93 Differential Fill Plug?

[NewRunnerOwner]

Hi everyone I'm a new 4Runner owner of a 93 and I just had a quick question. I recently had my oil changed at a place that checks your other fluids and things like that and today when I reversed and turned sharp a bunch of oil came spilling out. After looking around I found a missing plug and after searching I believe this is the front differential fill plug.

A pic of it

I guess my questions are is this the fill plug and I have been driving like this for 12 days now is the damage already done? It's only been in H2.

Thank you

 

[KidVermicious]

Sorry, that's your transfer case. Stop driving immediately, don't go another foot until you've replaced that plug and refilled the transfer case. You probably didn't lose enough oil to cause any damage, but there's no sense pushing it.

I'd be inclined to call that Jiffy Lube or whatever and raise hell. Your plug is missing because they removed it to check the oil level there and didn't put it back or didn't tighten it correctly. If I were you I'd force them to tow your truck to their place, refill the transfer case, and replace the missing plug, all on their dime. Additionally you want it on record that they're the ones responsible for this, because if your tcase was damaged from low oil levels you want them to be on the hook to replace/rebuild it.

 

[NewRunnerOwner]

Thank you Kevin, I really appreciate it. I called them right away and they are sending someone out here to replace the plug and fill it back up with oil.

This scares the crap out of me now because it has been a good 12 days. I've only driven about 25 miles on the freeway the rest is all city driving. However, so much oil spilled out when I reversed and turned that I believe there is still a decent amount in there. What's the best way to see if damage has occurred, I don't know much about vehicles I learn when stuff like this happens.

 

[KidVermicious]

I would drain what's left in there just so you know for sure how much was lost. Then once it's refilled, cycle it through 2 hi, 4 hi, and 4 low, drive a little bit in each. If it goes smoothly through all of them and isn't making any funny noises, I think you're probably ok. The only other way would be to drop the case and take it apart and inspect all the bearings and clearances, and if it's not making funny noises I wouldn't worry about going that far with it.