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

Ok so I just finished. First off I have an 06 TRD Sport with Rear LSD with 44,000 miles . I have been meaning to change the oil for quite some time and finally got around to it. I used Redline 75/90 High performance gear oil compatible with LSD.

I replaced the gear oil in the Front Diff., the Transfer case and the Rear Diff.

The Rear diff wasn't too bad, it was dark but not back. The Transfercase was clear. The front diff was without a doubt the darkest of all three, pretty back.

Anyways... I went ahead and changed it used the same gear oil for all three and took it for a drive. No grinding or shuddering or anything, actually feels like it runs smother.

 

Don't forget you still need the lsd additive in the rearend oil.

 

No I don't need it. I was wondering if I would need it. Red line said I didn't. I've had no issues.

 

I didn't want to make a new thread and don't know if something like this has been posted.

Do you have a Limited Slip diff or not?

-There should be a sticker or something on the housing informing you that it is a LSD.

Or

-Place vehicle in N. Raise the drive wheels (rear wheels). Spin one wheel.

If other wheel turns in the same direction = LSD
If other wheel turns opposite way = Non LSD

 

True, True.

We'll say..."as a general rule with execptions"

I would think it should be able to help folks around here though with their tacos.

 

I did this today on my Taco with 73,538 miles on it - first time it had been done, and the fluid looked absolutely fine. Replaced it with a mixture of Redline MT-90 and MTL (added the MTL to get some protection for winter), added LSD additive purchased from Toyota dealer. Truck is running great.

Didn't need to remove the spare at all - using the pump, it's easy to fill the rear diff.

 

Just did both my diffs. and Tran. Case, also the Tranny. Truck has 62k miles.
The Diffs. needed it bad!!! it was soo black.
The Tranny and TC, couldve waited probably....

Used Redline LSD 75-90.. everything seems good, truck feels smoother.

 

Just picked up a couple of gaskets, and a few quarts of 80-W90 lucas gear oil.

150k is coming up in about a month, getting ready.

 

quick question,

in the manual it says to replace the front/rear diff, transfer case, and tranny oil if towing. if i dont tow anything and rarely use 4x4, at what mileage do you think it is good to change them? or should i change just the rear diff? im at 25k right now.

 

Just finished my diff oil change,

Here are a few pics of the plug...

Before,


After, It was just dirt, no big chunks.


These are the gaskets, old and new.
See the difference between the two, they are one trime use crush gaskets.
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starting Sunday I found this thread. After reading the entire thing, I decieded to change the fluids in the diffs and transfer case. I bought my truck used with 39k on it. I just rolled over 46k, and figured I would start fresh.

I picked up all the oil, a set a fresh washers from the dealership, and went to town. I was getting quoted 200+ bucks from the same service at the local dealer.

I accomplished this task in about 1.5 hours and for the cost of 56 bucks. I sprayed PB Blaster on the bolts about 45 minutes before I started, and everything loosened up with ease.

This was as easy as changing the motor oil, if not easier. I can do a lot with the 144 bucks I saved, what could you do with that saved money?

Thanks for the write up guys!

 

Do I just use regular Diff Oil if I have a ARB Air Locker in the rear too?

Thanks

 

Hahaha, thanks guys!

 

Yeah I still need to get on this. Although I've only found one place that sells the oil and it's a brand I've ever heard of. PrincessAuto (Autoparts Canadian Equivalent) has NemCo 80w90 oil.

Dirty bastards.