So I changed my diffs and transfer case fluids this morning. Took me about two hours, but that was due to a) it was my first time doing this and b) a stupid couch my wife has stored in the garage was getting in my way and slowing me down. Anyway......
I pretty much followed the instructions here:
4Runners.org - Changing Your Front, Rear, Tranny & Transfer Case Fluids
I bought my 4Runner a few weeks ago, and had no idea what type of maintenance was due so I decided to do as much as possible.
(Completed)
1. Changed the oil. Mobil 1 10w-30, Toyota oil filter
2. Front and rear diffs, transfer case. Mobil 1 75w-90.
(The following has not been completed but will be in the next two weeks or so)
3. Spark plugs. Toyota OEM.
4. Transmission fluid change.
So back to todays project.....the fluids looked relatively good coming out....until I saw what the new stuff looked like! I was able to get the new oil in the rear diff and tc by just pouring it in, but how anyone has managed to fill the front diff without a hand pump is beyond me.
Just a few tips, some of which have already been posted (no particular order of importance):
1. Drop the spare tire, gives you more room.
2. Hit the rear diff plugs with PB Blaster the night before. I didn't and paid for it. Had to let them soak while I moved on to the tc and front diff.
3. Check to see if your front diff requires a 12mm and 10mm hex, or just the 10mm for both the drain and fill. I went out and bought a 12mm and then realized I didn't need it.
4. Heat the oil up a bit with warm water so it will flow better coming out the bottle.
5. Make sure the vehicle is level. If more than a SMALL trickle comes out when you remove the fill plug, it's probably not level.
6. Buy a hand pump, makes thing easier.
7. Use a six point socket!....not a twelve!!!
8. Wear safety glasses.
So I do have a question: Is the drain plug on the rear diff supposed to be magnetized? Mine wasn't and I'm wondering if I should go and buy the proper part. Getting it on there would require changing the fluid again though. Also, I've left my skid plate off for the time being to make it easier to check for leaks on the front diff over the next few days. Anyone know of any reasons why this would be a bad idea for me to do?
I wouldn't have been able to do this without the advice/posts/instructions of some of you, so thanks for that. You guys saved me a few hundred bucks and that's always important, especially around Christmas time!!!
I pretty much followed the instructions here:
4Runners.org - Changing Your Front, Rear, Tranny & Transfer Case Fluids
I bought my 4Runner a few weeks ago, and had no idea what type of maintenance was due so I decided to do as much as possible.
(Completed)
1. Changed the oil. Mobil 1 10w-30, Toyota oil filter
2. Front and rear diffs, transfer case. Mobil 1 75w-90.
(The following has not been completed but will be in the next two weeks or so)
3. Spark plugs. Toyota OEM.
4. Transmission fluid change.
So back to todays project.....the fluids looked relatively good coming out....until I saw what the new stuff looked like! I was able to get the new oil in the rear diff and tc by just pouring it in, but how anyone has managed to fill the front diff without a hand pump is beyond me.
Just a few tips, some of which have already been posted (no particular order of importance):
1. Drop the spare tire, gives you more room.
2. Hit the rear diff plugs with PB Blaster the night before. I didn't and paid for it. Had to let them soak while I moved on to the tc and front diff.
3. Check to see if your front diff requires a 12mm and 10mm hex, or just the 10mm for both the drain and fill. I went out and bought a 12mm and then realized I didn't need it.
4. Heat the oil up a bit with warm water so it will flow better coming out the bottle.
5. Make sure the vehicle is level. If more than a SMALL trickle comes out when you remove the fill plug, it's probably not level.
6. Buy a hand pump, makes thing easier.
7. Use a six point socket!....not a twelve!!!
8. Wear safety glasses.
So I do have a question: Is the drain plug on the rear diff supposed to be magnetized? Mine wasn't and I'm wondering if I should go and buy the proper part. Getting it on there would require changing the fluid again though. Also, I've left my skid plate off for the time being to make it easier to check for leaks on the front diff over the next few days. Anyone know of any reasons why this would be a bad idea for me to do?
I wouldn't have been able to do this without the advice/posts/instructions of some of you, so thanks for that. You guys saved me a few hundred bucks and that's always important, especially around Christmas time!!!
