Gear Oils Change

Hey guys, I am planning on refreshing the front/rear diff, transfer case, and TRD supercharger gear oil in my 03 V6.
Anyone have suggestions on which oil to get for what?
Such as brand/ weight.
Thank you

 

Does the owners manual not cover the types of lubricants needed?

I'd start there.

If you are a frequent changer and light user, dino is fine

If you are a hard user or prefer to lengthen your intervals, use synthetic in the same weights called for.

Don't know anything about the SC. If factory, hopefully the manual covers that too.

 

The super charger was the dealer optional one so I doubt the manual will specify.
Also was unsure if anyone had a preference in brand or experience with another weight

 

I went redline across the board. Probably more fancy than necessary for diffs, but the manual transmissions seem to like their MT90

 

Pick your brand of choice- As long as you're changing them on schedule you can't go wrong.

Be forewarned that the front diff is a bitch. 10 or 12mm female hex plugs. Most people change them out for other more standard drain and fill plugs. @Kwikvette has the part numbers in his signature.

 

Awesome thanks for the advice.
I've also been looking around and I see people recommending non limited slip diff oil and some say use normal LSD oil.
Any reason as to why one or the other?

 

worth the read

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/front-diff-and-transfer-case-oil-change-howto.147631/

 

Before this gets too complicated.
Use the weight and type in the manual.
If you are unsure if you have an LSD differential just use fluid with the additives in it. They won’t hurt anything if you don’t have an LSD.

Brand makes no real difference.
So over think it.

 

I have an Axel with an E-locker so I wasn't sure if that would require one or the other. I always thought it was open (LSD) but closed when locked.

 

E-locker is an open differential.
You are correct.
No need for additives.

 

Open is open; open is different from LSD.

LSD is not a factory option on a 1st Gen Tacoma.

 

Thanks for the clarification, I never knew they were different.

 

Yep

When working the diffs, remember to undo the fill first, then work towards the drain.

I say this because most times your drain plug will easily come out, only to drain your fluid and find out the hard way that you're unable to remove your fill plug to refill it.

Get a pick set, and scrape any and all dirt and grime that accumulates in your plugs.

They're hex, and very shallow, so one needs to ensure that their tool seats as deep as possible.

Next up, I'd recommend hammering the back of the hex socket a few times to "loosen" up the bolt in the event that its seized.

Last but not least, remove as stated (fill first).

I used a 3/8" drive for the fill.

Then follow with your drain.

I used a 1/2" drive for the drain.

PS In case you couldn't see my sig (if you're on mobile), just flip your screen sideways.

 

Great info I'll do everything you said. Fingers crossed they come out easy despite the obvious surface rust.