I wanted to change the transfer case and differential fluids this weekend coming up. I believe I've located the drain and fill holes for the front diffs, but would like to get it varified. It seems as if the holes are about on the same level, so would I have to pump the fluid out of the front diffs? And what size sockets are those? thanks again.

 

You dont have to pump the fluid out, but you will have to pump the fluid in. The holes for the front diff drain and fill should not be the same level. The socket size is 19mm.

The only way to verify what you are looking at is by posting pics. Got pics?

 

Hey, thanks for responding! I actually went and looked at it closer than I got a chance to yesterday and found the bolts. the drain bolt faces the driver side at the bottom of the differential (it was hiding in mud) and the fill bolt faces the front bumper. Yes, you are right, they are not on the same level. But the bolts look to be allen bolts??? Definitely not the regular type bolts. And jalabers website detailed replacing the crush washers. Can you get those at your local parts store. thanks. peace.

 

Hmmm, weird. Allen bolts eh? You mean 4-sided? Well if they are, then you should be able to use a ratchet (3/8 drive) and stick it in the hole. Yes, replace the crush washers. I would use OEM washers just to be safe, but teflon washers from Autozone would work.

I have to take another look at my Runner. I dont remember those fill and drain plugs being 4-sided female bolts.

 

The bolts are 6-sided, looks like allen bolt, but I have not been able to find the correct size at the auto store.

 

You may want to hang on before you go taking those off. Someone should be able to verify what you are talking about. It just doesnt sound right to me.

I will check when I leave work, but I wont be able to get back to you till tomorrow in the AM.

 

Cool, thanks, I'm gonna pick up the crush gasket from the stealership tomorrow. Thanks again.

 

gaskets

You will need 2 of them. You should just get a bunch if you are planning on doing the rear diff too. They are cheap.

Talk to you later.

 

Hope this helps.

fill plug

drain plug

 

That does help, I will take a look and let you know in the morning.

Later.

 

Jalaber has that bolt as a 10mm hex, I'll give it a try.

 

Sweet! Good luck on the R&R of the oil. Later.

 

Greetings make sure to open the fill plug first. If you drain the diffs and cant get oil into it could be in for a long day.

 

On my truck, those differential fill/drain plugs are 24mm. I found that a wrench was a lot easier to use than a socket. And like the above poster said, remove the fill plugs first. It might be a good time to clean your breathers out and make sure they work right.

 

The front diffs are 24mm hex??? Yeah, I found my breathers and plan on doing the mod.

 

They are on my truck, which is an '89. There may have been changes after 1995 or so.

 

I'd have to say the bolts did look alot bigger than 10mm that jalaber specified, but I didnt look at what year runner he had.

 

Open the fill plugs first, incase you can't open it you didn't drain all your fluid. You may need a breaker bar, or in my case a rubber mallet, to break loose the nuts/plugs. Man, were they on tight! My personal recomendation... use a six sided closed wrench to attack the plugs. Less chance of slipping and less chance of stripping.

 

On my 2001 Tacoma 4x4 SR5 Automatic all the plugs are 24mm including the tranny plugs and i have no problem removeing them with a short socket. Also there is no crush gaskets , just a thin metal washer. Mike

 

The rear diff plugs are 24mm and so is the auto tranny but the front is allen head plugs like is in the above picture. Someone told me that they were all 24mm but they are not. It looks like the fron't is going to be areal pain. I removed the skid plate but it looks like i may have to remove the one all the way in the front to get to the fill hole??? Mike