Rear Diff Oil Change Question '08

[BIG]

I have a 2008 2WD V6 4Runner I just bought with approx. 43k miles. I would like to change my rear differential oil. I would like to know what type of fluid to use and what is the capacity?
Mine as the "auto limited slip differental" (Maybe all 08's have this) and it has a tag on the fill plug of the rear diff saying something the effect that it uses a "special" oil. I just want to be sure and use the correct fluid.

 

[<<<<]

There is no special fluid. Just use 75w-90 Limited Slip type IV to V API rated stuff. As for capacity: 2.7 US Quarts.

 

[asm]

Actually, instead of 75W-90, my 2006 manual suggest SAE 90 for above -18C degree. 80W-90 for below -18C.

75W-90 may be on the thin side especially if you live in the sun belt.

B

 

[lost_in_the_woo]

Try Royal Purple

I have run Royal Purple for years and I have been very happy with it. I put in the 75W-90 and no friction adder is required for your limited slip.

 

[jstutz101]

More important then what kind of oil to use is be sure to remove the fill bolt first before the drain! I just did mine a few weeks ago and it was super tight. After it came out the rest was easy.

 

[echo4tango]

I do not like amsoil ENGINE oil but they do make very good gear oil. Amsoil is what i use in all my diffs

 

[BIG]

Thanks to all. I guess all 4th Gen 4Runners have a limited slip type diff and need the oil with the additive to protect the LSD? I know my 08 button on the dash is different than the 07 and older models that have a button that say "Auto LSD". Even though the buttons read different, I guess the rear diffs are the same?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Thanks to all. I guess all 4th Gen 4Runners have a limited slip type diff and need the oil with the additive to protect the LSD? No. No 4th gen needs the additive, 2wd or 4wd. I know my 08 button on the dash is different than the 07 and older models that have a button that say "Auto LSD". Even though the buttons read different, I guess the rear diffs are the same?

As far as the fluid is concerned all the differentials in the 4th gens are 'open-diffs' (non-limited-slip). If you happen to have coveted TE with the locking rear diff that still doesn't require the limited-slip additive. The only limited-slip type diffs that require the additive pack are clutch-type limited-slips.


All the 4th gens 'limited-slip' action is created by the brakes, the Torsen diff in the t-case or a no-slip locking mechanism not clutches in the differential.
:cheers:

 

[airfranz]

What does the "TE" designation for the locking diff, where can this be found, at the beginning of the VIN....ie. JTE.....? I have an 06 sport with a button on the dash to the left of the steering wheel that has an X on the transfer case and four corresponding wheels. When its depressed, the same symbol illuminates by the fuel gauge.
Getting ready for my 90k mile service and the stealer told me that the diff fluid is special and cost $400 to drain and fill....??? Any thoughts..?? Thank you

 

[CJ3Flyr]

What does the "TE" designation for the locking diff, where can this be found, at the beginning of the VIN....ie. JTE.....? '09 was the only 4th gen TE (Trail Edition model). I have an 06 sport with a button on the dash to the left of the steering wheel that has an X on the transfer case and four corresponding wheels. When its depressed, the same symbol illuminates by the fuel gauge. That's the lock for the center-diff.
Getting ready for my 90k mile service and the stealer told me that the diff fluid is special and cost $400 to drain and fill....??? Any thoughts..?? The dealer needs to get off of crack. Thank you

If all they are doing is a t-case, rear and front axle fluid change that requires 7 qts of fluid that costs $8-$12/qt and 1 hour.

I know you're not asking about DIY but skim this and it'll give you an idea of what they're doing.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/maint...ntial-transfer-case-fluids-pics-included.html

 

[KB084RUNNER]

Getting ready for my 90k mile service and the stealer told me that the diff fluid is special and cost $400 to drain and fill....??? Any thoughts..?? Thank you

$400 for 7 quarts of oil? Tell them :flipoff: Then find another dealer or independent shop or DIY. I did mine in 2 hours and it took 7 quarts of Mobil1 75w90LS gear oil from autozone for $72. Plus the crush washers for the front dif, tcase and rear diff for $15. $300 for labor is a bit steep.