Front Diff and Transfer Case Oil Change Howto

so, it looks like you used all the same fluid for the Tcase and diffs. I got 4.56s installed from ECGS and they use 85w-140 gear oil. I still use that for my diffs today. Does anyone know if its safe to use that for the Tcase, or what fluid is appropriate, strictly for the Tcase? I don't have a manual handy, I appreciate some insight

 

I an sure someone that has regeared already will chime in soon but from what I could dig up with a quick search most just used the thicker in the front and rear and left the T case alone. Also, just a quick note to change the fluid after a 500 mile break in or so.

 

swapped both diff fluid after the 500 mile break in, thanks for the help!

Ill stand by on the Tcase fluid recommendation. I appreciate it

 

Transfer case is also 75w90. Even in your manual, under the fluid specs.

 

Redline MT-90 is what a lot of people run in their t-cases and I am going to soon too

 

Hello everyone,
2012 TRD off road auto with 33k. Manual said to change front, rear diff and transfer case if you are towing with ur truck. Never towed anything thing but a lot of people recommending to change it anyway so I think I will go ahead and do it, peace of mind. What type do you recommend? Does the rear diff locker require special oil?
Thanks
I apologize if my questions were already answered above, it's pretty long thread and did not go trough it all.
Ain't no body got time for that

 

Nothing special required for locker, 75-90 is great for all three. Mobil 1 75-90LS is very popular. I would definitely go synthetic whatever brand I chose.

 

Thanks a lot.
I changed them at the dealer for my Lexus GX470 last week. They used 75w90 synthetic as well for $300 they also changed the plugs. They advised me not to flush the transmission. Planning to do it myself on the tacoma. I thought it is complicated and requires special tools. Thanks to this forum it is actually a fairly easy procedure.

 

You're not an idiot, and if you are then i'm right there with you. Thanks for asking my question for me.

 

I replaced all 3 today with Mobil 1 75W90LS. It was my first time doing it. It did take me close to 3.5 hours start to finish, but I didn't have anything very well organized and took a break between each stage. I also had a hell of a time with front differential drain plug getting it off, and the transfer case skid plate took me a while to MacGyver enough adapters together because I didn't have a 3/8" 10mm deep socket for the front two bolts. Looking back I probably could have just used an extender to get it without resorting to a deeper socket. I'm confident the next time I do it, it will take a lot less time.

 

So I did this last weekend, great write up by the way, and had some difficulty getting the front diff drain plug off. I actually ended up shearing off a bolt on the skid which I will try to back out possibly this weekend. But my question is that when I was having trouble I went to my Dads shop, he works for a trucking company, and they had a mechanic there. I told him that I will begin doing this every 30,000 miles, he said he would do it every 100,000 because gear oil will change viscosity and some other crap, but basically its like if you never change your transmission fluid you probably shouldn't start past 150,000 miles or so. He says seen lots of transfer cases and diffs ruined by doing this. I bought my truck with about 105k and just turned 150k without ever doing this service.

So I was want some of ya'll to weigh in on that.

 

See this half assed article for a reference to the think involved
http://www.dallasnews.com/business/...erential-oil-change-can-make-a-difference.ece

 

I drained and filled my transmission twice at 160,00 as well as diffs and t-case. Shifts better, rolls easier. If you have problems from these, you had problems already and the same goes for leaks.

 

My .2c, I did a partial trans fluid change with filter at 35000,(this is not really a filter it is a screen) I also switched the diffs and transfer case to Mobil 1 75/90 full synthetic (I use mobil 1 in my crankcase)....I just had the dealer flush the tranny completely 78000 mi ($200.00)...I can't feel my truck shift anymore while driving "normally" In rain today the shift from 2nd to 3rd broke the tires loose consistantly, (engaging the traction control) this is NOT a bad thing. I will change the diff and transfer again this comming weekend, How offten I change them after that will be based on what condition the fluids are in when I drain them.....I guess the point Im trying to make is, All vehicles are subject to different conditions and varrience in build. Err on the side of caution, Take time to look at your fluids, and over change them at first, Then learn what your machine is telling you, Consider the conditions you use it in, The fluids will tell tale!!
FWIW
Chris

 

Subd

 

I just did all three of the fluid changes. The front diff was definitely the worst and had the most metal shavings, oil was very "milky and dark" vs the rear and transfer being just slightly darker than new oil. I could see changing the front if it is the same color after 15k miles but the rear and transfer case seem they could go a lot longer between intervals.

 

If you use Mobil 1 do you still need to add LSD additives or not? If I remember reading somewhere in the thread that if you have sports edition you need to add 4oz of LSD.

 

2009 and later are all auto LSD. No additive needed.

 

Thanks guys! I just reach 30k and I'm gathering the stuff I need and do this maintenance.

 

Just did these at 2k (I know I know) and that front diff drain bolt is really a bugger even on a relatively new truck. Add years to that and that is why there are so many problems with them. Front and rear diff fluid was on the darker side with a bunch of sludge on the plugs, transfer case oil looked like it just came out of the bottle.

Thanks for the write up! It was very helpful.