Changing Rear Differential Oil on 05 Tocoma

I shall start getting prepared for a 30,000 miles service on my 05 Pre-Runner, V6 Engine, 2 Wheel-Drive soon. Changing the spark plugs should be pretty start forward I would think. In reviewing the Maintenance Book that came with the vehicle it indicates the rear differential oil must be changed at 30,000 miles if the vehicle came with a "limited slip differential." First, how do I kow if I have a limited slip differential and if I do then do I have to install 100% limited slip differential oil. My experience with GM vehicles is that use use standard 80/90 weiight oil but put in a limited slip differential additive. And just how do I change the oil. For instance, is there a drain plug and a fill plug. Or do I have to drop the differential plate, remove the oil gasket, install a new gasket and/or black high temp RTV and then fill with oil?

Anybody got the straight poop on this?

Thanks!

Rex from Pensacola, FL.

 

If you have a LSD, there will be a sticker on the rear differential that will say "LSD" some place. If it is a elocker or just open differential, the sticker will not say "LSD" anywhere.

I use a rear differential oil (Redline) on my LSD Miatas that is specifacially made for LSD's because it has the additives already included. I have read that you can buy some LSD additives that will allow you to convert regular "open diff" oil to LSD oil, but I have never tried them.

As for your differential, yes it has a seperate drain and fill plugs, so you do not have to remove the back plate.

 

drain plug on bottom to the right(when you drain it, lift driver side rear of truck a bit to completely drain), and fill plug is is the one your looking at when you look at the diff. i used mobil1 in mine(rear locker) it took 3 quarts. the lsd's take close to 3 quarts, and a bottle(or tube) of lsd additive. i will recommend using a synthetic like mobil1,redline or royal purple. to me,synthetics make a difference.

it is an easy process.....removing the spare makes it really easy, but if you dont want to remove it, i suggest you getting a small bottle pump(available at autozone,wal-mart,etc.), as it will make life easier for ya when you are filling your diff. hope this helps!!

 

This site has detailed instructions and photos for changing rear differential oil as well as transfer case, front differential, and shaft lube.

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/tacoma_4runner_30k/maintenancep4.html

 

do you really have to change the differential fluid at 30,000?

there's Transfer case oil and also the front too?

cost a bit much to do it no?

 

It all depends on how long you want to keep your truck in good shape. If you do not care, then never change you fluids till the truck dies or parts wear out.

Remember, it's your fluids that prevent or slow down wear and tear in these areas. So the more ofter you change your fluids (to a point), the better your mechanicals stay in good shape.

 

i understand it needs fluid change to maintain the vehicle in good conditions.
but if I do it, I dont want to screw it up and if i let the shop to do it, its going to cost me a lot of money...

 

pay now or pay later

 

Hi Tacomaman06
I have a 07 Tacoma, I assume that it will need the same amount of fluid that you wrote (3 quarts), but I still have 4 questions:
1) can you tell me the viscosity of the oil
2) I have a button in the car that says RR Diff Lock, does that mean the truck has LSD.
3) Can you tell me the brand of the LSD additive, and it's viscosity if there is any.
4) is there a specific amount of torque to tighten the nut after I fill the oil.
I read all the manual when I purchased the vehicle, and there is no mention of this type of oil, except for in the maintenance schedule to change it every 15,000 miles. so your help will be greatly appreciated.

thanks

 

@tacom7

1) can you tell me the viscosity of the oil - owner's manual under Specs - get to know that area. http://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/om/OM35869U/pdf/07omsour/2007/07tacoma/8.pdf pg 405
2) I have a button in the car that says RR Diff Lock, does that mean the truck has LSD. - you have the TRD off road model which means you do not have LSD
3) Can you tell me the brand of the LSD additive, and it's viscosity if there is any. - you won't need it.
4) is there a specific amount of torque to tighten the nut after I fill the oil. - 36 ft/lb of torque.