Changing differential fluid - A step by step "HOW TO"

I can only tell you what I would do in your situation.
I would find level spot, unbolt fill plug and started putting oil until there is some leaking out out of the fill plug or somewhere else.
Make sure you check your axle breather.
The correct level is up to the fill hole. So it needs to be at that level for differential to not implode, regardless how many qt or gallons or barrels it takes you. That fill plug makes sure that around 50% of your ring with carrier is submerged in the oil for lubrication and cooling. You don't want to be much below that. And physicly is not possible to be above it when you doing that on level ground.

Now if you like me you put truck on steep grade and overfill that sucker to the brink. But thats just me. (This is me and others should follow unless they doing so on their own risk)

 

+1 GM actually put out a service bulletin saying the same thing. They even had instructions on how to make a little dipstick to check that the level was within specs. I forgot what was involved, but I believe they used a paper clip.

 

Its again my thing. Its a choice to make and I choose not to have my pinion bearings run dry even on inclines
BTW. This is how so many people screwed up their diffs, went to climb super steep incline and keep hammering with truck nose up until their pinion bearings started running dry, once you loose preload there goes the tooth on the ring and pinion. Thats why it is good to back down to a level spot to get bearings lubricated.

 

Now everyone tells me.. lol..

But I had a hell of a time finding one.. Sears didn't even have one..

 

Just finished my rear diff! Thanks for all the info guys...TW kicks as!. I don't know what's more gratifying, a mod/upgrade...or doing my damn thing on some maintenance!

 

X2. I had the exact same questions. Anyone want to put in there 2c's (chris4x4 I'm hoping to hear from you)?

 

Thanks Chris, it is a little confusing because the sticker on the rear diff said to referrer to my manual. I did that and it only says to use Toyota fluids so I called my dealer and they told me they use this http://www.mag1.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=4d0a56b4-ab09-42b1-a240-8eac56cf7966 which I had never heard of before. They also said to make sure that I use some kind of synthetic. One last question, when do I change the transfer and front diff oils?

 

Wow that was quick! Thanks for the info. I have said it before and I am saying it again; Chris4x4 you rock!!!

 

so wait a sec, I read this entire thread to realize that my 09 Double Cab LB Prerunner Sport DOES not have LSD? but from 05-08 they did have LSD? why is that?????? why would toyota take it away? I bought mobil1 for the diff, will do it tomorrow, I also bought LSD additive, can i put it in anyway? will it hurt?

 

I guess Toyota removed mechanical LSD for the same reason they removed solid axle and front lockers...
Average American consumer does not know any better, hence just call ABS a Auto-LSD and Voila people will still think they have LSD.

 

Yeah, that is such BS that toyota even calls this an Auto LSD, in no way can it actually work just like an actual LSD. In fact, they should not even be allowed to use the term LSD for this diff.

 

Thanks Chris, and btw, after reading this entire thread, I lost count of how many times you had to tell people the diff takes 3quarts! LOL I tried counting, seriously, but could not count that high!