Noob trying to change his diff and x case oil question

hgill

Member
2006 4Runner 4WD V8

Hey guys, this is FIRST ever time attempting to do any type of maintenance work on any of my cars. Ive been reading through various threads and ensuring I know as much as possible before trying this. I just picked up all the items in the pics below for my first ever (my first attempt not the trucks first) oil change, differential fluid and transfer case oil change, air filter change, and cabin filter change.
I have most of the tools needed for the job with the exception of a torque wrench which I plan to go buy later on today.

Questions:
1. The stealership told me that I needed to add the entire bottle of limited slip differential additive to the rear differential oil (is this correct?).
2. The parts person was also very confused with the crush washers. As you can see I have 6 of them, but are they suppose to be 3 different ones (see pic)
3. I have 6 quarts of Mobil 75w-90 along with the bottle of additive. Is that sufficient since the front and transfer take total of 3 and rear takes 3.2 quarts. I assumed i should be ok if i was adding the entire bottle of the additive.
4. Any recommendation on type of grease to use to lubricate the propeller shaft.

It seems a lot of work to take on for a noob but I think I can work on it one at a time and I've seen some great write ups on here, so for the most part I should be fine. Any advice would help. Thanks
 

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I didn't know that the 4WDs needed a limited-slip additive. Is there a difference between the V8 and V6?

As far being a noob, just take your time and do each item step by step, keep track of each nut and bolt that you remove, and clean up as you go! I found that keeping my work area clean adds a little time, but makes it much more enjoyable!

Good luck!


Sent from Doozi's iPhone using Tapatalk!
 
Questions:
1. The stealership told me that I needed to add the entire bottle of limited slip differential additive to the rear differential oil (is this correct?).
See, this is why it's good to do as much work as you can, yourself. No additive is necessary except to add to that dealerships revenue.
2. The parts person was also very confused with the crush washers. As you can see I have 6 of them, but are they suppose to be 3 different ones (see pic)
Use any that match what comes off, otherwise just flip the old one over.
3. I have 6 quarts of Mobil 75w-90 along with the bottle of additive. Is that sufficient since the front and transfer take total of 3 and rear takes 3.2 quarts. I assumed i should be ok if i was adding the entire bottle of the additive.
Return the additive and get another quart of 75w-90.
4. Any recommendation on type of grease to use to lubricate the propeller shaft.
You might as well round out your collection and use Mobil 1.

....
 
thanks Doozi and JB. I had a feeling that additive stuff didn't sound right because I read through numerous threads and did not recall reading that. I will go grab another quart of Mobil 75w-90. Also have to go find a decent torque wrench.
 
The bronze colored washer on the left is the Front diff DRAIN gasket
The 2 in the middle are for the Center Diff, DRAIN & FILL
The 3 on the right are for : Rear Diff DRAIN & FILL, Front Diff Fill Gasket


ETA : If you lower, remove the Spare, you'll have a more room to get to the rear diff.
Go pick up one of the $4-6 pumps that fit on the oil containers. You'll thank me when you are done.

Something along the lines of this : http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Autotec-Gallon-hand-pump/_/N-26fv?counter=1&filterByKeyWord=hand+pump&fromString=search&itemIdentifier=940782_0_0_
 
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I'm bout to change the fluids in my diffs soon as well.... can somone please confirm that you DO NOT need to add an additive.
I read before someone changed their rear diff oil, and did not add the additive and had some major issues after.
 
I'm bout to change the fluids in my diffs soon as well.... can somone please confirm that you DO NOT need to add an additive.
I read before someone changed their rear diff oil, and did not add the additive and had some major issues after.

You do NOT need that additive in the 4 wheel drive V8.
 
I done all three of my diffs and both shafts about a year ago with AmsOil fluids and grease.
They did not spec any LS additive at all. No problems encountered. Be sure and remove the fill plugs first, then the drain plugs. You do not want to drain first, only to discover you cannot fill afterwards. Should only take an hour or so.
 
I'll throw some props to Burt on his suggestion to remove the fill plug first. It's a solid common sense suggestion that many do it yourself mechanics forget. It ain't no good draining the diff if you can't fill it!
 
I notice you went with Toyota filters. That's OK but could save some bucks by making your own cabin filters. I buy a quality allergen pleated furnace filter, then cut into four individual cabin filters. Those with allergies will want to ride in your 4Runner when the pollen starts to fly!
 
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Safe to say the same would be true with the v6 4wd?

I have the V6 4WD, changed the fluid in all three cases and put in Mobil One gear oil, and I did NOT add the Limited Slip additive and mine runs as smooth as butter.

You do NOT need the additive, IMHO.
 
I've read the section of the manual about diff fluids and it does not say anything anywhere about a limited slip additive that i can recall. V6 or V8.
 
Doesn't the fact that the Mobil 1 75w-90 says LS on it signify that it is ok for limited slips even though the runner doesn't have that feature?
 
Doesn't the fact that the Mobil 1 75w-90 says LS on it signify that it is ok for limited slips even though the runner doesn't have that feature?

Yes it is fine. My 08 V6 requires LS additive in the tcase only the rear diff is an open diff with no additive needed. The Mobil1 LS comes with the additive in it. Works fine.
 
I went back and returned the additive and picked up another quart of 75w-90. Also bought the pump mentioned by d_clark and also picked up this torque wrench (pic below). its the Craftsman Digitork 5-80ft lbs 3/8inc.

Now hoping the weather is somewhat good outside so i can work on the truck tom. Its been nasty weather here for a few days.
 

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...picked up this torque wrench (pic below). its the Craftsman Digitork 5-80ft lbs 3/8inc.

I have a very old Digitork that goes to 75lbs. The wheel lug nuts call for 85lbs so I set it for max and give each one a little extra nudge. Works out just fine.

Remember to leave it at a low number when storing (10lbs or so) so it will keep good calibration. The manual should address this.
 
Damn weather. Been raining all day with crazy winds. Will try to work on the truck as soon as weather clears. I was able to change out the air filter and the cabin filter. Also bought the craftsman 3 ton jack stands from sears and a friend of mine had a jack laying around that I yanked off him. So now all set to go, minus the weather.
 

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