02-24-2011, 02:02 PM
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#1
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Do i really need to change my differential oil?
Hi Guys,
I have about 75K on my runner and i've been doing minimal but regular maintenance to keep the truck in good shape. I say minimal because it's one of the perks i really enjoy about the runner. it's a low maintenance car. I've just been doing the oil change, shaft re-torque, shaft lubing, engine/oil filter change and spark plug change (v6). I'll do my coolant and transmission at 100k.
my question is, do i really need to change my differential oil? i don't tow anything.
also let me know if you think i need to do anything else other than the things i listed above. thanks!
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02-24-2011, 02:20 PM
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#2
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I would change fluids in the diffs and transfer case. Mine doesn't even have a trailer hitch, but the diff fluid was "dirty" when I changed it at about 68k. Also, inspect the accessory drive belt, brakes, and CV boots. After that... wash, wax, and enjoy!
~Doozi
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02-24-2011, 02:25 PM
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#3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tonybaloney
my question is, do i really need to change my differential oil? i don't tow anything. thanks!
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Yes, your diff is constantly in use. It's the part (transfer/tranny/engine) most likely to be very dirty even if you don't tow. All it is a drain and fill plug. No brainer.....takes 5 minutes!
Ed
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02-24-2011, 03:12 PM
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#4
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02-24-2011, 03:41 PM
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#5
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thanks guys! i'll get it done next time my car is in the shop. i'm over the days of changing my own oil since i don't have a garage anymore after i moved from tx to ca. i guess i'll be doing transmission oil, coolant and differential oil all together. am i forgetting anything?
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02-24-2011, 06:36 PM
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#6
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If you're doin' all those, you might want to do power steering and brake (unless brake was changed recently) fluids.
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1999 BMW M3 coupe(E36) & 2005 V8 sport 4X4 black: ARB bull bar with 4 hella 500s,backup camera in spoiler,VSC off, springs:Tacoma w/ toytec(1/2"Fr) & FJ w/ daystar(1.5"R) spacers,Bora .75" front & Spidertrax 1.25" rear spacers,swaybar bushings upgrade,Stoptech rotors,SS brake lines,RCI Metalworks skids (front, trans.,transfer), Volant CAI,DT shorties w/ Dirty Deeds exhaust,fully soundproofed,Rostra seat heaters,HID (lows),HIR (highs),running board lights (added),aux reverse lights,2006+ tail lights,rear fog mod (tail, brake, directional OR rear fogs),Scion T1819,LED int. lights, key reminder diabled, Land cruiser steering wheel,rear window dog barrier, vent visors, Ultraguage, Enkei Deep Six 20" wheels for summer, factory sport wheels with A/Ts, FJ cruiser wheels with winter tires
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02-24-2011, 07:21 PM
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#7
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I changed both diffs and transfer case to synthetic last year. Noticed a slight increase in mpg. Took about 2 hrs to do all three. Sure is nice having drain and fill plugs!!
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Last edited by Jeff T; 02-26-2011 at 06:44 PM.
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02-24-2011, 10:38 PM
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#8
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for some reason i thought the v6s have a sealed transmission...only dealers can pressure flush/fill them. i know the diffs are easy just knocked them out and oil last weekend. All full synthetic, piece of mind...
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02-24-2011, 11:06 PM
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#9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tonybaloney
I've just been doing... shaft re-torque
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what is a shaft re-torque. sorry for being a n00b on this one. haven't heard of this or know what it is.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff T
Noticed a slight increase in mpg. Took about 2 hrs to do all three.
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did you change the "crush washers?"
did you use a specific torque wrench? what does 36lbs of torque feel like with a standard craftsman?
-thanks for your help
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02-24-2011, 11:07 PM
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#10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff T
I changed both diffs and trasnsfer case to synthetic last year. Noticed a slight increase in mpg. Took about 2 hrs to do all three. Sure is nice having drain and fill plugs!!
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What brand of synthetic did you use ?
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02-24-2011, 11:28 PM
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#11
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i put amsoil 75w90 in all three (front diff, center, and rear) and noticed an instant +1 MPG.
Do it. 
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02-25-2011, 02:51 AM
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#13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by T24TODD
for some reason i thought the v6s have a sealed transmission...only dealers can pressure flush/fill them. i know the diffs are easy just knocked them out and oil last weekend. All full synthetic, piece of mind...
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We don't really need any special equipment to change the fluid on sealed transmission other than our "super secret" hand pump...
You drain and refill it by pumping the fluid into it, now checking it is a little more technical as it requires you to get the transmission to a certain temperature and then checking the fluid flow through a test drain. But if you read up on the procedure you could pretty much do it yourself.
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02-25-2011, 04:09 AM
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#14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tonybaloney
thanks guys! i'll get it done next time my car is in the shop. i'm over the days of changing my own oil since i don't have a garage anymore after i moved from tx to ca. i guess i'll be doing transmission oil, coolant and differential oil all together. am i forgetting anything?
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You might want to reconsider doing it yourself when they tell you how much they will charge.
The synthetic oil used is super spendy..
You need to do the rear diff and fronts as reccomended by Toyota. Also transfer case should be done after 45k (I think). I called the dealership today. They do all 3 during the 30k service.
Last edited by Chris Sandstorm; 02-25-2011 at 10:06 PM.
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02-25-2011, 01:15 PM
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#15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by riverider
For one I would like someone who has posted that they had found their Diff. fluids as being dirty, to tell me how they knew the fluid was really dirty.
Is it just a change in it's color? Does one assume that the gearing is so misaligned that the units are full of metal mixed with the fluid?
If the Diff.s are sealed except the vents, unless someone drives into water above the vent, what gets inside them?
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That would be ME. I said my diff oil was dirty as in: was a darker color than the front diff and transfer case. Of course it was, after 75K miles (at the time), my guess is that it would be. Since I've had this truck, its never been in 4wd mode which explains why the difference in color. She stays in 2hi 99.9% of the time.
Even if it's sealed, the oil is going to break down. I did see some very tiny "shiny" flakes in the oil, but she ran just fine. All this is normal..... Preventive maintenance is always a good idea (whether it is a Honda or a Land Rover).
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