when do you change dif. oil?

never changed front or rear differential oil or transfer case on my tacoma before Am i in for alot of work? The dealers and shops want 300_-400 bucks or more to do these three things. I am pretty handy with tools ,and got a lot of them. I was ask if the oil is synthetic, so i said , doen't know. If somebody could explain in layman terms I would be very grateful. Any info on chassis lubrication would be great too. Do I need any special tools? Thanks calvin b

 

I think recommended at 15k intervals (rear diff) if you tow, 30k if not and 60k for the front and t-case, I know myself and a lot of other members just do all 3 at 15k intervals, it's not real hard, just pick a good 75w 85 sythetic oil

 

There is a thread somewhere on here that shows the whole process. It is very easy.....

 

Just like changing your oil. There is a drain and fill plug for each.
Just make sure you verify that the fill plug isn't stuck before you drain.

I think I used a 15/16" wrench on the rear axle, and TC plugs.
The tranny and front axle might use a different size (14mm?).

You'll need a 'grease gun' to lube the zerks on the drivetrain.

Use the fluids and grease that are recommended in your owners manual.

 

Op has older sport model.

I believe they chatter with syn.

Shouldn't he be using a conventional gl5 with equatorq in the rear end?


Special tools..... Does the 2nd gen front end require the 10mm Allen head?
I've never popped the drain or fill off a 2nd gen, and its been yrs (2002) since I've done this on a 1st gen.

If so, I suggest a 10mm Allen head SOCKET..... It fits a 3/8 ratchet and ends in an Allen wrench type tip and makes life easier if second gens indeed use these. (anyone verify size or other type of hardware?)

 

Don't forget a transfer hand pump..... To pump fluid from the new bottles into the gear boxes.