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

Wow.... Whatever dude.

 

Enough already... You didn't like Jansters answer, so leave it alone. You're not going to like everyone's response to everything. Take it or leave it, but enough already.

 

this.

/end discussion.

 

do i need any additives for my 2007 regular cab 4x2 and dayum i never changed front diff, rear or transfer case and im at 63,000 miles!!!!

 

no

 

i could of swore my manual said 1.1 quart for my rear diff, or am i smoking crack, i got the regular cab 4x2

 

Well got the front diff and t case oils changed, went to do the rear diff and stripped the fill plug. Anybody got suggestions or ideas to get the fill plug out?

 

uh ohhhh^

 

By "stripped the fill plug" do you mean that you rounded the head of the bolt, or did you actually destroy the threads of the bolt/housing?

If you rounded the head, you can get a dremel and CAREFULLY cut or grind two of the surfaces into parallel. Then you can use an adjustable wrench to get it off.

 

What did you do? Round it off with a 12 point? Get a bite on it with Vise Grips, then replace the mangled one with a new one and buy a 6 point socket.

 

Thanks guys, I used a 6 point in the beginning, it started slipping so I soaked the plug with PB, then tried the socket again, nothing. I then used vise grips and hi-lift handle for leverage, still nothing and rounded it off pretty damn good. Took a file to the plug to make 2 flat edges, tried an adjustable and vise grips again, and now it is destroyed. Not sure who did it last, but im guessing toyota did it before they sold it to me last year. Unless anybody else has got more tips I will probably be taking it into a shop. Thanks again

 

I used my impact to get mine off. Mine were also to tight.

On another note. Anyone used the Royal Purple? I was given a few bottles. But WOW these are double the price of the Mobil 1 I got. Cant find much on TW users with them though./

 

You could weld a nut to it or get after it with a chisel.

 

Both the local dealer and NAPA use/recommend/sell Valvoline SYN Power full synthetic

$30 75w-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75w-90 for limited slip. Both say no additives needed. Only difference is $33 at dealer, $16 at Napa.

Edit: More content.
Just finished mine. Took 3.2 qts for mine. The lower plug was a breeze to loosen. The upper plug was a very different story. Used 6 point socket with standard 1/2 inch drive, damn near had an aneurysm trying to loosen it. Went to my impact next, 1st setting - nothing, 2nd setting - nothing, third setting - finally broke loose. Whoever did it last must have had an 800 pound gorilla jump up and down on a 5 foot beaker bar to tighten it. Good lord!

 

lmao i usually bust out my breaker bar or a socket wrench with a big pipe for stubborn bastards like this! or my 600lb gorilla, hes usually big enough for the job. lol

 

Yeah I usually pull out the breaker bar as well but with the impact I am directly in front so less chance of rounding off the corners.

 

Changed my diffs again yesterday for the 2nd time.

First time, was at 26,000 miles (3 years ago). Used Mobile 1

$30 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75W-90 and 2 bottles

$13 Ford XL3 Ford Genuine Ford Fluid XL-3 Friction Modifier Additive - 4 oz.

Ford XL3 friction modifier.

Yesterday, 59,400 miles and 6 years later. Mobile 1 75W-90 and 1 bottle of XL3 so far. It grumbled almost immediately within the first mile or so until I was able to do my 'diff mixing routine' several times. We'll see what happens after I drive it for a few days.

It's still a *mystery* with Mobile 1 LS compared to 3 years ago and today. This is the one negative thing about Mobile 1 - is that they can't (or don't want to) explain themselves for their 'advertising' of this oil and how confusing it is. Until you actually change your oil and run a diff mixing routine (drive in tight circles / 8's in both directions) -you really and truly don't know how much friction modifiers you'll need.

The front diff oil was still translucent and only slightly dirty. The rear was darker than the front ....but neither of them were nearly as dark/dirty as the OEM fluid I removed 3 years ago. Both magnets had a similar amount (small film) of material on them.

OH yeah, and Thanks to my local Toyota Dealer - who couldn't give me the right part I needed for the front diff drain plug gasket and I discover this after draining it. I just re-used the old one. They gave me two rear gaskets.... The front drain is a bigger and copper looking.

 

I know the book says 3.12 Qts. or something like that but mine just took 4 qts. of Lucas 75w90. When I checked the level with my finger it was just at the bottom of the fill hole. Is it bad to have this much fluid in my diff? should I drain some out? Is it possible to overfill and cause damage?

This was my first diff fluid change on my 2010 TRD Pre runner.

Thanks.

 

Sub'd for the answer to this.

This seems similar to the final drive on my m/c. Supposed to drain, then fill till it starts coming out of the fill hole. In essence, cannot overfill the m/c. Wondering if it is the same for the Taco.

Thanks.

 

There is probably an official answer but I filled mine til it came out. It was more then it is supposed 2 B. I was worried but its been months now and no problem.