Keeping your Toyota Tacoma front differential in top shape is essential for smooth driving—whether on rugged trails or daily commutes. In this step-by-step DIY guide, we'll show you how to change the front differential fluid on 2009-2023 Tacoma models. You'll learn how to access the tricky front diff fill port more easily, what type of front differential gear oil your Tacoma needs, the correct fluid capacity, how often to change it, and why this simple maintenance task can help you avoid expensive repairs down the road.
Post Contents [hide]
Toyota Tacoma Front Differential Fluid Change Info
This procedure is demonstrated on a 2022 Toyota Tacoma, but the front 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 Front Differential Fluid Change Interval
When should you change your Toyota Tacoma front differential fluid? Following the manufacturer's recommendations is always the best practice, but under normal driving conditions, changing the front 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 Front Differential Fluid Gear Oil Be Changed?
Your front 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 front differential fluid changes is essential. Changing your Toyota Tacoma front 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 Front Differential Fluid Specifications
- Toyota Tacoma 75W-85 gear oil (aka Toyota Gear Oil LT 75W-85)
- The correct recommended Toyota Tacoma 75W-85 differential fluid can also be identified by a few part numbers, such as Toyota 08885-02906, 08885-02506, and 08885-81060. The following gear oils are options for your Tacoma's front differential and meet the needed front differential gear oil recommendations.
- EUROL MTF 75W-85 GL-5
- RAVENOL DGL 75W-85 GL-5
Toyota Tacoma Front Differential Fluid Capacity
The fluid capacity of the front differential on 2009-2023 Toyota Tacoma models is 1.5 liters (1.58 quarts).
Toyota Tacoma Front Differential Fluid Change Tools Needed
- 1/2-inch drive 10mm hex bit socket
- 1/2-inch drive 12mm socket (if your model is equipped with a front skid plate)
- 1/2-inch ratchet
- 1/2-inch socket extension to help clear the differential support bracket
- Torque Wrench for drain and fill plug torque
- Waste oil drain pan container
- Protective rubber gloves and safety glasses
- Optional fill hose for hard-to-reach front differential
Using 12 to 20 inches of clear hose can make it much easier to reach the front differential fill port on your Tacoma. This hose extends the built-in fill tube on 1-liter Ravenol or Eurol gear oil bottles, allowing for easier pouring and gravity filling. For more details, see Step 8 below or watch our DIY video. You'll find this optional fill hose available for purchase in the Related Products section.
Toyota Tacoma Front Differential Fluid Change Video Guide
Step-by-Step Toyota Tacoma Front 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 front 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 front differential are in a level position. Most Tacoma front 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
Depending on the exact trim of your Toyota Tacoma model, the skid plate will need to be removed to gain access to the front differential. If your Tacoma model is NOT equipped with a skid plate, you can skip to Step 4.
On our model we have a two-piece skid plate. Using a 12mm socket and ratchet, loosen and remove the 4 mounting bolts on the rear section of the skid plate in a counterclockwise direction. As you remove the last mounting bolt, support the skid plate with your hand and remove it by tipping the back side down and toward the rear of the vehicle. Place the skid plate out of the work area.
Step 4
Locate the front differential fluid fill plug on the driver side left of the differential closest to the axle. It is most easily accessed through the driver side left wheel well area.
Loosen and remove the fill plug along with sealing washer in a counterclockwise direction using a 10mm hex bit 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 5
Prepare a waste oil drain pan for the old front differential fluid, then locate the differential fluid drain plug on the driver side left of the differential just below the axle shaft. Loosen and remove the drain plug AND sealing washer in a counterclockwise direction using a 10mm hex bit socket, a short extension to clear the differential support bracket, and a rachet.
Confirm that the sealing washer was removed along with the drain plug during this process. Allow the old front differential fluid to thoroughly drain into your waste oil drain pan.
Step 6
Using a clean rag, clean both the drain and fill plugs from excess contaminants, corrosion, and debris.
Step 7
Reinstall the differential fluid drain plug AND sealing washer by threading it in a clockwise direction. Using a 10mm hex bit socket and torque wrench tighten the drain plug. In our case we're tightening it to a 48 ft-lb. torque specification.
Step 8
The front differential fill port on Toyota Tacoma models can be challenging to reach, so prepare to refill the front differential by turning the front wheels full lock to the right towards the passenger side.
In our case, we also attached additional fill hose to the integrated pour spout tube of the gear oil bottle to make it even easier to fill the front differential via gravity fill. Note that it may be necessary to trim the top of the integrated pour spout tube of the gear oil bottle to successfully use the extra hose.
Step 9
Through the wheel well area, route and insert the fill hose into the front differential fluid fill pourt and begin filling it 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 around 1.5 liters or 1.58 quarts.
Step 10
With the front differential fluid fill level confirmed, re-install the fill plug AND sealing washer by threading it in a clockwise direction. Using a 10mm hex bit socket and torque wrench, tighten the fill plug to a 29 ft-lb. torque specification.
Step 11
Using a rag, clean and remove the excess fluid from the front 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 front differential does not have any leaks after performing your fluid change and test drive.
Step 12
We recommend taking your Tacoma for a simple five to ten-minute test drive and then examining the front differential area to confirm you do not have any leaks coming from the front differential drain plug BEFORE reinstalling the skid plate if your vehicle was equipped with one.
Once you have confirmed your front differential has no leaks after the fluid change, you can reinstall the skid plate that was removed by first lining up and sliding the two front mount tab hooks up into the main front skid plate.
Once hooked tip the back side upward confirming the allignment with the subframe. Begin hand-tightening the two 12mm hex head fasteners at the rear of the skid plate and the two on the front side. Finally, evenly tighten all skid plate mounting hardware.
Step 13
Please dispose of your old front 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 front 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.
