Lessons learned for new owners.....

[montana_jeepn]

Lesson learned tonight.....if your new 4runner has 100k+ and you are changing fluids for the first time, buy new plugs and gaskets.

I had to use an impact on my front diff and of course stripped it. Fortunately the plug broke loose first. Two days before I get the new plug. Glad this isn't my only vehicle. (3rd gen hasn't sold yet)

Also, don't trust the prior owner (dealership, etc) if they said they "just changed the oil". The Land Rover dealer I bought mine from left the bolt close to hand tight and no gasket. And who knows what oil they put in there.

Hope this prevents someone from having a bad experience

 

[montana_jeepn]

Oh, and always pull the fill plug first. That way you can drive it to a professional if needed.

 

[JEL]

Yeah that front diff drain is a royal pain in the ass, I PB Blastered mine 3 times after reading the horror stories, and barely got it off before it totally rounded out. The oil in there was only in there 30k according to dealer records, and it still looked good, but the doofus who did it before must have really wrenched it on. Glad I got all my fluids changed (except rear diff, that's this weekend) out last month, peace of mind to know everything is new, high quality, and topped to the proper level with washers in place.

 

[Dylan]

Here's a good reference for changing the fluids in the diffs and t-case, as well as the corresponding necessary crush washers.

Changing Differential & Transfer Case Fluids

 

[montana_jeepn]

Here's a good reference for changing the fluids in the diffs and t-case, as well as the corresponding necessary crush washers.

Changing Differential & Transfer Case Fluids

Very helpful! Thanks!

 

[Entourage]

Ive found that if you get a hammer in there and tap on the diff bolts in front it tends to loosen them up a bit. Plus a quality 10mm Allen socket and brake clean to clean the plug before loosening it will help greatly.

 

[toyo]

Leverage. Leverage my friends.

 

[HokieRunner]

Ive found that if you get a hammer in there and tap on the diff bolts in front it tends to loosen them up a bit. Plus a quality 10mm Allen socket and brake clean to clean the plug before loosening it will help greatly.

This ^^^^^ Clean it out, tap the socket in LIGHTLY to get it fully seated (don't go all Thor on it) and then grab a breaker bar and voila!