DIY maintenance quick reference

[renau001]

Minor possible addition - Tried doing my ATF this weekend. The fill plug is a 24mm, however space is limited in the transmission tunnel. May be worth mentioning that a short socket is required to get this open. My 1/2" setup was too large, my 3/8" deep socket was too long, and a 24mm open ended can't work with the angle necessary.

I'd recommend anyone tackling the job have a shorter 24mm 3/8" drive socket on hand if they want to make it easier. Mine should be arriving this weekend.

Thanks, updated. I've also found a short 24mm helps on the rear diff.

 

[snowRunn3r]

I can confirm that is what the factory service manual says. I can't say for sure whether or not that is a typo. So use at your own risk.

I think 137 is a typo I’ve seen it as 91 on a 2010 service manual and I’ve also crossed ref it with gx manual 91 looks to be the correct torque. Fun info for some reason tacos are 90...

 

[702_SR5]

I'm trying to obtain the gaskets AKA crush washers for the diffs and the xfr case.

In the OP, it lists these part numbers for the xfr case:

Drain plug gasket - Toyota part # 90430-A0003
Fill plug gasket - Toyota part # 90430-A0003

But on two Toyota parts order pages, when I entered my vehicle info, I was told this does not fit my vehicle. I have a 2018 4Runner SR5. :suspicious:

 

[gsla72]

Just checked my leftover parts bag - I have 90430-18008 with “t case” written in sharpie on it. You may give that part number a try - they look more like washers than true crush gaskets.

Give this site a shot as well

Trail Maintenance: Driveline fluids, how and when to change them - Trail4R.com - 5th Gen 4Runner Mods

Great step-by-step.

 

[702_SR5]

I went to the Parts department at a local dealer to buy the various crush washers. While there, I inquired about the gear oil for the diffs.

The fellow helping me said they use 75W-90, not the spec'd -85 weight. And quoted me a price of US$48 per liter! :lmao:

 

[2016 4Runner SR5]

I went to the Parts department at a local dealer to buy the various crush washers. While there, I inquired about the gear oil for the diffs.

The fellow helping me said they use 75W-90, not the spec'd -85 weight. And quoted me a price of US$48 per liter! :lmao:

75-90 is fine. Buy a good quality synthetic from your local parts store and you're good to go.

 

[renau001]

Added information for battery replacement, just replaced at ~72k miles, and I live in a warm climate. Never left me stranded. It was still starting okay but a little sluggish and the voltage was falling below spec during a cold start. Wish we could buy the Panasonic OE batteries somewhere. Don't need anything different yet, so went with a NAPA 7524F based on consumer reports having NAPA as one of the top-rated 24F batteries for several years.

 

[renau001]

Added information for brake fluid replacement. The manual does not mention any interval for brake fluid replacement. However, the Lexus GX460 requires brake fluid replacement every 3 years or 36k miles, and they have very similar brake systems. I don't really understand the difference, but I'm gonna start replacing the brake fluid every 3 years, or at least test it at that point. I am 2 years behind at this point.

 

[renau001]

Just did first drain and fill I've done on my 4Runner's transmission at ~76k miles. Easier and less time than an oil change. Almost as easy as transfer case fluid change. Also replaced brake fluid, the rears are so easy since the pump prevents the brake cycling.

 

[TheWraith]

Just did first drain and fill I've done on my 4Runner's transmission at ~76k miles. Easier and less time than an oil change. Almost as easy as transfer case fluid change. Also replaced brake fluid, the rears are so easy since the pump prevents the brake cycling.

Transfer case and transmission is something I need to learn to do ...

 

[SilverTEP]

Transfer case and transmission is something I need to learn to do ...

Transfer case is as easy as changing diff fluid. Transmission is the tricky one with fluid levels, here is a good overview.

 

[TheWraith]

Transfer case is as easy as changing diff fluid. Transmission is the tricky one with fluid levels, here is a good overview.

Is there a step by step for the diff, transfer case and transmission fluids???

 

[SilverTEP]

Sure, here is a good one: Front and Rear Diff fluid change

Diffs and Transfer case you just open fill cap, then drain plug, then let it drain. Once empty you put back the drain plug and fill until the fill hole and you're done.

The only tricky part are new washers, which you need to get beforehand, and picking the oil. The Toyota transfer case is called 'magic oil' due to its price, but I'd stick with that.

 

[TheWraith]

Sure, here is a good one: Front and Rear Diff fluid change

Diffs and Transfer case you just open fill cap, then drain plug, then let it drain. Once empty you put back the drain plug and fill until the fill hole and you're done.

The only tricky part are new washers, which you need to get beforehand, and picking the oil. The Toyota transfer case is called 'magic oil' due to its price, but I'd stick with that.

Thanks!!!
I hope I don't have to drop my skids to get them ...

 

[Rjayy505]

this is amazing

 

[kev_runner]

Amazing info in just one post... thanks very much op....

 

[renau001]

Car Care Nut on youtube just posted a spark plug change video with air switching valve mess in the way. Link added to OP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcsPyhn162E

 

[thro1]

This is a fantastic thread. Thanks for creating this!

I noticed it was from 2016 originally. Any differences or recommendations for the latest 2022 models, maybe the last of the 5th gens. Didn't know if all held true for 2010-2022.

Many thanks again.

 

[renau001]

This is a fantastic thread. Thanks for creating this!

I noticed it was from 2016 originally. Any differences or recommendations for the latest 2022 models, maybe the last of the 5th gens. Didn't know if all held true for 2010-2022.

Many thanks again.

Just check your spark plug part #. Those have changed a bit over the years. I doubt much else is different.

 

[TexasTJ]

Just did first drain and fill I've done on my 4Runner's transmission at ~76k miles. Easier and less time than an oil change. Almost as easy as transfer case fluid change. Also replaced brake fluid, the rears are so easy since the pump prevents the brake cycling.

I'm about to do engine coolant and brake fluid. I noticed in the OP it says to bleed the brakes FR, FL, RR, RL. I thought brakes were bled starting furthest from the master cylinder (RR, RL, FR, FL)?