Transfer case & Differential fluids?

[msanta]

Hi everyone! I hope you had a restful weekend. My project for this week is to change the transfer case and the differential fluids but I don't know where to begin. I have a 4WD V8 and don't know what to look for under the truck. Where are these parts located and what do they look like? How easy it is to change the fluids? Is it as easy as changing the engine oil? Any suggestions would be appreciated

 

[redwhisky5150]

This may not help...

Correct me if Im wrong, but something tells me that you shouldnt be under the hood of your own car.

 

[bulldog-yota]

Just search it has been discussed a few times.

 

[Koz]

I suggest you get a repair manual.

Koz

 

[Jim_Chow]

First, before you start, make sure you can loosen the fill bolt BEFORE you remove the drain bolt so if in the event you can't, you won't have an empty xfer case/diff and an undriveable rig (and can have the dealer do it)! Second, use 6 pt sockets...too easy to strip tight bolts w/ 12 pt sockets (and those bolts seem to be installed really tight at the factory). Third, buy the OEM crush washers before you start. Fourth, you'll need some kind of device to get the fluid into the side fill bolt, at least a pvc tube and funnel or electric drill pump and tubing. Make sure you have the correct GL rating, as diff fluid is different than transfer case fluid.

 

[msanta]

Thanks Jim, this is definitely a good start! Great tips too! Do you recommend putting the truck on stands? Now, the transfer assembly is right behind the tranny and the differentials are in the front and rear.

 

[02SE]

If you want to do these services on your own vehicle, and don't have any prior experience, get the factory service manual for your specific vehicle.

Yes they are expensive, but they're cheaper than having the stealer do the services.

Your owners manual should state what oil is required in the different components.

If you were to put the vehicle up on stands, it has to be level front-to-back, and side-to-side. Otherwise you won't get the oil level correct in the diffs, and transfer case.

It's not difficult to do, if you have the right tools, oil, and knowledge of how to do it.

Good luck.

 

[Koz]

Look at this post, it may help.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=9054&highlight=gear+oil

Koz

 

[toybox]

Make sure you have the correct GL rating, as diff fluid is different than transfer case fluid.

On the '03 they seem to be about the same just a slightly different weight.

Transfer takes 75w-90 and on the V6 the front diff gets the same, and the rear gets 80w-90. On the V8 the diffs get 80w-90 front and rear. I just put 75w-90 in all three.