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

Sounds good to me...doing it today!! Will update on how fluid looked at 30k miles

 

Well I drained the fluid and I must say it looked pretty good after 30k miles like new nice gold color....I wonder if the original owner had it done before I bought it at 26k miles...there was a WHITE dot and slash on the fill plug...wonder if that means the dealer did it....either way the fluid is changed again...the drain plug was gunked pretty good with shavings...all done

 

The "LS" only means its safe for use in a Limited slip diff....It has no friction modifyer in it. So yes i just put the same in my truck which has the rear diff locker...but no LSD sticker on rear pumpkin....I used Mobil 1 but...Valvoline is a good product as well...go for it you have the right fluid

 

.
... Sub'd ...
.

 

If you have a LSD then you can use this ..but you will need to add the 4oz tube additive...this product is safe for both rear-ends...limited slip diffs have clutches in it, and requires a "limited slip" lube additive. The "locking" rear is different "locking diff" must either be mechanically, electrically, or air activated and does just as it's name implies--it locks--no clutches!......someone else can chime in...but the fluid is good to go IMO

 

What about this from RP's website?
"Max Gear is formulated with a friction modifier additive – no additional additives are necessary."

or from DetroitTuned
"All viscosities of Max-Gear are formulated with hypoid friction modifiers necessary for use in clutch or cone type differentials. No additional additives are necessary."

Granted it's $10 more expensive than Mobil1

 

The front diff you want to remove the allen key bolts, fill hole before drain hole. I believe its a 10mm allen wrench you need. Mine was stuck on pretty good from factory as well. I laid on my back and braced my feet against the front tire and pulled on the allen wrench till it broke free. After that i could spin it with my fingers easily. They torque them on pretty good at factory thats for sure.

 

subd

 

How much goes in the rear diff exactly?

 

depends on your rear...check your owners manual...most get 3 qts or a smidge more

 

IF I have a 2005 4x4 Sport pkg, do I have a locking diff or LSD?

I am trying to figure out if I need an additive for the Amsoil severe gear

$29 75w-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75w-90

 

Yes. Look at rear end. You will see a sticker that says LSD

 

Yes, you have the mechanical Limited slip and you will need friction modifier.

Amsoil Severe Gear already has friction modifier in it - I've used it in our Corvette. Don't forget to do tight 8 circles in both directions many many times to get the oils worked into the clutch paks. If you still have chatter - you may need to add more friction modifier.

I had to add 2-4oz bottles (

$12 Ford XL3 Genuine Ford Fluid XL-3 Friction Modifier Additive - 4 oz.

Ford XL3) in mine with Mobile 1

$29 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75W-90.

 

Great write up. I changed mine when I reached 40K

 

I need to do this soon.

 

I did this last week, very easy to do thanks to the clear write-up by the OP & info posted by Chris4X4. Thanks guys!

 

Well I guess I have some work to do... We traded our Camry to my my stepson, for his Tacoma and he had never changed the gear oil or trans fluid or spark plugs either... Both are 2005's the Tacoma has 160k on it, the Camry about 65k...

 

you might have come out on the worse end of that deal