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Front Differential Fluid/Transfer Case Fluid

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by ceejay, Mar 20, 2025.

  1. Mar 20, 2025 at 5:54 AM
    #1
    ceejay

    ceejay [OP] New Member

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    I see plenty of recommendations for the Rear Differential Fluid (LSD) for Lucas 80w90, which I purchased.

    Upon looking at the Owners Manual, it calls for 75w90 in the Front Differential Fluid and Transfer Case.

    I searched around and didn't really find a recommendation. Anything to suggest for a fluid I could perhaps get a gallon of so I can do the Front Differential and Transfer case? Should I go with the Lucas 75w90 Synthetic? Or there's some Valvoline SynPower VV975 available locally for cheaper.

    Thanks
     
  2. Mar 20, 2025 at 6:02 AM
    #2
    Gaston

    Gaston New Member

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  3. Mar 20, 2025 at 6:08 AM
    #3
    mthoodbill

    mthoodbill New Member

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    Make sure you can get that fill and drain plug out.
     
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  4. Mar 20, 2025 at 6:12 AM
    #4
    Sirfive

    Sirfive Master Procrastinator

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    My truck has had mobil1 its whole life, so thats what i used, but i had to use a hose for the front diff. Oil in bags was much easier on a buddies truck.

    thanks to herb from TS.
    IMG_0449.jpg

    I still need to order the lexus plugs, my truck will probably be due for fresh juice this summer.
     
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  5. Mar 20, 2025 at 7:24 AM
    #5
    Dook55

    Dook55 RCLB Guy

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    Just make sure it says "meets specifications" and not "recommended for". The latter means it does NOT meet specifications.
     
  6. Mar 20, 2025 at 9:12 AM
    #6
    sloppylbjs

    sloppylbjs New Member

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  7. Mar 20, 2025 at 9:57 AM
    #7
    Sirfive

    Sirfive Master Procrastinator

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    where does the t55 come in? Do the dc’s have a different tcase?
    IMG_0454.jpg
     
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  8. Mar 20, 2025 at 10:14 AM
    #8
    sloppylbjs

    sloppylbjs New Member

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    It wasn't the TC looking back now, its the front diff. My drain bolt 'was' a t55. I could fit in a hex now. The last change was over 150k miles ago so maybe they swapped the bolt too? Not sure.
     
  9. Mar 20, 2025 at 12:32 PM
    #9
    Acedude

    Acedude New Member

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    RCI aluminum front skid, Timbren rear bumpstops, Carhartt seat covers and cargo area cover, Weathertech floorliners, Hewitt SAIP bypass, genuinecoolingsystems trans cooler, Lexus front diff fill/drain plugs
    Yeah, and replace them with Lexus plugs. Lexus plugs go right in but they don't have the ridiculous 10mm allen that strips out.

    Don't have the PN's right now but a google search will find them easily. Only about $60 for both and the Lexus plugs are external removal. Best of luck to you and 75w is fine.
     
  10. Mar 20, 2025 at 12:51 PM
    #10
    dt325ic

    dt325ic Member

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    Gaston[QUOTED] likes this.
  11. Mar 20, 2025 at 2:01 PM
    #11
    Mr Badwrench

    Mr Badwrench New Member

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    300 hectares on single tank of kerosene
    I've been using the shit from Tractor Supply in my front diff. It's cheap, 'Traveler' brand I think. No issues, at least not yet at 200k, I don't do any off-roading though.
     
  12. Mar 21, 2025 at 5:20 AM
    #12
    Gaston

    Gaston New Member

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  13. Mar 21, 2025 at 1:33 PM
    #13
    Acedude

    Acedude New Member

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    RCI aluminum front skid, Timbren rear bumpstops, Carhartt seat covers and cargo area cover, Weathertech floorliners, Hewitt SAIP bypass, genuinecoolingsystems trans cooler, Lexus front diff fill/drain plugs
    PN's for the Lexus 14mm front diff hex plugs are 90341-24014 drain and 90341-18060 for the fill. Double check the pn's but if you're DIYing the front diff, and you can actually remove the hated 10mm Allen plugs, slap in the Lexus plugs.

    Have a good day and donate to charity.
     
  14. Mar 21, 2025 at 1:59 PM
    #14
    manofsteele2003

    manofsteele2003 New Member

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    I ran into a stuck front drain plug the other day when I was changing all the fluids, never had that happen before. I gave up cause I didn't want to strip it, I sucked out what I could and topped it off. I have a new plug so I guess I'll try and chisel off the old one sometime this week.
     
  15. Mar 21, 2025 at 2:01 PM
    #15
    Sirfive

    Sirfive Master Procrastinator

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    When walmart is like ‘do you wanna round up for charity, like bish, my truck is 23 years old, I am charity.
     
  16. Mar 21, 2025 at 5:24 PM
    #16
    Acedude

    Acedude New Member

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    RCI aluminum front skid, Timbren rear bumpstops, Carhartt seat covers and cargo area cover, Weathertech floorliners, Hewitt SAIP bypass, genuinecoolingsystems trans cooler, Lexus front diff fill/drain plugs
    The front diff plugs are my peeve with Yota. I have to rage about it, it's the same design since 1964.

    Meanwhile, Lexus has the sweet 14mm plugs that cost maybe $5 each. The lack of "continuous improvement" is astounding. Anyway, IF you can get the front diff plugs out replace them with the Lexus plugs.

    I've cursed the most working on Yota front diffs than anything else, even more than the 4Runner rear shock top mounts. Those 10mm Allen plugs are shit.

    Rant over, have a good day and donate to charity.
     
  17. Mar 21, 2025 at 5:56 PM
    #17
    manofsteele2003

    manofsteele2003 New Member

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    Haha, it's all good, totally understandable. I was able to fit my 1/2" electric impact on it but it didn't budge. I'll try soaking it with PB blaster, then pray.
     
  18. Mar 22, 2025 at 1:03 PM
    #18
    Acedude

    Acedude New Member

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    RCI aluminum front skid, Timbren rear bumpstops, Carhartt seat covers and cargo area cover, Weathertech floorliners, Hewitt SAIP bypass, genuinecoolingsystems trans cooler, Lexus front diff fill/drain plugs
    Don't bother with PB blaster. That drain plug isn't coming out, been there tried that. If the fill plug is out just use a cheap transfer pump to suck the old fluid out and pump the new fluid in.

    Messy stinky job in a house garage but it's done quickly. And buy the Lexus fill plug to replace the absolutely ridiculous Yota 10mm Allen plug. Have a good day and donate to charity.
     
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  19. Mar 22, 2025 at 1:24 PM
    #19
    des2mtn

    des2mtn On the scenery looking at the road

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  20. Mar 22, 2025 at 1:29 PM
    #20
    Mr Badwrench

    Mr Badwrench New Member

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    300 hectares on single tank of kerosene
    I've had luck 'shocking' them with heat and cold to remove them. First a propane torch, then flipped a can of electronics duster upside down to freeze it. I hate doing it on aluminum casting though because you can really break stuff if you overdo it.

    It's a bad design using a hex 'allen wrench'. I think they all get rounded out at some point.
     
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