Front Diff and Transfer Case Oil Change Howto

Hello everybody!

First of all, thank you to the OP for making this very helpful thread. Very appreciated.

I have a 2012 Tacoma DCSB Sport with about 40k miles. Pretty low miles for the year but about a 10 year old truck at this point.
After looking at the miles and the maintenance manual I came to the decision to change the Front and Rear differential fluids, as well as the transfer case as its 10 year old fluid.

I gotta say... this was easily one of the most simple but important DIY jobs I have done on my truck.

I was going to buy the Toyota Gear oil but after my local dealer quoting me $59 a quart (I figured I would buy 6 quarts since the Front is about 1.6, rear is 3.1 and transfer is 1.1 quarts), I decided to get Valvoline Flex Fill Gear Oil. This gear oil comes in a "pouch" style bag so the pouch is flexible therefore eliminating the need for a pump. All I had to do was park on a level surface and drain and fill the oil with these pouches. Did all 3 parts in about an hour.

Here is the oil for reference. I definitely recommend using this method.

 

The pouches were one of the main reasons for going with amsoil on my last change. This will save me a chunk on the next change

 

I read on this thread that the TC oil is generally in better shape when draining out than the front or rear diff. I bought 6 qt of Redline to do all three, which should allow for a little more than a cup of excess fluid from adding up the capacities. When I opened up the TC I caught a cupful of the old oil as it came out (it looked almost new), to save for re-installation in case I ran a little short of the Redline. Fortunately, when all finished I had a few ounces of the new oil left over which I put into the recycle bucket, and I didn't need to reuse the fluid from the TC.

 

Just did front / rear / transfer case yesterday. The front was not issue and the front drain plug replacement will be in the next change. All went smooth thanks to this thread and the other threads!

 

This was a very helpful thread. I just changed all my fluids again but this time the front diff drain plug gave me fits. Tried every trick I know to get it out. Replaced both front diff plugs and hopefully will never have that problem again.

* these were Lexus part #s

 

Finally got around to the front and transfer, went well the drain on the front was a bit of a PIA. I needed more leverage, so I drove up on 2 small 12x2 boards that gave me enough to break it loose. Other then the skid bolts popping their heads in defiance, everything went well.

 

Last time I used redline 75w90 synthetic... I cant get my hands on any for a week + and need this done by this weekend (front and rear). Would I have any problems switching to another 75w90 synthetic?

 

There's plenty on Amazon.

 

Nope

 

Nope. Just don't use the cheap stuff.

 

Anyone know if I can use redline MT90 in my transfer case? I have an automatic, but have some left over from my old truck from last year.. thanks again.

 

Just ordered the Lexus drain plug 90341-24016 and 90341-A0002 for the fill plug. Someone above posted a different fill plug P/N. Did I get the wrong one?

Edit: crap i think the other P/N is for the rear housing. Hopefully I can update my order.

 

Did not search all 70 pages but has anyone used the Mobil 1 Delvac

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

75W-90 gear oil?
From Mobil site: does not meet API-GL4, does meet API-GL5 which is what our Gen 2's need.

 

What’s the advantage of the delvac versus the standard 75w90?

 

From Mobil website, I read the Delvac is more industrial. But I'm no expert on oils so take that with a grain of salt.
I'm just going to buy 7 quarts of Mobil 1 or Valvoline

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

75W-90 full syn and do my Tacoma and RAV4 gear boxes...

 

Yeah from the description I read it appears intended for heavy duty use. I’ve read a ton of gear oil change threads on TW (in prep for some scheduled maintenance) and don’t remember coming across mention of the delvac before.

 

Thank you for this!!

Perhaps someone could still give me some more help?

I was changing the CV axle on my 2000 Tacoma 2.7 4WD. I popped out the CV and fluid started draining. I plugged it with a rag but lost about a cup. The fluid looked like it was in great shape, even though I've never changed the differential fluid in my tacoma during the 60k miles I've had it (bought at 136,000 now 196,000).
From this thread, it seems it's time to change it, correct? I'd assume it's best to fully drain and refill the right amount.

Is the Front Differential and Transfer Case the same unit or do they both need to be filled and drained.

Thanks for your help!!

 

Easy call, go ahead and finish draining the front diff once put back together and then add new fluid.

Transfer case is a different component, you could change the fluid there too while you’re at it. Why not hit the trifecta with the rear diff too?

 

Good Day Everyone - Hoping everyone is well.

Thought I would share some ideas on how to fill the Differentials and Transfer Case on our Tacomas but also can be used to fill the Transmission and help bleed breaks. Came up with the idea sometime ago and I've since used it several times. Full disclosure, I tried using the pump and found it somewhat difficult and challenging to use so I tried made this up ....enjoy.

 

From what I've read, it can be used for "Conventional & Limited Slip".