous about it. It was easy actually. Just be careful when working around the fill plug, I got a few minor burns on my forearm from the exhaust pipes since it's a tight fit in that area (when removing and installing the bolt back in). I took 3/4qt before it started coming out of the overflow hole, and I didn't have any symptoms that others experienced while driving.

 

In general, just like the canister oil filter debate, the transmission fluid check sounds more complicated than it actually is in practice. Every step in and of itself is easy, you just have to be able to follow directions. I doubt you will be find any specifics on "how level" it has to be. If it's visually level, I'd say you're probably close enough. In reality, this fluid level check makes for a much more accurate fill when done properly compared to using a dipstick and not knowing what temp your fluid is at when you check.

 

Quick question ~ when we're talking about changing rear end fluid & tranny fluid, are we talking M/T, or AUTO only , or both ? Thanks

 

From the OP, this post is for the masses, V6 autos. Doesn't mean much of it wont apply to all vehicles. But obviously if you have a different engine or manual transmission there will be significant differences in certain areas. Anybody is free to copy and revise for another model if you feel froggy or feed me the info and I'll try to add it.

So the transmission section is for the auto, I would assume manual transmission uses some type of gear oil and is just a basic drain and fill but I don't have the info for it. Diffs should be basically the same for all with maybe some slight differences in qty of fluid.