Front Diff and Transfer Case Oil Change Howto

two trains of thought on that. Works great leave it alone, or working great, lets keep it that way with new fluid.

Concerning hardware, yes many people have had a hard time removing the hardware. I was gearing up for it and they came right off. I think i did squirt some penetrant a few days earlier. Use good six point sockets, and on allen bolts take your time and make sure its seated.

 

Just changed all again, Redline MT-90 in transfer and trans, Redline 75W90 in both diffs. Lexus front diff plugs broke cleanly, as did all others after doing this 25k ago. Butter shifting, life is good.

 

I didn't have any luck with a standard hex socket on the drain plug, so I purchased the below tools and it got the job done. Also had to use a brass hammer to knock on the plug a few times.

Hex driver set:

$35 Sunex 3646, 3/8" Drive Low Profile Impact Hex Driver Set, 16-Piece, SAE/Metric, 1/4" - 3/4", 6mm - 19mm, Cr-Mo Steel, Dual Size Markings, Heavy Duty Storage Case, Meets ANSI Standards

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006JVU1ZI?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

Breaker bar:

$35 TEKTON 3/8" Drive x 18" Breaker Bar | SBH00118

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GHRL16D?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

 

i am doing all mine soon
2015 trd offroad
i went with non synthetic (purposely) valvoline 75w90
(i used lucas 80w90 on my 2004 4runner 4.0 and no issues but i do live in a cold climate
so i went with a bit thinner this time)
ordered 5 quarts, another pump since its been awhile
brass gaskets (i have the other silver ones)
and ordered the lexus gx460 drain plug (hex) for future too for front diff, from ebay for $12
should all be here soon

 

2014 TRD Sport
I completed my first rear diff oil change and wanted to ask: has anyone felt an intermittent single "thump" from the back while driving? I noticed it shortly before changing the diff oil, unless it's done this all the time and I just never noticed. Thought it was the signal to change the diff but it didn't go away. Seems to happen in all gears at random but doesn't happen all the time.

 

Subbed

 

Just changed both diffs and transfer case. All went well except for rounded head on transfer case fill plug. No matter what I did I could not get it to move. Even tried a chisel and hammer. Eventually got out the torch and heated around the plug, gave it a hit with the chisel & hammer, and it moved! Was able to get it out and thank goodness for buying replacement plugs and crush washers! Used mobil1

$29 75w-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75w-90 in everything. Did the tranny a couple of weeks ago and everything is smooth.

 

Could be many "things":
Slip yoke needs a grease.
Leaf Springs are toast
u-joint?
Carrier bearing

 

My filler plug on my 07 Tacoma 4.0 front axle is shot out and needs replacement. Any one know what the Lexus part number is so I can replace
the lame 10mm hex plug? I scoured the forums and can't find it anywhere.
The previous owner/service shop are some clowns shouldn't be wrenching. Striped the 10mm hex filler beyond belief. MASSIVE torque applied.
Fortunately I was able to remove it after some VERY foul language, but the Lexus replacement is the way to go. The drain plug was no problem, just the 10mm filler.
Any help with the Lexus filler part number will be much appreciated.
Thanks.

 

I got my fill & drain plugs here:
https://partsouq.com/en/search/all?q=9034118060#9034118060-3
only the fill plug has the 14mm head on it, the drain is still the 10mm hex. Both were perfect fits and shipping was only 3 days…

 

I recently purchased the Lexus front diff fill and drain plugs from ebay for my 2015. I should have bought them a long time ago, I don't understand why they didn't come this way from the factory.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/166088164567
https://www.ebay.com/itm/155527020870

 

I am happy to report that I have completed this task today. I am the owner of a 2013 Tacoma regular cab base 4X4. Just turned 100,000 miles and knew I was overdue. Read this thread a few times. Watched a few hundred you-tube videos...and don't you know, It really was pretty simple.

NAPA had gallons on Valvoline Synthetic 75-90 gear oil on sale for $32.99 with free delivery. $65.98 for that, plus I have some left over for next time. I did buy the Lexus drain and fill plugs to swap them out. That was around $20.00. I bought a pump to get the oil in. $13.00. I bought the washers in a set from Amazon $6.00, has enough to do another few changes too.

Rear and transfer case were very clean, front a touch "cloudy".

Total was about $105.00. Plus about 2.5 hours of my time.

Sit down now...this will alarm some. Dealer quoted me $465 plus tax. Saved $360.00. Plus the satisfaction that you accomplished something.

I did spray all of the plugs and let sit overnight. PB Blaster.

Absolutely NO problem whatsoever getting off the Rear Diff. and Transfer case plugs. Used a 18" breaker bar. 6 point socket

Front Diff. fill plug was easy. I put the 10 MM hex socket on it. Gently tapped it with a hammer. broke free instantly.

Front Diff. drain was a little stubborn. I put the 10 MM hex socket on it. Gently tapped with a hammer. Had to do it a few times and it broke free. But I knew this after reading on here. I was patient. Applied constant pressure, and POP...all good.

I am not gonna be doing this at every oil change, but its easy enough to do that every 25-30 Thousand miles isn't out of the question.

Just wanted to share my story, and thank all of you for giving me the courage/knowledge/confidence to tackle this.

 

Not to mention it was actually done, and done right. Good work.

 

Hey all,
Fixing to tackle this project this weekend. I've gathered the parts (lexus plugs and crush washers, etc), already have the breaker bars and torque wrench, and the fluids but ya'll have me spooked regarding the front drain plug. Maybe I'll get lucky as the truck only has 34K on it and I doubt (hopefully) the drain plug hasn't been touched since final assembly. I invested in a 10mm 1/2" drive sunnex impact allen socket but is an impact going to be my friend on this job? I have a BIG Bauer impact (1100 ft/lbs of breakover torque) but it might not fit in the space I am working with. I am not opposed to getting something like a

$124 Milwaukee M18 Cordless Lithium-Ion 6-1/2" Circular Saw - 2630-20 - ( MILWAUKEE ) - BARE TOOL

Milwaukee M18 fuel 1/2" drive battery powered impact (250 ft/lbs) as I kinda need one. What say you? I do plan on spritzing the offending plugs with Kroil daily starting tomorrow. I LOVE Kroil as it works in alot of the applications I need it for and it will creep into very tight places. It might not do dick but it will make me feel better! :LOL: Thank you for the input and the advice!

 

Hey all, I have an uber stupid question. Just did the transfer case on my 2023 TRDOR and followed the tutorial (Awesome info BTW) but I have a concern. I pumped in a liter of fluid and it is not running out the fill plug hole. Is this normal? I may not be 100% level but wanted to make sure something wasn’t going to explode. Thank you for the input and advice!

 

In my experience the transfer case takes a bit more than 1 quart (for 2nd gens, don't know if 3rd gens have the same transfer case). I fill the transfer case and both diffs until it starts dripping out of the fill port.

 

Thank you for the input, sir! I really appreciate it! I didn’t get a dribble but i did get a full liter in minus maayyybeee a teaspoon? Worst case I missed by 2 ounces? I think it’ll be ok?

 

buy some more and fill it, why wonder

 

And I did just that. No wondering necessary now Did the front diff last night and I can STILL smell gear oil! Chased all the skid plate nuts (Fucking techs and their impacts!) and replaced the bolts. Calling to good for 30k!