Front/Rear Diffs + Transfer Fluid Replacement Costs

Had it priced out locally at a shop for $280 before taxes...seems like a fair deal, yeah?

 

FYI...the current costs on 2 L of MTF-1 for the transfer case and 6 L of MTF-3 for the differentials (did not need LS) is $115 + tax w/ free shipping direct from Blauparts. Just did this job on my '17 Limited and it was straightforward. The Ravenol containers have a fancy spout that make filling easy. As I recall, I did have to use a piece of tubing to fill the front diff.

 

How many miles on your '17? Wonder when is good to do this? Coming up to 60k.

 

Well now i’m wondering too....I’ve read anywhere from 30k-60k on this forum. My truck has 42k...wondering if i should hold off. Other opinions??

 

I tow an 8,000 lb camper so the recommended maintenance schedule indicates changing out the diffs and transfer case at 30,000 miles. I have about 35,000 miles on the truck.

 

I just did my rear diff last week with 75w90 Valvoline from walmart. Very easy to do. I used to be big on replacing crush washers but as long as you know how to not over tighten bolts you really dont need to replace them, they having nothing to do with preventing leaks and more with helping to get the correct torque without over torquing it. Hell the thing Toyota uses as a "crush" washer for the oil drain is just a blue colored washer that sticks to the pan and makes more sense to leave there than try to get it off of the pan. I will be using the same 75w90 in thr front, no need for the special 75w85. I will however be using ravenol 75w for the transfer case since there is no real other substitute at the moment besides the crazy priced OEM fluid.

 

if this is any help, just did the front, rear and transfer case plus chemical flush on the cooling system on my 2014 4runner limited for $342.xx.

front/rear was $80 and the transfer was $70 and the cooling system was $70 or $80 i think.

 

Seems reasonable...but I would recommend the OEM Toyota transfer case fluid. Its expensive but the right thing to do.

 

Basically just stole fluid from Blauparts lol really good deal that ends today...



Blauparts ^

Amazon below

 

Ravenol is a very good brand, I run it in my German vehicles over the years which I really drive hard, never any issues.

 

I did t-case and both diffs on my '17 SR5 4x4 at 65k. bought truck at 61k. since i only put about 6-7k per year on the truck, i should be good for a long time. i used the ravenol also. i have a cousin who's a tech at a dealer. He told me they're using the 75/90 on everything still. kinda surprised me. also, same with crush washers. they re-use them all the time.

 

$65 for a $15 cabin filter? When I was having dealer do the free oil changes they wanted $30. After the first oil change I told not to waste their time showing me the filters.

 

It's insanity. My dealer tried to charge me over $100 to change the air filter and cabin filter. I bought both for $40, and changed them both in about 15 seconds.

 

Im using 75w90 in my rear diff and soon my front also. I will spring for the Ravenol 75w for the transfer case though since 75w90 and 75w are two completely different things but the difference between 75w90 and 75w85 is not worth it imho plus the slightly lighter oil is most likely only used to help slightly increase milage, similar to 0w20. I also reuse crush washers. Crush washers have nothing to do with creating a seal its just there to help prevent you from over torquing, think about it, when a crush washer crushes, it doesnt spring back like a lock washer does, it just stays flat like a regular old washer. I used to always replace them on things but now I see no reason to. Hell the thing Toyota uses on the oil drain bolt is literally just a blue washer, its not even a crush washer.

 

Just remember when you service front and rear diffs to remove the FILL plug first.If you drain it and for some reason cant remove the fill plug your screwed.

 

For anyone interested, order yesterday from blauparts.com using code feb15. $109 out the door with free shipping. Ordered last night, got shipping confirmation this morning.