Maintaining your Toyota Tacoma's rear differential is crucial for smooth and reliable performance, whether you're tackling tough trails or cruising the highway. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to change the rear differential gear oil on 2009-2023 Toyota Tacoma models. You'll also learn about the correct Tacoma rear differential fluid type, rear differential fill capacity, recommended rear differential fluid change intervals, and why regular maintenance is key to avoiding costly repairs.
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Toyota Tacoma Rear Differential Fluid Change Info
This procedure is demonstrated on a 2022 Toyota Tacoma, but the rear differential fluid change procedure and steps apply to all 2009-2023 Toyota Tacoma models. This includes:
- 2009-2023 Toyota Tacoma 2.7L 4-cylinder models
- 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma 3.5L V6 models
- 2009-2015 Toyota Tacoma 4.0L V6 models
Toyota Tacoma Rear Differential Fluid Change Interval
When should you change your Toyota Tacoma rear differential fluid? Following the manufacturer's recommendations is always the best practice, but under normal driving conditions, changing the rear differential gear oil every 50,000 to 60,000 miles is generally sufficient. If your Tacoma is subjected to aggressive driving, frequent off-roading, full-time 4WD engagement, or regular trailer towing, more frequent fluid changes—such as every 30,000 miles—are advisable. Additionally, if you opt for non-synthetic or lower-quality differential fluids, you'll need to change the differential oil more often. Sticking to these guidelines and regular maintenance can help prevent costly repairs and keep your Tacoma running smoothly.
Why Should Toyota Tacoma Rear Differential Fluid Gear Oil Be Changed?
Your rear Toyota Tacoma differential has a good amount of moving internal components. This includes bearings, pinion gears, and crown gears. These internal components rely solely on the differential fluid's lubrication film strength for protection and longevity. The diff fluid experiences excessive shear loads and various heat cycles through use. In time, these heat cycles and extreme loads deplete the differential fluid's lubricating properties and film strength. Continued use of old differential fluid will result in differential bearing, pinion gear wear, and failure. Therefore, having regular rear differential fluid changes is essential. Changing your Toyota Tacoma rear differential fluid as routine maintenance will significantly extend the life of the differential, minimize driveline noises due to wear, and ensure the bearings and gears receive reliable, clean lubrication.
Toyota Tacoma Rear Differential Fluid Specifications
- Toyota Tacoma 75W-85 gear oil (aka Toyota Gear Oil LT 75W-85)
- The correct Toyota Tacoma 75W-85 differential fluid can also be identified by several part numbers such as Toyota 08885-02506, 08885-02406, 08885-81060, or 08885-81070
- EUROL MTF 75W-85 GL-5
- RAVENOL DGL 75W-85 GL-5
NOTE: Currently from our information all Toyota Tacoma rear differential gear oil recommendations regardless of trim package recommend the LT gear oil and not the LX gear oil. Most Toyota Tacoma models are optioned with a modern electronic locking rear differential aka A-Trac, and not a mechanical limited-slip differential. Rather than using mechanical limited slip functions the brake system is used for limited-slip functions. Hence this is why Toyota did not recommend the "75W85 GL-5 Differential Gear Oil LX" aka LSD gear oil, just the 75W85 GL-5 Differential Gear Oil LT.
Toyota Tacoma Rear Differential Fluid Capacity
2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma Models
The rear differential fluid capacity for 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma models ranges from 2.9 to 4.0 liters (3.06 to 4.22 quarts), depending on the differential type:
- Without rear differential lock: 2.9-3.1 liters (3.06-3.27 quarts)
- With rear differential lock: 3.8-4.0 liters (4.01-4.22 quarts)
Refer to your owner's manual to confirm the exact capacity for your vehicle and adjust the amount of Toyota 75W-85 gear oil accordingly.
2009-2015 Toyota Tacoma Models
For 2009-2015 models, the rear differential fluid capacity varies between 2.95 and 3.5 liters (3.11 to 3.69 quarts), depending on the differential type. Always consult your owner's manual to verify the correct capacity and ensure you purchase the appropriate amount of 75W-85 gear oil.
Toyota Tacoma Rear Differential Fluid Change Tools Needed
- 3/8- or 1/2-inch drive 24mm socket
- 3/8- or 1/2-inch ratchet (dependent on bit socket drive size)
- Waste oil drain pan container
- Protective rubber gloves and safety glasses
- Optional fluid pump tool (All EUROL and RAVENOL gear oil bottles come equipped with a built-in flex hose cap that works well for most Toyota Tacoma gear oil applications. However, if you choose to use a different brand of gear oil, the service is much easier with a fluid pump tool and flexible hose. We offer two fluid pump tool solutions: part numbers and .)
Toyota Tacoma Rear Differential Fluid Change Video Guide
Step-by-Step Toyota Tacoma Rear Differential Fluid Gear Oil Change Instructions
Disclaimer: Blauparts recommends having a factory-trained A.S.E. certified Toyota mechanic perform vehicle maintenance. Always refer to the owner's and factory service manuals for Toyota axle differential fluid changing procedures. Always wear protective gloves and wear safety glasses when handling fluids and oils.
Step 1
Confirm that the rear differential is warm. This allows the fluid to drain more thoroughly from the differential while it's being drained.
Step 2
Confirm that the vehicle and rear differential are in a level position. Most Tacoma rear differential fluid changes can be done on level ground and won't need to be lifted due to enough ground clearance.
In our case we're going to be gaining access to the bottom side of the vehicle by using an automotive lift. To confirm you're lifting the vehicle correctly you can reference your factory owner's manual for the proper vehicle lift point locations and safety procedures.
Step 3
Locate the rear differential fluid fill plug on the rear right side of the differential. Loosen and remove the fill plug along with sealing washer in a counterclockwise direction using a 24mm socket and ratchet.
It is always best to confirm the fill plug can be removed before draining the Toyota Tacoma differential fluid. This will ensure you can refill the differential with fluid in case the fill plug is seized or can't be removed.
Step 4
Prepare a waste oil drain pan for the old rear differential fluid, then locate and remove the differential fluid drain plug on the lower right corner of the differential. Loosen and remove the drain plug and sealing washer in a counterclockwise direction using a 24mm socket and rachet.
Allow the old rear differential fluid to thoroughly drain into your waste oil drain pan.
Step 5
Using a clean rag, clean the drain and fill plugs from excess contaminants, corrosion, and debris.
Step 6
Reinstall the differential fluid drain plug and sealing washer by threading it in a clockwise direction. Using a 24mm socket and torque wrench tighten the drain plug to a 36 ft-lb. torque specification.
Step 7
Begin filling the rear differential with the recommended 75W-85 GL-5 gear oil.
The correct fluid level is reached when gear oil begins to overflow slightly from the fill port. This will be between 2.9 and 4.0 liters. For exact fluid capacity details, refer to the Rear Differential Fluid Capacity section specific to your Tacoma model.
Step 8
With the rear differential fluid fill level confirmed, re-install the fill plug and sealing washer by threading it in a clockwise direction. Using a 24mm socket and torque wrench, tighten the fill plug to a 36 ft-lb. torque specification.
Step 9
Using a rag, clean and remove the excess fluid from the rear differential fluid drain and fill plug areas. The differential should be completely cleaned from any fluid residue. This will help when inspecting and confirming that the rear differential does not have any leaks after performing your fluid change and test drive.
Step 10
Once you have the vehicle on the ground, you can take it for a simple 5 to 10-minute test drive and then examine the Toyota Tacoma rear differential and confirm you do not have any leaks coming from the rear differential drain plug.
Step 12
Please dispose of your old rear differential fluid responsibly by taking it to a certified recycling collection center.
Note: It is good to note in your records the current mileage at the time of your rear differential fluid change and when you might want to change it next. We also recommend that you keep detailed service records to track your vehicle's condition. Keeping good vehicle maintenance records can help improve your vehicle's resale value.
Why Choose Blauparts for All Your Vehicle Lubrication Needs?
BLAU® differential fluid change kits use high-quality, fully synthetic* gear oils and transfer case fluids. Our fluids are sourced from lubricant partners that employ sustainable efforts to improve the environment using a higher level of quality. In turn, this can support the conservation of the environment through less driveline fluid changes and waste, optimize vehicle efficiency and performance, improve and maintain fuel economy, reduce exhaust/carbon emissions, and improve performance through reduced coefficient of friction and less driveline rolling resistance.
*For most kits, check the product description.
Technical Advantages:
- BLAU® differential fluid change kits conveniently include the correct fluids, gear oil, fluid specifications, and quantities for your vehicle's transfer case and differential fluid change needs
- All kits use differential and transfer case fluids that meet or exceed your vehicle manufacturer's specific fluid specification requirements
- Advanced gear oil and transfer case fluid formulation technologies engineered with improved lubricating properties
- High-quality fully synthetic gear oils and transfer case fluid formulations allow for extended service life, conserving Earth's resources
- Better extreme pressure (EP) properties, shear stability, lubricating film strength, and oxidation resistance even when exposed to high temperature and high load pressure
- Optimize driveline efficiency and fuel-saving characteristics with higher-quality gear oils and transfer case fluids
- Excellent cooling capacity for better driveline performance and less wear
- Low foaming properties and resistance to internal differential and transfer case fluid cavitation
- Great cold-temperature lubricating properties and flow for added driveline protection and efficiency during the cold driving phase
Disclaimer: Always consult your service manual and confirm your application's specific fluid and oil requirements. Always follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommended oil change intervals. Blauparts, Eurol, and Ravenol are not affiliated with Toyota, Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc, Lexus, Lexus International, Subaru, Subaru Corporation, Subaru of America Inc, its affiliated companies, subsidiaries, licensors, any other vehicle, or vehicle part manufacturer. All trademarks and OE specification part numbers referenced in this product listing are displayed for identification purposes only. They do not intend to denote any affiliation with their corresponding owners.
