Rear Differential Temp sensor

Has anyone installed a temp sensor on rear differential? If so, where did you install sensor. Toyota put a temp sensor on front diff, but not rear. ScanGauge II can read all relevant temps through obd port. I’m wanting one for rear differential.

 

Gear oil change, is cheap and easy, just change more often.
To answer your question: I can't see it realistically.

 

Perhaps you could add a sensor to the can bus. I haven't looked at it before but I would be very very surprised if there weren't unused address spaces. Checkout "Carduino". Here is a parts list. If you look around, you can find all the parts for around $20.

$34 Seeed Studio CAN-Bus Shield V2 Compatible with Arduino for Controller and Transceiver, Arduino Shield Adopts MCP2515 and MCP2551.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076DSQFXH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_tQVaFbPTY7FXP

$10 Fotag OBD2 16 pin to DB9 RS232 Serial Port Adapter Cable Diagnostic Extension Cable with Power Switch to Avoid Battery Drain 1.5M 5ft

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ETRINYO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_MSVaFbPCZ1Y2J

$29 Arduino UNO REV3 [A000066]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008GRTSV6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5SVaFbTCAFRX2


Maybe the front has the potential of getting hotter because slow hard driving in 4wd with less air flow. Also heat from the engine.

 

Have you had problems with the oil cooking?

It’s not the cleanest solution, but I’ve had good luck with using non-contact thermometers for checking rear end temps in cars. Usually after installing new gears I keep an eye on the temp during break in.

 

My 2001 tundra rear differential held a lot less gear oil than these tacos. I just changed it every 30k miles. Never had an issue the entire 292k miles on the truck.

 

You guys know this is an old thread right? He never reported back so I assume it was never an issue.

 

Toyota recommends every 15k on these trucks for diff fluid change. That seems more often than necessary.. Almost like a way to get Tacoma owners in for service more often... (wearing my tinfoil hat)

 

I found this thread because I was wondering about diff temperatures. No problems here, just curious.

 

I suspect that OP is just curious and likes seeing the numbers.

 

Are you sure it's that frequent, I could swear the book in the glovebox didn't recommend changing until 30K? I believe it does said to inspect the levels in there at some point too.

 

I just hit 15k. Dealer had me wait for 3 hours while they rotated my tires. I think it is 30k

 

https://www.toyotaofdanvers.com/toyota-tacoma-maintenance-schedule-danvers-ma/

Maybe this schedule is wrong? It is provided by a dealer.

 

https://www.thermoworks.com/IR-Gun?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhJDG5ZG76gIVyrzACh3idAjiEAQYASABEgIjPPD_BwE

something like that is handy. Temp guns are great for automotive diagnosis.