Never change your differential fluid?!!

Many years ago I worked in a transmission shop we saved good clean trans fluid to put in owners cars that instead on changing the fluid with high mileage. The high detergent levels tended to wipe out any residue on the clutch plates (actually protecting them) and with out a few hundred miles they were walking.

 

Ive heard of that being done. I always wondered just how clean that high mileage fluid was.

 

but my transmission is runs smooth and shifts amazing tho. Do I still need to worry about changing the fluid . Or don’t touch it ?

 

Personally I would leave it alone. If you are a normal driver not one to get your truck stuck, tow a good size camper or knee deep in water you'll probably grow tired of the truck before the transmission packs up.

 

Yea I don’t do any of the above. It’s my daily driver.

 

Yes, you do need to change it.
If changing the fluid causes an issue, you either changed the flushed wrong, or you already had an issue.
Changing the fluid is NOT what causes issues. It just being a problem to your attention. (If there is one).

Spend the money and do it. You’re about 100k over due.
Then save (budget) $50 a year, and have it done again in 5/6 years.
It will be even less if you do it yourself.

 

I'm not going to go into whether you should or shouldn't change it, that is up to you, but I think it would be worthwhile to at least check it to see if it's at the correct level. There have been some cases on this forum where people claimed the trans fluid has been low from the factory. In my first drain and fill only about 2.5 quarts came out. Later I did a flush and fill according to the procedure on the forum with Valvoline Max Life. If you're going to do a drain and fill I'd stick with Toyotas trans fluid.

 

Guys on the Tundras forum would be having a heart attack hearing about all of this "do not change transmission fluid" advice.

 

He asked whst he should do. He gets numerous suggestions saying change it and then he keeps asking the same question.


He doesnt want to change it.
End thread.

 

I do the diff before any big trip which ends up being about every 20k. I use a ScanGuage to monitor my trans temps. I drain and fill with fresh fluid based on how hot the trans has gotten even if it's "shifting fine." The hotter your fluid gets the more often you should change it. If I hit upwards of 280F I will change it within the week. I don't buy that "never change it" garbage.

We buy these trucks to run.

 

You sound stupid

 

I tried to leave this alone but i couldnt. You asked a question on this forum for a reason. The assumption being that the members here had knowledge and expierience that you dont. Multiple people suggested you service both the diff fluid and trans fluid and gave you reasons that backed up there suggestions.

And yet you still ask the question again. Just seems like your digging for any reason whatsoever to leave it alone. If thats your choice then do that, its your truck. Just dont waste peoples time asking questions to problems without any real desire to do anything about it.

 

Hello Everyone I've read over the comments as I have never changed my rear differential fluid or transmission fluid. First I appreciate all the comments and hope to get any additional comments if needed on my situation if needed. Please feel free share your input if you haven't already. I have a 2005 Tacoma 2WD LB that I purchased brand new. Currently with 266,000 miles and running good. Always changed the oil but never anything else. Look forward to any input.

 

Well if you didn’t worry about it for 187kmiles, I would shoot for another 100k.

 

Spitdog, funny cause I never thought about addressing it. Replaced front and rear complete suspension system and that's when I asked myself should I or do you change the differential fluid. I don't mind doing it just feel dumb that I didn't think to question it earlier.

 

Just do it all. Why wouldn't you?

 

is it 4wd? and automatic i assume.... if 4wd you need to change both diffs and transfer case. I like using amsoil severe gear in the diffs and the automatic i would only use toyota oil only. youtube is your friend lots of great videos on draining and flushing tranny and how to change the diffs/tranfer case

 

Just do the diff breather mod and run it up behind the rear brake light!

 

never changed diff fluid on anything I owned and neither has my dad on his cars/vans

wont hurt to change it

 

I doubt OP is coming back to this thread.