Servicing the differential/transfer case?

dynamo · 11-29-2004, 01:56 PM

While out in the snow this weekend, I had a bit of a hard time getting turning on the 4x4 with the shifter. Since this is my first 4x4 car (things are so much simpler with front wheel drive), I didn't reall know what the problem was. A buddy of mine that was with me told me that I should be servicing my differential and transfer case every 15K miles for optimal operation. However, he didn't even know what service needs to be performed, etc.

Could someone please let me know if the 15K number is correct, and what service do I need to perform to keep it in good shape?

TIA

4Runner4Christ · 11-29-2004, 02:01 PM

See this thread...

http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=44792

dynamo · 11-29-2004, 02:07 PM

Thank you. Is there a writeup anywhere with instructions on how to do it?

4Runner4Christ · 11-29-2004, 02:15 PM

Just this one, but it is for a 5-speed tranny...

http://www.4runners.org/articles/difftsf/

dynamo · 11-29-2004, 02:20 PM

Bummer, mine is an auto. I guess it's time to pick up a FSM. Thanks for the help.

keisur · 11-29-2004, 02:30 PM

it would be cheaper to go to the local auto store and pick up a haynes. aside from that it's not that difficult. just find the drain plug on the tranny bottom and the fill plug on the side. undo the fill plug, then undo the drain plug. once it's drained, torque the drain plug back on and fill just like bob does in that write up. then torque on the fill plug and drive away.

dynamo · 11-29-2004, 02:38 PM

Do you need a pump to put the fluid in? On my civic, I could do either a pump, or run a hose from the top and fill the fluid in that way, but I don't know how it works on the 4Runner.

leebee · 11-29-2004, 02:43 PM

hey dynamo!

if you are refering to changing out the fluids, all you should be doing is draining the old and refilling with new of the proper grade. if you dont already have one, pick up a hayes or chiltons manual as they should have all the info you need. if you wish to service your auto tranny, im sure the search area would generate a plethora of posts to check out. follow the procedure bob outlined in his tech write up and you are good to go.

lee

dynamo · 11-29-2004, 02:49 PM

Is Bob's writeup the same one that was posted above for the manual tranny?

keisur · 11-29-2004, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dynamo

Do you need a pump to put the fluid in? On my civic, I could do either a pump, or run a hose from the top and fill the fluid in that way, but I don't know how it works on the 4Runner.

it helps, but there's always ways to not use one. it's just not fun in some cases.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dynamo

Is Bob's writeup the same one that was posted above for the manual tranny?

Yes, that is Bob "the write-up freak."

leebee · 11-29-2004, 06:29 PM

hehehe, use the pump! if you use the hose from the top, youll lose quite a bit of gear lube. unless you have extremely quick reflexes to pull the hose out of the fill hole and plug the end before any gear lube leaks everywhere!

lee

Bob_98SR5 · 11-29-2004, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dynamo

Bummer, mine is an auto. I guess it's time to pick up a FSM. Thanks for the help.

dynamo,

look in the maintenance forum. at the top, there's a stickied thread w/ a link to toyota's online FSM page. you can download your entire manual for $10. whadda bargain!

bob

Bob_98SR5 · 11-29-2004, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keisur

Yes, that is Bob "the write-up freak."

keisur,

i feel the love

bob

keisur · 11-29-2004, 06:50 PM

das cuz your write-ups are the best on the web!

4Runner4Christ · 11-29-2004, 06:58 PM

Do you guys replace the drain & fill gaskets each time you change the fluids on the diff & xfer case?

keisur · 11-29-2004, 07:04 PM

I do it if I have a new one. people say to do it every time but I've never had problems with it, I just think it's a pain to go to the dealer everytime just to get one. the engine oil one I do, but the gear oil ones I don't unless I have one.

keisur · 11-29-2004, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob_98SR5

dynamo,

look in the maintenance forum. at the top, there's a stickied thread w/ a link to toyota's online FSM page. you can download your entire manual for $10. whadda bargain!

bob

and here's a link for you guys that are lazy like me, now I'm lazy and po'd for having to go get it and post it myself! j/k.

http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=38266

dynamo · 12-13-2004, 12:15 PM

Nevermind,I figured it out. Thanks.

dynamo · 12-13-2004, 03:32 PM

After calling several shops and reading several writeups, I am still confused about the quantity of each fluid. According to an Amsoil rep I just talked to, I need 7qt 75/90 gear oil, and 8qt of the ATF.

However, when I read the write up posted above, I only see 2.6qt of gear fluid for the rear diff, 1.1qt for the transfer case, and 1.2qt for the front diff (didn't even know my 2000 had one?). That totals to about 4.9qt, which is still less than 7.

He also said I need 8qt of the tranny fluid, and the write up states that I need 2.3qt.

Can someone please clarify this for me?

keisur · 12-13-2004, 03:34 PM

7 quarts is way too much. it should be closer to 2 for each of both the front and the rear diff. with the front diff taking a little less. he must have been giving you a total number of quarts needed to replace the fluid in all of those components. hte tranny I ain't sure about since it's an auto and mine and bob's are manuals.

check this site for the capacities of an automatic tranny:

http://www.top4runners.com/ja/synthetic.html

dynamo · 12-13-2004, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keisur

7 quarts is way too much. it should be closer to 2 for each of both the front and the rear diff. with the front diff taking a little less. he must have been giving you a total number of quarts needed to replace the fluid in all of those components. hte tranny I ain't sure about since it's an auto and mine and bob's are manuals.

check this site for the capacities of an automatic tranny:

http://www.top4runners.com/ja/synthetic.html

Thanks! I'm calling the Amsoil rep to clarify. During the first phonecall, he quoted me $168 for the whole thing. Does that sound a unreasonable? Redline from my local parts store is only $8/qt - is Amsoil really that expensive?

11-29-2004, 01:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
dynamo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: NorCal Posts: 102	Servicing the differential/transfer case? While out in the snow this weekend, I had a bit of a hard time getting turning on the 4x4 with the shifter. Since this is my first 4x4 car (things are so much simpler with front wheel drive), I didn't reall know what the problem was. A buddy of mine that was with me told me that I should be servicing my differential and transfer case every 15K miles for optimal operation. However, he didn't even know what service needs to be performed, etc. Could someone please let me know if the 15K number is correct, and what service do I need to perform to keep it in good shape? TIA

11-29-2004, 02:01 PM	#2 (permalink)
4Runner4Christ Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Midwest Posts: 391	See this thread... http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=44792 __________________ Black 99 4Runner 4WD . Mods: 1" Cornfed lift with LT265-75 AT's, Deckplate mod, Rear Diff Breather mod, 100% Amsoil, FIAMM horn mod, Husky's, '01 taillight mod, & others. 135K Miles, new TimingBelt-H20 Pump-SpPlugs. <>< Got Eternity?

11-29-2004, 02:15 PM	#4 (permalink)
4Runner4Christ Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Midwest Posts: 391	Just this one, but it is for a 5-speed tranny... http://www.4runners.org/articles/difftsf/ __________________ Black 99 4Runner 4WD . Mods: 1" Cornfed lift with LT265-75 AT's, Deckplate mod, Rear Diff Breather mod, 100% Amsoil, FIAMM horn mod, Husky's, '01 taillight mod, & others. 135K Miles, new TimingBelt-H20 Pump-SpPlugs. <>< Got Eternity?

11-29-2004, 02:30 PM	#6 (permalink)
keisur Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 5,376	it would be cheaper to go to the local auto store and pick up a haynes. aside from that it's not that difficult. just find the drain plug on the tranny bottom and the fill plug on the side. undo the fill plug, then undo the drain plug. once it's drained, torque the drain plug back on and fill just like bob does in that write up. then torque on the fill plug and drive away. __________________ "When the seagulls follow the trawler, it's because they think sardines will be thrown in to the sea" - Eric Cantona

11-29-2004, 02:43 PM	#8 (permalink)
leebee Contributing Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: marlbank, canada Posts: 1,591	hey dynamo! if you are refering to changing out the fluids, all you should be doing is draining the old and refilling with new of the proper grade. if you dont already have one, pick up a hayes or chiltons manual as they should have all the info you need. if you wish to service your auto tranny, im sure the search area would generate a plethora of posts to check out. follow the procedure bob outlined in his tech write up and you are good to go. lee __________________ 93 sr5 v6 auto, 4x4, manual hubs, dayton timberline mt's 31 10.5 15's. http://tlca.org # 15118 www.of4wd.com # 2270 www.phoenixrising.ca

11-29-2004, 02:07 PM	#3 (permalink)
dynamo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: NorCal Posts: 102	Thank you. Is there a writeup anywhere with instructions on how to do it?

11-29-2004, 02:20 PM	#5 (permalink)
dynamo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: NorCal Posts: 102	Bummer, mine is an auto. I guess it's time to pick up a FSM. Thanks for the help.

11-29-2004, 02:38 PM	#7 (permalink)
dynamo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: NorCal Posts: 102	Do you need a pump to put the fluid in? On my civic, I could do either a pump, or run a hose from the top and fill the fluid in that way, but I don't know how it works on the 4Runner.

11-29-2004, 02:49 PM	#9 (permalink)
dynamo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: NorCal Posts: 102	Is Bob's writeup the same one that was posted above for the manual tranny?

11-29-2004, 06:29 PM	#11 (permalink)
leebee Contributing Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: marlbank, canada Posts: 1,591	hehehe, use the pump! if you use the hose from the top, youll lose quite a bit of gear lube. unless you have extremely quick reflexes to pull the hose out of the fill hole and plug the end before any gear lube leaks everywhere! lee __________________ 93 sr5 v6 auto, 4x4, manual hubs, dayton timberline mt's 31 10.5 15's. http://tlca.org # 15118 www.of4wd.com # 2270 www.phoenixrising.ca

11-29-2004, 06:50 PM	#14 (permalink)
keisur Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 5,376	das cuz your write-ups are the best on the web! __________________ "When the seagulls follow the trawler, it's because they think sardines will be thrown in to the sea" - Eric Cantona

11-29-2004, 06:58 PM	#15 (permalink)
4Runner4Christ Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Midwest Posts: 391	Do you guys replace the drain & fill gaskets each time you change the fluids on the diff & xfer case? __________________ Black 99 4Runner 4WD . Mods: 1" Cornfed lift with LT265-75 AT's, Deckplate mod, Rear Diff Breather mod, 100% Amsoil, FIAMM horn mod, Husky's, '01 taillight mod, & others. 135K Miles, new TimingBelt-H20 Pump-SpPlugs. <>< Got Eternity?

11-29-2004, 07:04 PM	#16 (permalink)
keisur Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 5,376	I do it if I have a new one. people say to do it every time but I've never had problems with it, I just think it's a pain to go to the dealer everytime just to get one. the engine oil one I do, but the gear oil ones I don't unless I have one. __________________ "When the seagulls follow the trawler, it's because they think sardines will be thrown in to the sea" - Eric Cantona

12-13-2004, 12:15 PM	#18 (permalink)
dynamo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: NorCal Posts: 102	Nevermind,I figured it out. Thanks. Last edited by dynamo : 12-13-2004 at 12:17 PM.

12-13-2004, 03:32 PM	#19 (permalink)
dynamo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: NorCal Posts: 102	After calling several shops and reading several writeups, I am still confused about the quantity of each fluid. According to an Amsoil rep I just talked to, I need 7qt 75/90 gear oil, and 8qt of the ATF. However, when I read the write up posted above, I only see 2.6qt of gear fluid for the rear diff, 1.1qt for the transfer case, and 1.2qt for the front diff (didn't even know my 2000 had one?). That totals to about 4.9qt, which is still less than 7. He also said I need 8qt of the tranny fluid, and the write up states that I need 2.3qt. Can someone please clarify this for me?

12-13-2004, 03:34 PM	#20 (permalink)
keisur Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 5,376	7 quarts is way too much. it should be closer to 2 for each of both the front and the rear diff. with the front diff taking a little less. he must have been giving you a total number of quarts needed to replace the fluid in all of those components. hte tranny I ain't sure about since it's an auto and mine and bob's are manuals. check this site for the capacities of an automatic tranny: http://www.top4runners.com/ja/synthetic.html __________________ "When the seagulls follow the trawler, it's because they think sardines will be thrown in to the sea" - Eric Cantona Last edited by keisur : 12-13-2004 at 03:38 PM.