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

I ended up buying some Lucas 75-90 synthetic. Is this all right, just wasn't sure about it being synthetic?

 

This may be a stupid question but when you say to replace the fill plug do you mean to get a new one or put the old one back on. Just wanted to make sure before I did this today.

 

^^^ Put the old one back on.

 

everything worked out fine thanks for the help. It definetly looked like it needed it. When I took out the plug there was a bunch of crud on the end...didn't know if that was normal.

 

Sub'd

 

Subdd

 

Hi Guys - I am just getting ready to change the Front Diff, Transfer case, and Rear Diff on my 2010 TRD Sport. I was told the 2009 and up do not use the LSD in the diff anymore and are controlled independent? I am looking at 75W90 Amsoil Severe Gear for all of these and would like to know if this is the way to go? and can someone confirm that I dont need the LSD additive due to the change on these later models with the LSD setup? what are peoples thoughts on Royal Purple vs Amsoil?

 

If it doesn't have the sticker, I would assume you don't need it. Also, the manual may have that information, but I would not know seeing as I have not looked. If worse comes to worst, I would call the dealer and ask to speak with a Toyota technician.

 

My dealer says when they do this service - they hook it up to a BG auto flush machine...same as used in a tranny flush ... this way it gets it all out ....anyone heard of this ????

 

Sounds like a way for the stealership to pay for their BG auto flush machine IMHO - How much are they going to charge? Compare whatever it is to the cost of a couple of qts of fluid and 1/2 hour of your time assuming you can turn a ratchet wrench. BTW tranny flush is not recommended by people on this forum I'd trust more then a stealership

 

It's possible but usually axles and t-case are just drain and fill. If you do go the dealership route, watch it.

 

I have a question???? My 2004 4X4 is due for the diff, tanny and transfer case changes. I was going to go with Amsoil Severe gear but just can't justify the cost considering this truck is a daily driver, does no towing and no hard core wheeling. I decided to just go with Mobil !. I might do Amsoil the next time around.

My question is that everyone has said to use GL4 spec lube for the transmission. My owners manual says GL4 or GL5. I held off on buying any for the tranny until I find out for sure but can I use Mobil 1 GL5 in the transmission without screwing up the syncros down the road or should I just go find some MT90 Redline to be on the safe side?

Also the Mobil one all has the LS additive in it. I couldn't find a bottle of it anywhere without the LS additive. I'm assuming it makes no difference if I don't have LS. LS needs it but open diffs can have it or not have it. True?

 

I had the same question about GL4 vs GL5. I asked on bobistheoilguy. They were pretty clear that GL4 is preferred.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/3415164/

I ordered my MT90 from Amazon, and had it in a couple of days.

 

That's what I figured. I frequent BITOG as well. I'll pick up some MT90. It was the owners manual that thrrew me off when they said either/or. I'll put the Mobil 1 in everything else.

 

The Mobil 1 75w90 is just fine. I use it in mine with no problems. Even if you had the LSD, you would still need to add the extra lube for it.

 

Nice straight forward process. Wasn't sure if mine had ever been changed since I purchased it users. Has 68k miles on it now and I put 15k on it. Changed it today and it looked like milky caramel. Figured it was best to change it regardless.

 

Great write-up. Did my 12 TRD(25K mi) this weekend. Used M1 75-90. Close to 4 qts came out (almost entire empty washer fluid jug) so it seemed to take 3.5 qts before seeping out on level driveway. One question. How warm should the diff get in normal summer driving? I never felt it before I did the service but I did notice it was quite warm after a 30 min highway drive. Not hot that I had to pull my hand away, but close. Thanks again. Did xfer case too.

 

THE PROBLEM:
Hey guys i have done extensive research on all of the diff fluid change on 05+ -09. Let me start by saying that my fluid came out a nice honeycomb color and this is at 90,000 miles. I bought the truck at 60,000. So do not know if and when it was changed until now. There IS NO exact answer for us mechanical LSD owners.

SOLUTION:
So I went out and bought 4 quarts of mobil 1 75-90. I parked on flat surface and drained. Then i refilled 3.4 quarts into it. Automatically i noticed the jerking from a slow start and turn. It was def the fluid change. I have never had that sort of vibration from a slow turn or start. So F*** it i do not adding random additives and all to my truck as i like OEM for the most part. I went ahead and bought the trans X diff additive in 7oz from auto zone. I went back to the truck and drained a couple ounces out. Shot that additive in (used 5 oz). torqued her back up. FINALLY drove off and after it mixed in a couple turns, I was so happy! At a cold start no vibration no chattering.

SUMMARY:
So to sum it up for you skeptical users that are like "maybe my truck won't need it." In short.. you do. I don't trailer anything, off road, or trash my truck and yet my diff wanted the additive. I am stating all this for the mechanical diff users that could not find an exact answer. I tried without and it doesn't work. Any synthetic is fine, as long as you add 4-8oz of the additive. Up to you. Less is always more! Just my .02 fellas.

[had to broke it down barney style for us grunts ]

 

Do you have an LSD?