Front differential oil change

Completely a newbie on this subject. For the limited search I've done, it seems there are two halves of the front differential when replacing the diff oil, a driver and passenger side. I just did the clamshell bushing replacement obviously on the driver side and I'm thinking this is the side I will be draining and replacing the oil. I see two hex nuts, bottom for draining and the top for filling. Can someone confirm the two halves? I assume same oil type.

 

I'm a bit confused.

Yes, though. The front diff is called the clamshell due to its shape and vertical split line. It is one integral unit. Draining and filling from the left side is all that you need to do.

Same gear lube as the rear diff.

 

The two halves is considered one unit. Only one drain plug and one fill plug.

 

Just make sure you break the fill plug loose before you drain the fluid. Someone wrote up a nice guide for both difs (and the trans - not applicable) here:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-manual-transmission-6mt-fluid-change.481719/

 

Make sure to get a proper hex socket/bit.
Remove the fill plug 1st.if successfull, move to drain.

 

Do those front differentials still take about a 1 1/2 qts?

 

Just about.

 

I did it a few weeks ago and this fluid pump made it super easy.

https://www.autozone.com/test-scan-...p/p/performance-tool-transfer-pump/500025_0_0

 

Yes, definitely get a pump. I got a $7 one on Amazon and it did the job.

 

Even those cheap outboard engine lower unit pumps work very well for pumping gear lube in these differentials, and transfer cases.

 

I bought a similar transfer pump from Harbor Freight.

Someone asked about the clamshell bushing that I have installed. For clarity, I replaced the needle bearing with the East Coast Gear Supply 8 inch clamshell bushing.