Trans fluid/Diff fluid confusion 2.7L 2wd

Looking for some help.

2001 Tacoma. 4 door. A/T. 2wd. 2.7L. No diff lock.

Looking to do a differential and tranny fluid change.

DIFF:Per the owners manual (not very clear)
- it says to use "SAE 90" for the rear for oil viscosity. I hear straight weight gear oil is bad for street use. What are your thoughts?
-It also states Extra Long wheel base vs Short Wheel base (how do I know which I have?)
-It seems 2.2 Qt to 2.3 Qt is recommended depending on wheel base.

What diff fluid do you guys recommend?

TRANS: Says 1.6L or 1.4 Qt Dexron III

What fluid do you guys recommend?


Thank you

 

Differential:
75w90 or 80w90 will be fine for your open differential. These weights are widely available and any name-brand will be high quality. I suggest synthetic if you are doing frequent hauling or towing. 2.2 or 2.3 quarts capacity... either way you need to buy 3 quarts. Recheck level after a couple days driving -- I have found that the diff sometimes needs to be topped off after a service.

Transmission:
1.6qt sounds like only a drain and fill, if that. I know yours is a 1st gen but My 2006 4 cylinder automatic drains well over 3 qt from just the pan, so 1.6qt just seems wrong. Check your capacities again. Of course use the type of fluid listed in the manual -- again, any name brand fluid will be plenty good enough quality.

Generally, regular servicing is more important than the particular brand of fluids you are using.

 

Thank you so much for the help. @DGXR

Here is the picture from my Manual

 

Wow that transmission pan must be tiny... more like a cover than a pan. But, whatever works. I am not an engineer

 

drain the transmission pan, measure the amount drained,replace with same amount