I'm about to flush my tranny fluid this weekend and was thinking about changing the differential fluid too. I haven't even taken a look at the casing, so I don't know what condition it's really in.

Assuming that there are no signs of leakage on the outside of the diff, should I bother swapping out the gasket or just do the drain and refill and call it a day?

ALSO - What type of fluid should I be using for the diff?

thx!

 

I just did the drain and refill, the owners manual should tell you the correct weight, I chose a premium full synthetic.

 

drain and refill...every 30K i do it

 

i just drained and fill mines 700 miles ago..just make sure you get the fill plug off before you do the drain plug. i used the 75w90 mobil one transmission fluid.

 

Where do yall get the fluid from? toyota? auto zone?

 

^^^If you really want to be picky about it use 80w-90 Toyota based fluid. You can buy the other stuff at any parts store easy to get your hands on. If the diff casing is leaking replace the pinion seal if that is leaking and just use gasket maker for the access panel on the back side. Not cake job BTW if your wanting to do it. More info--->

TYPE: GL-5
VISCOSITY:
Preferred 80W-90
OK for temperatures below -18°C (0°F) 80W
OK for temperatures above -18°C (0°F) 90
CAPACITY: 1.3 Liters (2.6 US pints)

 

got mines from autozone. about $8 a bottle, you need two and a hand pump.

 

What size are the (what appears to be Allen wrench) fill and drain plug bolts on the diff?

I took a look at it yesterday as I was finishing up the tranny drain and fill and knew right then that I didn't have the tools necessary to get the plugs out.

 

Anyone changed their diff fluid recently? I'm gunna do it this week, looking for tips. Thanks

 

Heads up, the fluid is going to smell really, really bad. Prepare yourself.

 

size is 10mm 92 sc300

 

I just did this last week using the 80-90 valvoline from autozone and everything is silky smooth. Get 2 bottles, but you won't use it all.

Here is a quick tip: Jack up your pass side rear, cut the bottle tip, using your index finger cap the bottle tip holding the bottle upside down. Now you are ready to pour he gear oil in the diff.

Position the bottle between suspension control arms, keeping it upside down once you got it in a position to pour it in the fill hole release your finger and let it flow resting the bottle at a 45*

 

No idea when the last time mines been changed. If its ever been changed :\ I gotta change it whenever I can, its just getting so cold out. I hate Wisconsin.

 

Move to FL



My diff might be leaking too, anyone ever changed the gasket?

 

For people who hasn't done this yet, you will be surprised how many grams of metal shavings you'll find on the magnetic drain plug.
I recommend doing this more often like every 30k miles like someone already mentioned.