Front Diff and Transfer Case Oil Change Howto

This can get caught and rip if you go off road. I bought a front diff fill plug with the internal hex pattern and installed it in the rear diff:

 

Do I need an additive for a 2007 4X4 front, back and TC? Or is the 75-90 weight gear oil enough

 

I have about 60,000 miles on my 2007 4x4 and this hasn't been done yet. I was thinking about doing it this weekend. Do I need an additive? Also, can I use Synthetic Gear Oil or should I stick to Conventional since that's what's been in from the start?

 

No additive needed.

You can use synthetic or conventional.

 

Just got done w/ my front diff and T-Case. Took me a total of 45 minutes. Very easy job to do.
Not sure if the skid plate needs to come off though. Think there was room w/out removing it.

 

Just finish'd switching all fluids over to full synthetic Amsoil - all fluids look'd/smelt fine - besides transmission - did a complete flush - all better now

 

How much did it cost you in fluids to switch over to Amsoil? I am concerned they don't meet API specs.

Howard

 

$265.00 plus tax for 16qts of ATF, 6qts Gear lube and 6qts motor oil and 1 oil filter

 

let me see...

$72 for a five gallon bucket of GL-5 Valvoline
$52 for two five gallon jugs of Mobil 1 5w-30
$50 for a case of 12 wix filters

yea, we spend about the same and I have plenty left over for the next job...

Howard

 

too each their own

 

I just did all 3 units in my truck. After overfilling the rear, I decided to measure the refills. The transfer case was a snap and started seeping while filling. The front diff, though, was so limited on space (doing this on the floor), I jacked up the driver side and filled by measure...1.6qts = 51.2oz.
I didn't remove the skid plate as someone else mentioned...access was fine.
Lastly, I had searched for the pump that the OP showed; Auto Zone didn't have it, but Advanced Auto did for $10. I also found a cheaper one in Walmart for <$7; It was in the boating section for filling outboard, lower units... essentially the same pump though.
Nice write-up OP. It's not a difficult job, but pointing out the locations made it that much easier, Thanks.

 

My dealer wants $799.00 for a 60k service.. yikes..

Question on the FD/TFER/RD fluid change..

Do all three use the same gear oil?

Do I need to use Toyota brand?
if not what is a good choice of conventional gear oil?

Does my rear diff need LS additive?

I have a 2006 4x4 V6 ext cab TRD ... coming up on 60 k this Fall...

Thank you...

 

There's a picture of the gear oil I used in the instructions. Mobil-1 75W90 works all around LSD or no.

 

I just did this yesterday. Thanks for the info OP!

I do have a suggestion to edit the first post though. I first used a 3/8 hex socket, and it began to strip the inside of the bolt. I did a little research and found that 3/8 is too small to be substituted for 10mm. Likewise, a 7/16 is too large. You need to use the 10mm. I was able to hammer the 10mm in to work for this change, but i will be buying a new drain and fill plug for the 60k change. Anyway, the suggestion would be to add "DO NOT USE 3/8" after the 10mm hex socket.

I also found that 24mm and 15/16 sockets are the same size, so those can be used interchangeably.

redsox, i used Lucas SAE 80w-90. I did not add the additive, but I have an 09+ Sport. Since you have an 06, I would get the additive for the rear diff only.

 

Check to see if you have a Limited Slip before you use the additive. I have heard that only the Sport models have the LSD ... I may be wrong; look for the sticker on the rear.
I used the Mobil 1 in all 3 units.

 

Guess i should have read more closely...i thought he said he had an 06 sport...

 

Thanks guys for the info...

now i need to dig up that DYI spark plug thread.. it looked simple also..

Not doing Auto Tranny.... I'll let dealer flush that...

anybody have torque specs for uni joints bolts?

 

If you're referring to the drive shaft flange bolts at the rear of the transmission and in front of the rear differential, they are 65 ft-lbs. Front drive shaft bolts (shaft between tranfer case and front differential - for 4x4 trucks) receive 54 ft-lbs of torque.

 

Just changed out my Front & Rear Diff gear oil along with my transfer case @ 17k miles with Mobil 1 Synthetic 75W90.

Dirtiest oil was my front diff????? Transfer case oil looked brand new, Rear was a little dirty. Both front and rear magnets had crap on them. The front diff plugs we're definitely the most difficult to remove, especially the drain plug!

Thanks for the great write up!! Doing the diff breather mod tomorrow after I pick up my union from the Toyota parts dept.

 

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