Cannot find front diff fill plug

I just cannot locate the fill lug on my front differential casing. According to a write up on this site which showed a photo, the fill plug is to the right of the drain plug at about one o'clock. As you will see from my attached photo, there is nothing to be seen in that area! I have put my hand around the casing trying to feel for one with my finger, but to no purpose. The only place I could not get to would be behind a steering arm,and if it is behind there I would not be able to use it without a lot of dismantling. Mine is a 2003 and probably the one in the write up was a 2nd gen Tacoma.
Is there anyone here who has done the job on a 1st gen tacoma who could help point me in the right direction please.

 

It is up higher and I believe on the opposite side of the housing. It has been a while since I changed mine.

 

When you look at the diff, from the front of the vehicle, its higher up.

or look for the drain plug, and go up about 3 inches, and to the left about 6 inches towards the front of the diff.

Beware, the drain plug, is soft metal. It will strip the hex head, as soon as you apply anything over 15ft/lbs.... Even if you heat it and whack the shit out of it with a hammer, it will still strip...

So you're probably going to want a hand pump and a extended hose, and suck the old fluid out through the fill plug.

 

From: http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/tacoma_4runner_30k/maintenancep4.htm#tranny


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x2. You can see the fill plug if you look at the diff from the front of the truck.
Also, did you strip the drain plug? When I tried to change my fluid, I got the fill plug out fine but the drain plug wouldn't budge and I ended up stripping it Maybe I'll try sucking the old fluid out with a pump.

 

Thanks all for the information which helped me locate the fill plug which was obscured by mud so after pressure washing the place where it was meant to be it became visible!

I sprayed both plugs with PB bolt freeing spray and let it sit overnight. Both plugs came out easy! When the fluid came ou,t as someone stated here, it came out horizontal and even missed my wide container basin. Lucky I had some cat litter on hand!

 

Thank you for this forum. It has been since '13 but 7 years later and someone is still using it

 

I'll bring this thread back from the dead.

I watched the stickied 2nd Gen thread that is similar to 1st Gen but our fill plug is on front of diff as shown above. Take both skid plates off and you'll see it no problem.

Maybe Mods can sticky this thread so it'll be easier to find. I had to search hard to find info on 1st Gen Location.

 

Just physically looking at the diff though you can find it.

 

Listen bub...

If I want the internet to hold my hand imma let it buy me a balloon at the carnival and then lead me down a side alley on the promise of free candy.