Originally Posted by JoeT4R

Well, I tried tackling the front diff drain bolt today with negative results. I was able to get the 3/8" extractor inside the hex head once I rounded off the drain bolt some more, but every time I'd hammer the extractor in and began turning, it would just pop right back out. I may have to swallow my pride on this one and take it somewhere to be removed. I just don't want to have to pay to have it done. Nor does it feel very good to be defeated by a drain bolt.

But because the weather is too beautiful today to waste, I went ahead and did my rear diff fluid. I couldn't help myself and had to do some wrenching outside. I ended up putting in some SuperTech 75W-90 full syn, which originally I had purchased for the front diff job. The rear diff takes 80W-90 per the owner's manual, however I read somewhere on here that a user had some email correspondence with Toyota and they said that 75W-90 was acceptable for use in the rear diff. So we'll see how it holds up. I drained out some AMSOIL 80W-90 that was still in good shape and clear in color. Last drain and fill was sometime in the Spring of 2021. Definitely 15K+ miles ago. So maybe I'll make it a point to do yearly drain and fills of it since it gets used the most. There were some metal flakes on the magnetic drain plug but nothing horrible. Pics below for reference.

Date: 6/20/22
Mileage: 314,507