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

Yep, just like it. Think it was Attwood brand in the store or maybe even Mercury.

 

cool, thanks

 

I got the crush washer back on there and barely lost an ounce or two. It wasn't so bad.

And I haven't read this whole thread. But I have a 05-08 mechanical LSD and I asked the dealer what they used in them. He sold me this:



Synthetic oil and friction modifier. But he swore by the stuff. I'll update if I ever have an problems with it.

 

Good write up. So today my plan was to drain and fill my rear differential but everything came to a halt when I couldn't brake loose the fill plug. Anyone have this problem? Should I try a braker bar or heat the plug or just try it after a day of driving ?

 

Breaker bar

 

Cool thanks, and it's counter clockwise right? Just want to make sure

 

Yup. Righty tighty, lefty loosey

Best to use a 6 pt socket, not a 12 pt

 

6 point 24mm is what I'm using. But it seems a bit loose like I should try a 23mm or 15/16? I don't want to strip either plug.

 

I used a 1/2-drive 6-point 24mm socket. Didn't have much of a problem breaking it loose. You'll be fine with 24mm/6-point.

 

Great tutorial! I have a question regarding oil capacity. It states to fill when oil overflows but I added 3 quarts with the additional 4 ounces of LSD additive and not a drop spilled out. Do I need more? I did put in the required amount as stated in the manual. By the way I have a 2011 sport. Thanks

 

Take your pinkie and stick it in the hole (straight in), if you touch oil you can leave it, it you can't touch oil i'd add more.

 

I'm having a hell of a time removing the fill/vent plug...what do you guys recommend? I've sprayed it with PB blaster for a week and it still won't budge. I don't even want to know how tight that drain plug is on there.

 

I used a breaker bar and just a little pressure and came off

 

Dewalt battery operated impact is all you need to take it off.

 

Ok gotcha. I haven't tried a breaker bar yet and I'm thinking that may do the trick. How does this dewalt battery operated impact work?

 

It works great, I use it for my lug nuts and bolts that are stubborn to get off.

 

Hey this Woodcutter new owner of 1996 Tacoma 4x4. I want to change the oil in the differential. Is there a specific oil for this or can I use any gear oil. I was told the heavier the better??? Asking your advice. Thanks!

 

I used 75-90

 

Generally the manual calls for 80-90 but that seems to be a little tuff to find so most use 75-90. They will be the most efficient fuel wise. I think either of these in your climate would be sufficient but you could use 75-140. You also need to know if you have a LSD. If you do you will need to add LSD additive.

 

Thinking of doing this today. What does Chris mean by replacing the fill plug? Should I buy a new one? Where can I get one besides toyota (I can go to Toyota but it's a little far)?