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

Did this today, it went quick and easy. I put what was mentioned to put in here, but it started coming out the drain hole... so both are pretty much up to the drain hole, at least until it settles.

 

You should have probably went with Synthethic. That wear story is strange at least.

 

I have seen several people mention that synthetic in the diffs causes issues.

 

yes, only in the true mechanical LSD diffs.

I'm going to be doing a review/writeup for my (currently open, soon to be locked) diffs and t-case with fully synthetic...leaning towards RylPurp in the new taco.

 

Ah well, maybe next time.

 

certainly nothing wrong with dyno though.

 

I figure it is fine, especially since you don't have the same heat breaking oil down that you would in an engine.

 

So if I'm a base (SR5 badge) 4x4/4cyl/5spd/non-LSD, do you think I'll be OK? I changed to all synthetic throughout (diffs/t-case/manual trans). I've been a little bit worried since reading about the issues...to the point I'm considering draining the diffs to check them on my next 5K engine oil change.

But, everything seems a lot smoother/quieter since I changed to all synthetic; especially coming home from the night shift after the truck has cold soaked (-5F/-20C) for 9 hours.

Looking forward to following your review.

 

Well, you've inspired me...

I bought the products and tools necessary and spent the time to do this and even a few other maint items myself. I ended up spending about 4.5 hrs total doing the following: changed the engine oil and filter, front and rear diff oil, transfer case oil, and greased the drive shafts (5 zerk fittings on OR).

I used the following products:

 

from everything that I have come acrost on other forums and from friends experience using synthetic in the non-mehcanical limited slip differentials you will be just fine. I wouldnt stress, but thats just me.

right on!

 

Thanks Brian! That's what my gut was telling me...but taking in all the different posts got a little confusing and planted the seed of doubt...the "from friend's experience" part means a lot. I'll go by what the diff oil looks like when I change it at 15K.

 

In case anyone else wears a helmet to school like me and had trouble finding the front diff and transfer case plugs, I made a quick how-to.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...ront-diff-transfer-case-oil-change-howto.html

 

I was changing the rear diff on my 2010 trd sport 4x4 at 28000 miles, and this was on the magnet!!!!!! I know i need to take it in but will the stealership try and screw me so as not to be liable for it themselves since i do my own maintenance? how long can i go with this big of a a peice of gear?

 

That is scary Wonder how could that happen with an automatic ?

 

I know! i go offroading but have never really done much that i can think of that would cause this. I did have issues with my 4wd not kicking in and the damn light flashed like it was trying to ingage, took it in and they replaced the front diff/transfercase actuator and now it works fine turns on and engages and turns off fine, but what the hell?

 

Thanks for the reply !

 

Just changed both diffs and the t case today and the thread above with this one was invaluable. Thank you! I did buy the replacement crush washers, $10 is a cheap investment, and everything went fine.

 

Thanks for the writeup Brian and Chris...changed the oil today and all went smoothly.

 

just did my rear diff fluid change this weekend and switched it out to RP. write up really helps a lot. Thanks chris, btw figured while i was under the truck might as well do the diff breather mod too. gave me something to do while i was waiting on the last bit of the fluid to pour out.