Differential fluid

Hi there, I do not do any towing or off roading with my truck, all stock. In the manual diff oil and transfer case say to change at 30,000 under severe conditions, should I change it or just wait until 60,000 when I need to do the plugs? Thanks guys!

 

different opinions, lots going around.

normally I'd say no, but i did replace mine at about 14k and it was significantly low from the factory. i may or may not have needed the fresh oil, but either way i needed the proper level so I'm glad i did it.

 

Whenever you get new gears, there is a break in period of 500 miles, then you're supposed to change the fluid. From the factory, it is recommended to change at 30k, I'd do it then, or before. I suggest Lucas 85w140 for anything that requires hypoid gear oil. Once you do it the first time, then yes, you can go longer without changing the fluid. You will see metal shavings on you magnetic drain plugs, nothing to worry about.

 

I will say that I changed both the front and rear differential fluids out at approximately 5,000 miles.

The rear specifically, although not low enough to cause great concern, was in fact under filled. Front and transfer case were fine.

What came out of the rear differential had the same color and consistency of what I would compare to uncut metallic grey automotive paint. Shimmered like you wouldn't believe. And the drain plug was sufficiently coated in shavings/particulate of varying size. Replaced with new fluid and a "Gold Plug" neodymium drain bolt.

Some will say the drain plug magnet was doing its job and that break in particles like that are normal and no cause for concern. Do I sleep better at night knowing that I got that old fluid and metallic particles out of the drivetrain? Yes, and that's all that really matters to me...

 

The rear does not need to be drained to be properly filled.

Simply remove the fill plug and top up (if needed) with the correct lubricant.

Then do changes based on the owners manual guidelines. In the case of @Fye123 it sounds like 60k would be fine.

 

Lots of opinons on this. Even if you're not towing or offroading, i'd change it 30k-40k anyway. That's what i've always done on my Toyotas.

 

Is there any special way to do the 3rd Gen diffs or is it as simple as open fill plug
Open drain, let drain clean magnet
Close drain plug fill until coming out of fill plug close and move on?

 

I didn't understand how the dealer said trans doesn't need to be replaced unless you tow lol.

I'll be doing diffs every year just to be safe. Between wheeling and the water crossings even with breathers just to be safe

 

Which plug fits the 16?

 

Appreciate all of the help, thanks guys!

 

Anyone know the size of the hex key required to do the front differential? I think it is a 10mm, but i want to make sure i have the right sized hex key before I start taking off all my skid pl ates to do this.

The one for the transfer case/rear diff is a 25mm socket, fyi or is on my TRD sport.

 

10mm for front, its actually a 24mm socket for the tcase and rear.

 

IMO the only negative to changing fluids is the cost, it's not like you're hurting anything to do it too often.

 

Yes your right 24mm fat finger syndrom on a tiny keypad. Is that for a 2016 tacoma?

 

You bet! They actually haven't changed since 2005, but that's a good thing.

 

Well changing the front diff oil today was a royally pain in the arse. Was a bit windy, and what happens to hot oil as it starts to get less and less on a windy day, well you end up covered in gear oil. haha, boy was I mad, that smell is not easy to get out of ones beard. then by the time i got that all cleaned up, I went to replace the oil with my fluid transfer pump. this is the third one I have bough in a week that doesn't work. ugh. Got it done, but was not an enjoyable experience.

Steve

 

Yeah the front is a pain in the ass for sure, from what l remember the front diff plug with the hex plug goes from max torque to zero in barely a turn, mashed my fingers on the concrete under the breaker bar handle when it let go.

 

Oh yeah, mine was easy to get off, well the fill plug. The drain, not sure who the ham fisted mechanic was I nearly had a hernia getting that one undone. Worst is when you can't, it really sucks having to suck oil out from the fill plug.

I'm still baffled by the size of the drain plugs on the taco's. I do not recall my tundra's being this large.

 

How much are you guys paying at the dealer for the rear diff fluid change? I haven’t done it and I am at 48,500miles.

 

I had the dealer replace my rear diff gasket because it was leaking at 20k and the fluid was changed then. I did it myself at 60k using AMSOIL. The old fluid came out dark brown and the new went it golden fresh. I drove mainly SoCal highway miles though, now I am in Texas so things are a bit more rural.