Wxm

I read on this forum that the transfer drain and fill plug torqued at 36 ft-lb on the 3rd gen rx350. Can someone have the factory service manual confirm that? 36 ft-lb feels high for aluminum transfer case ( I assume it is aluminum, right?). My LX only call for 27ft-lb. thanks in advance.

Clutchless

Either will work. The case will not be damaged with only 9 pounds difference. Toyota is built better than that.
I just tightened it by feel, got it snug based on years of changing car fluid. Key is not to over-tighten but just enough to crush the washer a bit.
I do not trust most torque wrenches at that low a setting after breaking a manifold stud on a Mazda following their specs.

Here are instructions for the Highlander which is our twin, it probably has the specs somewhere: http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/12...ml#post2959747

Wxm

Just an update as I just did another transfer case and rear diff flush drain/refill. Last time I did this was 50k miles ago. The transfer case fluid came out pretty clean with transparent clear. The rear diff fluid is quite dark. So I might keep the same 50k-60k miles interval based on my unscientific measurement. One thing I should mention is that the rear axle drain plug was quite rusted from the north east american harsh weather condition. It probably is a good thing to replace it when you work on the rear axle refill. I did not prepare for a spare, and ended up using one of the plug for my Land Cruiser (#90341-18021), it is slightly longer than the OEM, but seems to be OK.