My mechanic quoted me $150 to do it. Is it hard? I did it on my ‘99 4Runner but not sure about the LC. Is it much different?
Front/rear diff fluid replaced with interesting results
- Thread starter berry802
- Start date
I replaced the front and rear diff fluid and the transfer case all in the same day. These are drain and fill operations and about as easy as it gets. The front diff requires a 10 mm hex key, but the transfer case and rear diff just need the correct size socket. Always remove the fill hole bolt first (because, you know, it would be terrible to drain first and discover you can't refill.) I used Amsoil for the diffs and Red Line for the transfer case. The Amsoil comes in squeeze bags which are easy to use when filling both the diffs. The Red Line required me to use a fluid transfer pump (which I already had). This is about as easy as it gets for fluid changes.
Thank you. I was wondering how hard it is to access the fill and drain plugs. The process does sound easy.
Can you give us the reference links of Amsoil oil (for front and rear diff) and Red Line oil (for transfer case) ? Many thanks.
Instead of pump, I use this giant 500cc syringe. It is super clean. I did oil changes very regularly for all diffs and transfer case of my Gwagon. I will do the same for my LC
This is what I use, works great with not even a drop spilled and has adapters for various transmissions and thread sizes, if an adapter won't thread in then just use the hose. Pumps 85W gear oil middle of winter without issue.
Transmission Service Kit Fluid Transfer Pump - Powered by an Air Ratch
Transmission Service Kit Fluid Transfer Pump - Powered by an Air Ratch
Did you use the same weight for all three (75W-85)? Thanks
No, the front and rear diff take the same weight (75W-85 GL5 fluid), but the transfer case uses a different fluid. I used Red Line MT-LV for the transfer case which is compatible with Toyota OEM fluid.
Thank you
That's a nice pump!
Amsoil Severe Gear 75W-85 (often out of stock, so plan ahead.)
Red Line MT-LV
For the LC:
The Red Line lists compatibility with the following Toyota/Lexus parts:
Toyota MT Gear Oil LV 75W
Toyota 08885-81007
Toyota 08885-81040
Toyota/Lexus transfer case fluid "Genuine Gear Oil LF 75W“ 08885-81080
Toyota/Scion Manual Transmission Oil LV
Toyota/Scion 08885-81001
Super helpful. Thanks!
I did all the fluids, all of them at 2k mi at the dealer i bought the vehicle from and have learned to trust.
The vehicle did run better and smoother, now has 10k mi.
Will it change the long term condition and reliability, maybe, maybe it wont matter, but i know i did everything possible to insure that. An engineers obsession with PMs and error on the safe side.
The vehicle did run better and smoother, now has 10k mi.
Will it change the long term condition and reliability, maybe, maybe it wont matter, but i know i did everything possible to insure that. An engineers obsession with PMs and error on the safe side.
Changed my front diff oil today at ~10K on the clock. I was glad I changed it... came out pretty dark, and a bit of swarf and what not on the plug. Used the Amsoil in the bag with a tube to refill and it worked out well.
I just had mine done today at 17k miles. We’ve done a little off roading and pulled a small trailer for about 1,500 miles. The front diff came out looking really clean. Hardly anything on the magnet. My mechanic said it would have been fine to go 30k miles. He said it looked perfectly fine. It was a little dark at first but the stuff at the end looked brand new. My mechanic only works on Toyotas and he specializes in older rigs like Land Cruisers. He said the 15k interval would only be recommended if I did a LOT of towing with a heavy trailer.
I can answer this now that I've seen it. It's really easy. It's above the engine skid plate, so super easy to access.
Ravenol is the best product out there, research it a bit.
