I was curious how often you guys change your differential & transfer case fluids? My Chilton book on the Runner only shows Service/Inspect at regular intervals, but never to replace. I changed to Amsoil about 2 years/35,000 miles ago.

 

I change the fluid in my diffs and TC about every 40-50k. If you are doing deep water crossings you should change your diff fluid more frequently.

 

I change mine annualy, around 30k miles.

 

On my Taco I do it annually in the spring (usually less than 5K miles per year). I know it's overkill but i don't mind spending the extra $10 on gear oil each year.

On the 4Runner i'll do it about every 20-30K (probably 1.5-2 years)

 

Yikes! 30K in one year?

I change mine every 20K miles, which equates to about 2 years cause I never drive my rig.

 

I have put 34k miles on my 4runner since last September. In Cali, I'd ususually run about 3k miles a month.

 

just did em all with royal purple. looks like the front axle and tranny were never done! prob hit em again in 30k check em every 5k

i gotta say it was an easy job, didn't even have to lift it. my other car its a project just gettin it in the air

 

Three thousand miles a month is a lot of gas money.

 

I change the rear and tranny/transfer every two years or so. The front can go longer with manual hubs but it's just as easy to do everything all at once.

 

Can't he go longer with synthetic. I think the Toyota recommendation is every 30k

 

I do mine every 30k along with the major servicing.

 

What fluid are you guys using? Is there anything better than OEM?

 

Amsoil!!
Redline Heavy Shockproof is good too.

 

Amsoil here too. Actually, I will be going back to Amsoil because my diff swap forced me to go to regular (just for now). Otherwise Amsoil it is!

 

Every 10K (every three oil changes) or right after a big wheeling trip (so not that many times lately ) and all dino lubricants. For an extra $30.00, what does it hurt?

Oh yeah, pet peeve; there is no need to crank down on those drain and fill plugs, that is why they have gaskets. Plus the fact that there are some aluminum housings involved...

Mike

 

Mine get "milky" about once a year, so they get dumped. Gotta do those extended breathers on the cruiser!

 

I, err... ummm, .... yeah... soon!

 

Every 30k here and since I just got the '99 I'm gonna do it soon.

 

Changed my diffs and transfer to mobil1 syn at 20k, will probably check again at 40k and then do at 60k.

Tranny did a flush at 20k, with Toyota ATF type IV. Will probably check at 40k again. Hope I can go to AMsoil ATF at 60K or so. IS AMsoil ATF replacement for Toy ATF Type IV on the 5speed auto?

 

I have a 5VZ-FE 3.4 liter in a 99 limited 4runner and I am trying to find a good correct oil for the differentials, would the Heavy Shockproof be the one I should use for my vehicle?