front diff fluid

I just did the first diff fluid change on my Tacoma and noticed the front was way darker than the rear, no chunks drained out but there was quite a bit more metal on the magnet compared to the rear too. Front diff was also about a half a quart low from the factory as well...
Anyone else run into this?

 

I noticed the same thing, although there was evidence the rear fluid might have been changed previously (one of the crush washers was missing). I didn't measure the amount of fluid before I changed it.

 

I just did mine this morning, noticed the front was dirtier than the rear. unknown service history since I just purchased it and I'm doing the fluids front to back. Truck has 94k on it.

 

I would say it's typical and nothing to really be concerned with.

 

Low factory fill is typical? Guess I should check the trans and transfer case too.

 

No, low is not typical.

What makes you think it was under filled?

 

Only got a quart out of it.

 

There is a bit of trapped fluid, so you may have been around 1/4 quart low. Anyrate, doubt it caused much of an issue. What was the mileage? Low quantity would heat up more. That would cause a darker color

 

17K. sounds like darker fluid in the front diff is normal from what people are saying

 

Yeah it’s nothing that I would be concerned about. I really don’t remember if mine was darker or not but I change the diff fluid in the transfer case fluid at 7500.