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

Thanks. I think the diff gasket I was sold by the dealer is the correct one.

 

So anyone else notice that the rear diff seems to hold more during the drain and fill than is shown in the owners manual? As I mentioned mine took about 3.5 quarts vs 3.12 in manual...

 

I'm not sure if anyone has read this entire thread, but I read about 50 pages or so. A few have made the same comment as you and several have quoted the manual as saying in the neighborhood of 3.5+ quarts for 'exceptions' not covered by the 3 quarts (I think it was 2WD non-Prerunner).

There was also a debate about the risk of overfilling. My vote is regardless of how much you put in, obey the specification that calls for the level to be no more than 5 mm below the fill plug.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...tep-by-step-how-to.24545/page-62#post-6486221

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...tep-by-step-how-to.24545/page-47#post-4834027

 

As long as the specs allow the level to be at the fill hole then I am fine and that seems to be the concensus here in regard to how to drain and fill.

 

I'm gonna try this my next oil change. My truck had its last diff service at 49k so Ill change it out at about the 75k Mark. I'm new to the truck but assume the diff fluid is conventional, any problem with me going synthetic or does it matter if I use conventional and change it every 25_30k? One of the benefits of this site is that it saves me money when I DIY.Normally I wouldn't try something like this but it looks like it should be straightforward.

 

Super easy. Just make sure you are on level ground.

 

what he said ^ very easy with the spare dropped and a breaker bar

 

On my 2015 DCLB i was able to do both the rear diff and transfer case without lowering the spare tire. Used a 24 inch breaker bar and 6 point 24mm socket and all plugs came off easy. Just be sure to follow the recommendations to be sure you can remove the fill plug before you remove the drain plug...

 

Can be done without dropping the spare, but easier to fill without the tire in the way

 

Anyone know if the spare tire is further back from the diff since I have the long box vs the shortbox?
Maybe thats why I found there was lots of room???

 

I have an access cab

 

I went to change the diff fluid this afternoon and couldn't get either plug off. I hit it with some PB Blaster and I'm gonna let it sit overnight. Ill give it a shot tomorrow afternoon. Anyone else run into this?

 

Mine came loose really easy but my truck has been in Socal its whole life and garaged its whole life so it is very clean underneath.

Were you using a long ratchet or breaker bar?

 

Somewhere on TW there is a post that lists a 50/50 mix of acetone and transmission fluid as the best thing for rusted or corroded bolts.

 

I bought a new Kobalt ratchet and socket just to do this. The ratchet is longer than most that I have but maybe Ill have to throw a breaker bar on it.
Seems like every time I try to drain something on the truck it's a challenge. Supposedly the dealer just checked the fluid level as part of the multi point inspection I got with the oil change, kinda doubt it unless they put it on with JB Weld.

 

Thanks Ill do a search, those plugs are challenging.

 

Try a long breaker bar. Couldn't get mine to budge with a regular ratchet. Long breaker bar was all I needed.

 

If you have one and take the spare tire off you could use a impact wrench with 6 point socket for the rear diff and transfer case. My impact can deliver over 600 ft/lbs so have never found anything it couldnt remove.
Mine came off easily with 24 inch breaker bar and 6 point, figure with that i can easily put 200 ft/lbs and this thing is only supposed to be on with 37 ft/lbs.

 

I have a 2014 TRD sport. Just so I'm clear I do NOT need the Lsd correct ?

Thanks. I plan on doin mine today when the kids nap.

 

No you don't correct...because you have a mechanical control. I have a 2012 that I am going to be doing in the next few weeks. Good luck!