Diff Fluid

Need recommendation. Have 04, double cab 4 x 4. need to change front Differential fluid …..
can I safely use a generic fluid or must I use Toyota only fluid.?

 

Pick any flavor you like. They're all the same as long as you're using the correct weight. I like the Mobil 1 synthetic stuff but everyone has there preference/brand loyalty

If the front diff is due you should also do the transfer case and rear diff at the same time.

 

You can safely use a generic fluid that matches the spec in the owners manual (1.2 QT - SAE

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

75W-90). A lot of folks will have a brand preference.

The drain and fill plugs on the front are notoriously difficult to work with. They are a 12mm hex head. I have a nice set of hex head adapters for my socket set so I can get on them with a breaker bar.

Remove the fill plug first. Then the drain plug.

 

Use whatever brand you prefer, just make sure its the correct weight. I recently replaced my gear oil on my front differential, rear differential, and transfer case with Mobil-1

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

75W-90 because it was decently priced and locally available.

 

any brand of 75W90 is appropriate. Whatever you can find in stock is good to go.

 

As mentioned, 75W90.

Personally, I used Lucas -



Good time to replace your fill and drain plugs with Lexus variants;

90341-24016
90341-18060

Don't forget the crush gaskets either;

$6 90430-24003 Front Differential Drain Plug Gasket

90430-24003

$16 12157-10010 Toyota Oil Drain Plug Crushable Steel Gaskets Set of 10 OEM 12157-10010

12157-10010

 

Good luck removing that drain plug....

 

The trick really is making sure the plug is completely clean; it's pretty shallow as it is.

I used a pick to scrape any and all dirt and grime that was caked in there.

Afterward, I placed the allen-head socket in the plug and whacked it with a hammer a few times to "break" it loose. Went to town on it with a 1/2" drive wrench to loosen it and it came out easily without issue.