Rear differential fluid change.

what kind of oil/lube fluid do i need for my rear differential and how much of it? i have a 2002 TRD 4x4 with a locking rear differential. Do i need to add more oil because of the locking diff? is gear oil and differential fluid the same thing?

 

Gear oil (same as diff fluid), East Coast Gear Supply recommends Lucas 85-140 weight regular old dino oil. A little more than 2 quarts IIRC. You don't have to do anything special for the locker. Park on a level surface and remove the fill plug, then remove drain plug and drain. Replace drain plug after cleaning it off thoroughly, then fill from the fill plug till gear oil begins trickling out the fill hole. Replace fill plug and you're done.

Edit: some folks recommend replacing the crush washer on the drain plug. Your call. I'd replace it if it's never been changed and is pretty old.

 

Tacoma World and Google are your friend. Search search search...
75W-90

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/changing-differential-fluid-a-step-by-step-how-to.24545/

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

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eDNYzMONxEk

 

I used

$30 Mobil 1 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

Mobil 1 75W-90 - make sure you get a new crush washer.

 

I don't want this little tidbit to be missed. When doing fluid changes, but especially on axles, transfer cases and transmissions, remove the FILL plug first. It may seem weird but it's far from rare that drain and fill plugs strip or have become seized and if you remove the DRAIN first and find the fill doesn't come off you are screwed with an empty axle. If you take the fill out and end up ruining the drain you can just put the fill back in and get to work on Monday while you figure out how to get that stripped drain out next weekend.

 

Amsoil

 

This is excellent advice. i preach the same thing.

Here's a video related to this thread subject:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/a81i1Cayf_I

 

The fill plug tends to be soft and the edges of plug round easily. I had to replace mine at 120,000 ( 4th )change. I do live in a rust prone area though. When filling allow time for gear lube to fill the ends of the axles as this is thick stuff and takes time to fill out.

 

Big fan of replacing the original 24mm plugs (on the right) with ones that use 10mm Allen keys (on the left) instead.



Toyota part numbers for them:
Magnetic plug: 90341‑18021
Non-magnetic plug: 90341-18016

They tend to not round as badly but more important IME is that being smooth they are less likely to grab a rock on the trail. Which depending on how you grab it minimizes the chance of having unexpectedly become extra tight or loose and vibrate out.

LOL. Definitely a summertime maintenance item.

 

The front differential has these 10mm allen plugs and they are known to strip when you try to break them free. This has happened to me and many many others. I don't know why these plugs get so locked onto the front differential but they do. A common fix is to weld a hex nut on once the allen strips out. I'd much rather be able to get a big 24mm socket onto the drain plug rather than 10mm allen socket any day especially if the plug decides to get a little stuck and fight you. But, to each his own I reckon.

 

Agreed! I just bought a new fill plug. 260k on the clock.

 

I see everyone here is a 4x4

Aside from engine oil and trans, on a 4x2, any other fluid change recommendations ?

 

Rear diff every 30k

 

Gracias

Amigo

 

I think i have a leaking rear axle seal on the drivers side. There is fluid all around my brakes and i can hear a vrrrrr in the axles. Is it okay to just open the top of the rear diff and fill it with Royal purple 75w90 gear oil? I will get the rear axle seals replaced when i can.

 

you definitely want fluid in there, but it will just keep leaking out potentially causing a braking issue as it eats away at the brake shoe

 

hah hah

 

Only trying to help since nobody answered OPs question

Didn't think the procedure was different for the first gens. Could be worse...









I could have a third gen

 

I think it's due to the 2nd Gen larger axle? At least for us in more northern states that would feel like molasses on those freezing mornings

 

it’s in your owners manual. Don’t have a manual? Look in my signature for the online version.