So confused on 30K maintenance. Looking for advice!

Hello! I've been reading threads and talking to Toyota Dealers about the 30K maintenance, and I think I'm more confused than ever! I have a 09 Off Road, and I am quickly approaching the 30K maintenance. My Scheduled Maintenance Guide (http://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/omms/T-MMS-09Tacoma/pdf/09 Tacoma SMG 149507_2nd print.pdf) says the following...

"Replace rear differential oil (Prerunner and 4WD vehicles with optional limited slip differential only)"

Since this is ONLY for the Prerunner and LSD, and I have neither, I would read this as that I do not need to replace the rear diff oil. However, as I looked forward, there is no mention of replacing the oil in the front diff, rear diff, transfer case, or transmission (I have the 5AT). These things are only to be inspected every 15K or 30K miles.

I've called two Toyota dealers, and both said that this service should be done, and one quoted me a price of $300+, and I didn't ask the other dealer. I have done all of my own maintenance up to this point and I don't put on a lot of miles. Part of me thinks that it wouldn't be a bad thing to have a Toyota tech look over my truck every three years or so, and part of me doesn't want to get screwed on oil that they are telling me is $60+ a quart!

The thing that really disturbs me is that the Toyota scheduled maintenance guide that goes to 120K and 12 years makes no mention of actually changing any of these fluids! That doesn't seem right to me.

I welcome any and all comments to help me with my dilemma.
Thank you! I love TW!

 

Sometimes it's not uncommon to go over 100k miles without changing the rear diff or any diff fluids along with the t-case. Some people (such as myself) like to do it in 15k intervals anyway for peace of mind, it certainly won't hurt to do it sooner than later. You could also do 30k intervals, but if you tow a lot I'd suggest every 15k for the rear at least.

 

Just do it yourself. Use synthetic and it'll be less than $100.

 

spark plugs,rear diff,front diff,and transfer case...i would flush the trans also.everybody will tell you 60k on the trans but i do it every 30k.also lube your drive and propellor shaft.take a look at your air filter..

 

(^) He's correct, and its easier than you think... Do it once and you'll never take it to the dealer for rear and front diff or transfer case fluid changes ever again.

Use This...I did,

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/24545-changing-differential-fluid-step-step-how.html

Your welcome

 

as far as I know when we get 30k maint. its just oil change, tire rotation, and check all other fluids. if your vehicle falls under those you listed than yes those service will be performed. price wise its around $200-300. their maints falls under normal driving conditions that why it doesn't list fluid change in those gear boxes. what really sucks is since everyone drives under server condition Toyota maint doesn't cover fluild change on gear boxes you would have to ask them for the service. best is do your own gear oil base on your driving condition but just keep the receipt in case something happens so Toyota cant say shit.

 

A direct quote from the guide that you linked above:

I think they assume you will replace ( drain and fill ) when the lubricants are found to be contaminated or burned. If I didn't tow or go through deep sand, mud or water I would not worry about changing the lubricants too much until you get ~ 60K miles. Then do it myself as needed.