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How To: Differentials and Transfer Case Fluid Service

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by wnelax04sr5, Feb 13, 2016.

  1. Feb 13, 2016 at 11:36 AM
    #1
    wnelax04sr5

    wnelax04sr5 [OP] New Member

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    This is a step by step guide for how to change the fluids in your front and rear differentials as well as your transfer case. If youre comfortable changing your own oil, this is something you can tackle without any specialty tools.

    Note: All oil quantities are found in the owners manual.
    Front Differential-approx. 1.5 quarts
    Transfer Case-approx. 1.5 quarts
    Rear Differential-approx. 3.2 quarts

    Tools:
    24mm Socket-drain/fill plugs on rear differential and transfer case
    12mm Socket-Front skid plates
    10mm Hex-drain/fill plugs on front differential
    Oil Drain Pan
    Quart pump and hose
    IMG_20160213_105416802.jpg


    Parts:
    Transfer Case Fill Gasket 90430-18008
    Transfer Case Drain Gasket 90430-18008
    Front Differential Fill Gasket 12157-10010
    Front Differential Drain Gasket 90430-24003
    Rear Differential Fill Gasket 12157-10010
    Rear Differential Drain Gasket 12157-10010

    Oil:
    7 Quarts* of 75w-90 gear lubricant is what I used. ranges in price from $5-$15 a quart.
    IMG_20160213_105420263.jpg

    *this will give you extra, I finished with 1.5 quarts leftover

    Rear Differential
    1.Locate the drain and fill plugs on the rear bell
    IMG_20160213_105746015.jpg IMG_20160213_105759502.jpg
    2.Break the FILL PLUG loose FIRST. if you break the drain plug loose first, drain everything out and find out you can't get the fill off, you're in big trouble.
    3.Take out the fill plug, then break loose and remove the drain plug, mine looked like this;
    IMG_20160213_110405240.jpg
    4. Let the oil drain out, 10-15 minutes for everything, mine still had a drip at this point but it was empty enough.
    5. Put on the correct new washers before reinstalling, note that the one with the magnet is the drain plug
    IMG_20160213_110621869.jpg
    6. Attach the pump to the first quart
    IMG_20160213_110940044.jpg
    7. Start pumping! the manual states that both differentials and the transfer case are full when oil drips from the fill hole.
    IMG_20160213_114606535.jpg
    8. Once full, reinstalling and tighten the drain plugs. these don't need to be absurdly tight, hand tight will do, just make sure the washers compress, thats how they work.

    Transfer Case
    1. This process is largely the same as the rear differential, start by breaking loose the fill plug, its to the right of the drain plug, followed by the drain.
    IMG_20160213_112603894.jpg
    2. Let all the oil drain out, replace the washer and reinstall and tighten the drain plug.
    3. Fill the transfer case the same way as the rear differential, until the oil drips from the fill hole.
    4. Replace the washer on the fill plug, reinstall and tighten it.

    Front Differential
    1. The front differential is different only in the washer for the drain plug and the tools needed.
    2. Remove the front skid plate and transmission skid plate. 12mm socket needed for this step
    IMG_20160213_112715090.jpg IMG_20160213_112719537.jpg
    3. The front differential takes a 10mm hex key, be careful to not round off the plugs. A ratchet and hex key works much better than a conventional allen wrench
    IMG_20160213_112549947.jpg
    4. The drain and fill plugs are on the drivers side, drain is to the front of the vehicle, fill is towards the rear. (excuse the crappy pictures, its dark down there)
    IMG_20160213_112631680.jpg IMG_20160213_112644994.jpg
    5. You guessed it, drain the oil out and replace the washer with the new copper one on the drain plug, reinstall and tighten.
    6. Refill oil till it drips from the fill plug, then reinstall and tighten.
    7. Reattach your skid plates, clean up, and go for a test drive!

    Note: This is a good time to cycle through four wheel drive high and low, exercise the transfer case and front differential a little bit to cycle the oil and put some load on the parts.
     
    nimby, baby_razo, Fresbyhaha and 4 others like this.
  2. Feb 13, 2016 at 11:37 AM
    #2
    wnelax04sr5

    wnelax04sr5 [OP] New Member

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    @Bob i got a new one for you!
     
    scottalot likes this.
  3. Feb 14, 2016 at 2:54 PM
    #3
    joeyz

    joeyz New Member

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    Good Info! I will be doing this in the Spring. Got 170K V6 SR5 Auto 4WD...good maintenance practice and easy!
     
  4. Feb 14, 2016 at 4:23 PM
    #4
    wnelax04sr5

    wnelax04sr5 [OP] New Member

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    thanks! i don't know why i didnt do it earlier, so easy. probably the smell lol
     
  5. Oct 23, 2017 at 9:28 PM
    #5
    Racenuke

    Racenuke New Member

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  6. Oct 24, 2017 at 1:40 PM
    #6
    Batmango66

    Batmango66 New Member

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    '06 Limited V8 Shadow Mica | USB Charger | OCD Console Organizer| Int. LEDs | Always on Fogs Mod | added LED strip light foot well | Smokers kit | Always on 115v | Always on 12v Cig. Lighter Mod | By-passed TPS | Wind Deflectors | 3/2 Corn Fed | 18" Moto Metal MO962 0 offset with General Grabber AT2 275/65's | Bilstein 5100's | 15% tint min. | 22" LED Light Bar Behind lower Grill | TINMANS Awesome Front Cup Holder. Yeah, I know it's mostly convenience and looks...
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    https://parts.lakelandtoyota.com/p/...-CASE-LIMITED-PACKAGE/4169540/9034114012.html

    Might be worth a call to the dealer just to double check though...
     
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  7. Jan 31, 2018 at 10:16 AM
    #7
    RingSteel

    RingSteel CH-47C - http://www.geronimos.org

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    Two points of interest since I am presently draining rear diff. Sheesh sure was nasty at 37k!..lol
    1- Soaked both plugs with Kroil for 10 minutes. Plugs just popped very easily.
    Love this stuff, caution do not breath the vapor whew-70's flash backs but bad for lungs lol

    2- good time to use black farm implement paint for the front skid plate! So she looks purty..!

    Nice job thanks for being so OCD and building this thread.....so glad I'm not alone.......did this for my Kioti tractor built OEM style spread sheet...
    anyways sorry bout ramble thank you very much......
     
    scottalot likes this.
  8. Mar 29, 2019 at 4:00 PM
    #8
    scottalot

    scottalot Stockalot

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    Another tip: have an oem replacement plug or two ready for the front diff. Had the same setup on my 2015 Tacoma and they were WAY over tightened from the factory. Had to go buy a large breaker bar to bust loose and almost stripped one.
     
    SonofBert likes this.
  9. Jul 29, 2019 at 3:42 AM
    #9
    captsolo

    captsolo New Member

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    Take it to a shop with a lift if you stripped the plug, then change to 24mm lexus plug, and don't over tighten.

    The OP here looks like he has a rust issue creeping in. Time for maintenance?

    Did my RD in driveway. Took 20 minutes. Two bolts. Simple. Three quarts of Valvoline W80 90 conventional.
    I expect the FD fluid will be cleaner after 150,000 miles. Rear looked ok after 150,000 miles. Will remember to change RD again at 225,000 miles.

    Why do posters panic over this unneeded maintenance - with no Toyota schedule. Overkill, like everything else?

    No one needs to buy expensive synthetic for differentials. Dino is perfect for normal driving - especially if you are ever going to change it again.

    Note: If you have 2WD there is no "front" plug to fill on a differential. 2WD don't have a front differential.
     
    Last edited: Dec 5, 2020
  10. Dec 7, 2019 at 5:39 PM
    #10
    Mohoman

    Mohoman New Member

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    Thanks for the info @wnelax04sr5 make sure everyone torques the drain and fill plug properly;
    Front,
    Drain Plug - 10mm hex bit, 29 ft/lbs
    Fill Plug - 10mm hex bit, 29 ft/lbs
    Fill quantity - 1.5 qts.

    Xfer,
    Drain Plug - 24mm socket, 27 ft/lbs
    Fill Plug - 24mm socket, 27 ft/lbs
    Fill quantity - 1.5 qts.

    Rear,
    Drain Plug - 24mm socket, 36 ft/lbs
    Fill Plug - 24mm socket, 36 ft/lbs
    Fill quantity - 3+ qts. (6.3 pints)


    Can't remember if this is V8 Specific or V6 Specific or both, Cheers!
     
    Last edited: Dec 7, 2019
    k1ng_Snoopy likes this.
  11. Dec 7, 2019 at 5:48 PM
    #11
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    That front drain plug torque spec seems a bit high. Mine only calls for 20fp’s?
     
  12. Dec 7, 2019 at 6:01 PM
    #12
    Mohoman

    Mohoman New Member

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    Appreciate that I also confirmed from my Haynes guide. Hopefully, no one stripped a nut since the last post!
     
  13. Dec 13, 2019 at 8:50 PM
    #13
    sugabear

    sugabear New Member

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    Gonna do this soon on my truck soon since I’m sure previous owner never did it. Replacing fluids with some good old AMSOIL

    C9F878EA-5BA8-4A9E-95D2-90F0C30E71C9.jpg
     
    hangtown, Mohoman and chassis like this.
  14. Feb 20, 2020 at 6:10 AM
    #14
    Fresbyhaha

    Fresbyhaha New Member

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    Great procedure. Thank you. I followed it for rear diff yesterday. Doing front and transfer this weekend. Super helpful!
     
    Mohoman likes this.
  15. Mar 7, 2020 at 5:29 PM
    #15
    Georgia Native

    Georgia Native New Member

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    Thanks. Good write up.
     
  16. Nov 24, 2020 at 9:18 AM
    #16
    hangtown

    hangtown New Member

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    so i have the dreaded stripped drain plug. is the only fix to weld a 12mm hex to the plug? if so, might have to take it to a shop
     
  17. Feb 23, 2022 at 10:09 AM
    #17
    ToyotaRDie

    ToyotaRDie New Member

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    Hi, what transfer case fluid did you use?
     
  18. Feb 23, 2022 at 1:40 PM
    #18
    ToyotaRDie

    ToyotaRDie New Member

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    I also spoke to Toyota and they said they add a product called BG LSII limited slip additive to the diffs and transfer case, along with the 75w90 oil. Is this considered standard or necessary, from your experience?
     
  19. Feb 23, 2022 at 1:46 PM
    #19
    Jynarik

    Jynarik I like boobies

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    Never heard of it unless they’re buying bulk fluid and adding that to bring it to spec (if you talked to dealer)

    I just use Mobil 1 for diffs and royal purple synchromax for transfer.
     
  20. Feb 23, 2022 at 2:26 PM
    #20
    ToyotaRDie

    ToyotaRDie New Member

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    Thanks, I was also surprised to know that they use the additive.
     
  21. Feb 23, 2022 at 2:30 PM
    #21
    ToyotaRDie

    ToyotaRDie New Member

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    Is this the one you use? How many of these bottles do you use?
    upload_2022-2-23_15-30-26.jpg
     
  22. Feb 23, 2022 at 2:41 PM
    #22
    Jynarik

    Jynarik I like boobies

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    yeah. Takes less than 2
     
  23. Feb 24, 2022 at 12:37 PM
    #23
    4-Funner

    4-Funner New Member

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    Do any/all of these apply to the 4.7L V8?
    Unless I just missed it the OP doesn't specify but I assume these are for the 4.0 V6.

    I just spent ~10 minutes on the phone with the only local dealer near me's parts dept and got nowhere. After giving my year and model and asking for a transfer case drain plug gasket all she kept coming up with was a transfer case output shaft seal 90311-41012. She kept asking me if it might be called something else. lol I gave up.
     
  24. Feb 24, 2022 at 12:55 PM
    #24
    iamincrediboy

    iamincrediboy New Member

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  25. Feb 24, 2022 at 1:23 PM
    #25
    4-Funner

    4-Funner New Member

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    Thanks for the reply. So it does appear the same Toyota gasket part numbers do apply to the V8. Thanks.

    After having been burned too many times by aftermarket crap, even by what I used to feel were good brands like Moog and Napa's premium options, I tend to only consider Genuine Toyota or OEM (ex: Aisin, Denso, etc) replacement parts any more, even for something as simple as a fill/drain plug gasket.
    Thanks for this thread. :D
     
  26. Feb 24, 2022 at 3:19 PM
    #26
    Mohoman

    Mohoman New Member

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    12157-10010 TAKES QTY 3 TWO FOR REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND 1 FOR FRONT DIFFERENTIAL
    90430-24003 TAKES QTY 1 FOR FRONT DIFFERENTIAL
    90430-A0003 TAKES QTY 2 TRANSFER CASE

    sorry for the caps, this was a copy and paste. This is what I used for my V8. Cheers!
     
    4-Funner[QUOTED] likes this.
  27. Jun 22, 2022 at 7:13 AM
    #27
    Farmboy1977

    Farmboy1977 New Member

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    Thanks for the info, i need to fix my 4wd actuator & will change the fluid at the same time. Going with Valvoline Synpower 75w90.
    Cheers!
     
  28. Jun 22, 2022 at 9:35 AM
    #28
    Farmboy1977

    Farmboy1977 New Member

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    Has anyone used a gasket maker like Permatex instead of the fiber gaskets?
     
  29. Jun 23, 2022 at 4:20 AM
    #29
    r32

    r32 New Member

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    It should be noted for noobs, the smell of this type of oil is possibly the worst thing you've ever smelled.
     
  30. Jun 23, 2022 at 6:54 AM
    #30
    glwood54

    glwood54 Stop making me buy stuff!

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    Wouldn't it be a lot easier and a lot less messy to just use the correct gaskets?
     
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