Diffs and Transfer Case oil change

[AlexJet]

I was in my dealership this morning. The reason I went there was to get the oil for both front and rear diffs and transfer case. The parts department didn't have any; more, I was told that Toyota uses big containers (25 liters or something like that) for such things. So the only way to change it is to come to them and the dealer will do it. I told that I can do it myself, just need the oil. Reaction was fantastic, 2 service guys were looking at me like they never saw someone who changes oil himself. The asked me if I know how to do it and worried me that when Toyota does it, they also flush the housing before putting a new oil. Ok, I didn’t pay that attention and was thinking of just changing it without flushing. Is it necessary to flush :confused:
Another thing why Toyota doesn't sells the oil, so I can by it and do everything myself.
What would you recommend to use in the truck: Genuine Toyota oil or aftermarket? If aftermarket, which one? I remember reading sometime ago that Andries used Mobil1, but wasn't happy with it.

[bulldog]

I hjave no clue how they flush the diffs and transfer case. Bunch of BS if you ask me. You fludh the trnasmission though. I think they are just doing the normal BS dance.

You can buy gear oil at any auto shop. I used M1 75W-90 gear oil, the results I tested was OK, but not great. I huess it is probably good for the way the vehicle is used. (Can't expect to see the same results as a mall cruiser). The diffs require80W-90 gear oil, adn transfer 75W-90. See the manul for the API rating required. Most good gear oils meet that requirement anyway. I would recommend you use a synthetic for the cold weather up there though.

[AlexJet]

What are benefits of using synthetic one? Is it last longer, less wear? The synthetic oil is 3x more in price of the regular. Does it worth it?

[bulldog]

What are benefits of using synthetic one? Is it last longer, less wear? The synthetic oil is 3x more in price of the regular. Does it worth it?

SYn oil handles extreme temps far better. It wont degrade under very high temps like dino, so when towing or doign hard offroading it will protect your drivetrain much better. ALso in extreme cold it flows much better than dino, so those cold startups it will do much better in protecting the drivetrain. That is why with the freezing temps you guys get, I will only use syn oil.

Lastly it reduces your driveline drag a bit for more fuel efficiency and power. You wont really notice it that muh though.

SO it will make your driveline last lonegr than otherwise, especially in the conditions your work in. Also some marginal improvements in performance nad gas mileage, but that is not why you should consider it.

[ajjaaron]

This last weekend I replaced the front diff, rear diff, transfer case and transmission fluid. I used Amsoil 75W-90 Severe Gear Full Synthetic gear oil (https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/svg.aspx) for the transfer case and diffs. I have almost 90,000 miles and have had them changed at 30k and 60k with regular oil. This time I did it myself and went with a full synthetic to last longer than 30k. The Amsoil oil will last between 50k-100k miles. The change is really easy, just really messy if you do it yourself.

[Chris Tacoma]

I'm coming up to 30000 on my 05 Tacoma. I'm going to be changing the front diff, transfer case and rear diff. Using Mobil1. Just wondering if I should have found or bought a pump or something to help with transferring the new fluid in. The Mobil1 has a point on the jug and was wondering if it's going to work. Anyone have any input, ideas or suggestions they would like to share. This is my first time :princess: changing my diff fluids. I am mechanically inclined but would like any info for a possibly mess free job :nerd: TIA

Chris

[bulldog]

I'm coming up to 30000 on my 05 Tacoma. I'm going to be changing the front diff, transfer case and rear diff. Using Mobil1. Just wondering if I should have found or bought a pump or something to help with transferring the new fluid in. The Mobil1 has a point on the jug and was wondering if it's going to work. Anyone have any input, ideas or suggestions they would like to share. This is my first time :princess: changing my diff fluids. I am mechanically inclined but would like any info for a possibly mess free job :nerd: TIA

Chris

Maybe check out the tech write ups, lots of useful info there :D

http://www.toyota120.com/html/driveline_service.html

[Chris Tacoma]

Maybe check out the tech write ups, lots of useful info there :D

http://www.toyota120.com/html/driveline_service.html


Thank you oh great one bulldog :bow: :bow:

1000 lashes with a wet noodle for me for not using the search button :(

[bulldog]

Thank you oh great one bulldog :bow: :bow:

1000 lashes with a wet noodle for me for not using the search button :(

LOL, unfortunately the forum search might not find it. That is why there is a Google search function on the top of the page where can search the whole site. It brings up interesting results sometimes.

Either way, enjoy the maintenance and don't forget to grease your driveshafts.

[Crozhawk]

You can buy gear oil at any auto shop. I used M1 75W-90 gear oil, the results I tested was OK, but not great.

a few questions:

1. what were you meaning by results? :confused:
2.I've been a big fan of Royal Purple for years ....there's a lot of feedback out there in racing communities and what not ....any of you guys tried it?

I havent changed mine yet in the 4R (i'm around 20k miles or so) but it's probably not a bad idea. I have a rear diff guard from my favorite place, Allpro:rolleyes: ..I'm going to have to drain the earl to weld it on.

3. Do you have to have a pump to fill it? ( I used to work on boat outboard motors and I remember having to pump-fill the lower units with gear oil from the bottom drain plug until it came out the top)

[bulldog]

a few questions:

1. what were you meaning by results? :confused:
2.I've been a big fan of Royal Purple for years ....there's a lot of feedback out there in racing communities and what not ....any of you guys tried it?

I havent changed mine yet in the 4R (i'm around 20k miles or so) but it's probably not a bad idea. I have a rear diff guard from my favorite place, Allpro:rolleyes: ..I'm going to have to drain the earl to weld it on.

3. Do you have to have a pump to fill it? ( I used to work on boat outboard motors and I remember having to pump-fill the lower units with gear oil from the bottom drain plug until it came out the top)


1) I had the diff oil analyzed by a lab. Search for the thread and you will see the results.
2) Have not tried Royal Purple. I think the load on a truck diff is very different from a racing car diff, so results may vary. Best way to find out is to fill it with RP and have it analyzed later. The trucks don't deel with the heat issues of a racign car, but they do have a lot more shock load on the diffs than a racign car due to the low crawling and if you do towing.
3) Yes I used a smaller pump which you can buy at any auto store. See the write up. If you get gallon containers, just get the bigger pump. I just used the QT bottles adn squeezed most into the diff directly, then just pump in the last bit.

[Crozhawk]

thanks man, I'm going to do a little more research but I think RP has some good stuff out there for 4x4s as well. I do know the stuff is spendy but I'll post if i find anything valuable.

[Chris Tacoma]

I was looking for the pump to attach to the quart bottles I purchased. I searched for like an hour and couldn't find it. I finally found a picture and the proper name on it. Figured I'd share in case someone wants one

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b252/nuyork1/adf-pump.jpg

[Crozhawk]

Changed the rear diff earl out today after welding a rock gaurd on. I went with Moroso SAE 90 climbing gear oil. It was $16 a quart!!:doh: The guys at my local store said the stuff is supposed to be the poop. ..for $16 it better be! I'll probably never need the gaurd but it looks all cool like dat!!;)

[AlexJet]

Changed the rear diff earl out today after welding a rock gaurd on. I went with Moroso SAE 90 climbing gear oil. It was $16 a quart!!:doh: The guys at my local store said the stuff is supposed to be the poop. ..for $16 it better be! I'll probably never need the gaurd but it looks all cool like dat!!;)

Could you post a picture of it?
:worthless

[Crozhawk]

Could you post a picture of it?
:worthless

For some reason, I can only seem to attach thumbnails and I had to delete some before it would allow this one... wierd:confused: ...anyway, here's the rock gaurd, the way I took the photo makes it look like it's not installed straight but it is.

[JeepResQ]

For some reason, I can only seem to attach thumbnails and I had to delete some before it would allow this one... wierd:confused: ...anyway, here's the rock gaurd, the way I took the photo makes it look like it's not installed straight but it is.

:) I like but it looks like you need to get some paint on there huh?:flipoff: :nono: :rotflmao:

[expat]

Ok, so I went to top-up the oil in the transfer case this afternoon because I have a slow leaking oil seal. I undid the fill plug on the transfer case and oil started pouring out of there! Is that meant to happen? I was expecting to have nothing come out of the fill hole and drain from the bottom. What's the poop on this? :confused:

Thanks
Mark

[Crozhawk]

Ok, so I went to top-up the oil in the transfer case this afternoon because I have a slow leaking oil seal. I undid the fill plug on the transfer case and oil started pouring out of there! Is that meant to happen? I was expecting to have nothing come out of the fill hole and drain from the bottom. What's the poop on this? :confused:

Thanks
Mark

any chance your breather is clogged. seems like that could cause it to build pressure if it isn't allowed to breathe. ...?

[bulldog]

WHo filled it last? Might have been overfilled somewhat? Either when you checked or when it was filled the truck might not have been level. The fill hole maybe have oil dripping out, but not pouring. Or maybe the transfer was force filled with a pump and then plugged up to quickly and not allowing the oil level to settle first.

[expat]

any chance your breather is clogged. seems like that could cause it to build pressure if it isn't allowed to breathe. ...?

Hmmm..didn't think to look. Will have to do check tomorrow.

[expat]

WHo filled it last? Might have been overfilled somewhat? Either when you checked or when it was filled the truck might not have been level. The fill hole maybe have oil dripping out, but not pouring. Or maybe the transfer was force filled with a pump and then plugged up to quickly and not allowing the oil level to settle first.

Done at the dealer at last service.

It poured out like you'd expect oil from a drain plug being undone. I was not prepared and lost a fair amount of oil on the garage floor scrambling to get the fill plug back into the hole. Well I guess tomorrow I might as well flush it all out and refill properly.