T-case swap in my '00 SR5

[fasterdammit]

Unfortunately, this isn't an 'unplanned upgrade opportunity' - I'm just replacing a busted t-case w/ the stock part; got a boneyard find that came dry & have a couple questions before I start unscrewing things ...

• Is there a preferred ATF (I assume) for the t-case & how much does it take?
• Anything I need to keep an eye on, swapping it out (besides don't drop it on my head)?
• I've searched, but I haven't found any write-ups on swapping the t-case. Should I take pictures & document as I go?

Has anybody rebuilt their t-case?

 

[Doc2012]

1) You DO NOT put ATF in your t-case. You put gear oil in it. 75-90W

2) As long as it shifts and spins, you've got nothing wo worry about.

3) It's not that hard. Disconnect any electronics that are going to the t-case. Take the 6-8 12mm bolts out, wiggle the t-case loose, then lower it, lift the other up, make sure it's on the output shaft, and insert removed bolts, and re connect electronics.

That easy.

 

[fasterdammit]

1) You DO NOT put ATF in your t-case. You put gear oil in it. 75-90W

2) As long as it shifts and spins, you've got nothing wo worry about.

3) It's not that hard. Disconnect any electronics that are going to the t-case. Take the 6-8 12mm bolts out, wiggle the t-case loose, then lower it, lift the other up, make sure it's on the output shaft, and insert removed bolts, and re connect electronics.

That easy.

Glad I asked!!

I kind of hoped it was as simple as it looked ... I just figured I'd check & make sure there weren't any hidden punchlines. Cool - thanks for confirming (and especially the gear oil tip!)

 

[fasterdammit]

duh ... meant to ask if there's a preferred flavor of gear oil? I'm of a mind to go w/ synthetic. I see Amsoil & Royal Purple have it; I have to assume Mobil 1. I realize this is like asking what's the best color for a 4Runner (IJM, of course) but I figured I'd put it out there anyway.

And - how much do I need for the T-case? About 2-3qts until it's near full?

 

[fasterdammit]

duh ... meant to ask if there's a preferred flavor of gear oil? I'm of a mind to go w/ synthetic. I see Amsoil & Royal Purple have it; I have to assume Mobil 1. I realize this is like asking what's the best color for a 4Runner (IJM, of course) but I figured I'd put it out there anyway.

And - how much do I need for the T-case? About 2-3qts until it's near full?

Following up: went with Lucas synthetic 75-90w. The T-case takes about 40oz (1.25 bottles). Did the transmission a couple days later, and that takes almost double. Fill 'til the level of fluid reaches the bottom of the fill hole.

Do yourself a favor, when draining - crack open the fill hole first, before you pull the drain plug. I don't know if it'll go faster (wasn't exactly timing it) but it'll at least flow out nice & evenly instead of going glub-glub-glub and spitting the oil out between gasps for air.