What tools for front dif fluid change?

[thebrandon]

I was wondering what are the tools needed to accomplish this, not including the skid plate?

I have a 2000 4runner, which I understand will have either a 10 or 12 mm hex that I need. But I don't know what else like swivels or extensions.

Thank you!

 

[jmildoc]

Nothing else is needed. Your good with the hex sockets and a ratchet once you remove the skid plate.

 

[JEL]

Only thing I can think that would make the job easier is a fluid pump, but it's not necessary.

 

[ajonesnv]

Im pretty sure you can get to it fairly easy, possibly with out any extensions or swivels. While you are doing it you might want to extend your diff breather at the same time.

It would be really nice for you to have a fluid transfer pump of sorts, it is very difficult to get a bottle of gear oil in there. In the past I have used a long plastic tube to run up through the wheel well, but its a lot easier to use a pump.

 

[thebrandon]

Oh wow. Much easier than I thought. Thanks for the help everyone!

 

[Ghostrider]

It is not as easy as it seems - at least for me. The upper fill plug is always incredibly tough to get off and part of that is because you cannot get leverage with the car on the ground. I found the best way was to put it up on the ramps so I could really pull down hard. I have no idea why that plug is tough. I torque it to factory specs and the next time it seems like it is at 150 ft lbs. For the past few years I changed it every December since I had some free time and that front diff always was tough

 

[19963.4lsr5]

For my front diff the fill plug requires a Allen wrench or socket.

 

[Swimmerboy2112]

Something to add,

ALWAYS take the fill plug off before the drain plug otherwise if that fill plug gets stuck you have no way of adding fluid.

Also it'd be wise to do the rear diff at the same time. I did my t-case and trans too.

 

[xcmtb83]

The front diff breather is all ready quite high.


I would make sure to replace the drain plug with a 10mm vs the shallow 12mm hex one so removal is easier next time you replace the oil. I used a drain plug off of a 2nd gen Tacoma.

 

[JWaldz]

here's everything you need to know.. 4Runner Front Diff Fluid Change

 

[TheDurk]

I would make sure to replace the drain plug with a 10mm vs the shallow 12mm hex one so removal is easier next time you replace the oil. I used a drain plug off of a 2nd gen Tacoma.

Is the old one really better? My understanding is that the only one Toyota now sells is the newer design 12mm hex for that application. I have the 12mm on my '99 and no problems in 13 years. Plenty of people have rounded off the 10mm plug based on reports I have seen here.

What does Toyota currently sell for the 2G Tacos?

 

[xcmtb83]

The 2nd gen Taco uses the 10mm. The 10mm has a greater depth/width ratio for the hex pocket. This engages a hex driver or allen wrench much better. Congratulations if yours has not been rounded out in 13 years. I was oh so lucky enough to buy a T4R that had been rounded out like a SOB.