Hi all:

Can someone point me towards a good write-up on changing the oil in the front and rear differentials and transfer case? For a '98 Tacoma? I looked around in the write-up and wiki section and found this link but it does not get very specific...wondering if there's another one out there with pics and everything for idiots like me!

 

http://4runners.org/writeups/difftsf/index.html

 

You can get an idea here ...different year, but same concept.

Let me emphasize the importance of opening both plugs before you start. I'll save a potential headache.

 

One of the easiest of all DIY jobs:
Pull out top plug
pull out bottom plug and let it drain
Clean bottom plug, inspect for metal shavings and put plug back in
Fill up to top plug hole (stick your pinky in there to to tell if it's full)
Put top plug back in.
Repeat for other diff and transfer case.

A drill pump or similar will make filling them back up easier.

 

Always remove the fill plug BEFORE the drain plug.

(That way, if you can't get the fill plug out, there's still oil in the diff to drive and get more tools)

 

haha, sounds like you have ran into that issue before

 

Actually, never on my truck, but we have had people over for our HOW events who have done it ... fortunately, we have the means to get it removed (weld a bar onto the fill plug) and usually have spare fill/drain plugs "in stock"

 

Thanks all. Local repair shop wanted $300 for this! Anyone know what size crush washers I need? Or is it easier to just go to the dealer and say 'I need drain and fill plug gaskets for a '98 Tacoma'?

 

I re-used mine a few times w/o any leaks.