In this blog, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of changing the front differential gear oil on 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra XK50 models. You'll also learn about the recommended front differential fluid type, the appropriate gear oil change interval, the correct fluid capacity, and why maintaining your Toyota Tundra's front differential fluid is crucial for optimal long-term performance. This DIY tutorial can also be used for 2013-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser and 2011-2021 Lexus LX570 front differential gear oil changes.
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XK50 Toyota Tundra Front Differential Fluid Change Info
This front Toyota Tundra differential gear oil change procedures apply to models as listed below:
- 2007 - 2021 Toyota Tundra 5.7L V8 models
- 2010 - 2019 Toyota Tundra 4.6L V8 models
- 2007 - 2012 Toyota Tundra 4.0L V6 models
- 2013 - 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 5.7L V8 models
- 2011 - 2021 Lexus LX570 5.7L V8 models
Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX570 Front Differential Fluid Change Notes: Despite this DIY being performed on a 2021 Tundra this tutorial can also be used for the 2013-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser and 2011-2021 Lexus LX570 front differential gear oil changes. Depending on the exact model you're doing this service on, slight visual differences may exist around the front differential. However, the general steps and procedures for changing the front differential fluid, the fluid filling and leveling process, drain and fill plug information, fluid specifications, and fluid change intervals will still apply to these other models.
Toyota Tundra Front Differential Fluid Change Interval
When should you change your Toyota Tundra front differential fluid? While it's always best to follow the manufacturers' recommendations, changing the Tundra gear oil every 50,000 miles to 60,000 miles should be acceptable under usual driving conditions. However, if your truck experiences more aggressive driving, full-time/consistent 4WD engagement, off-roading, and/or frequent trailer pulling, servicing the differential fluids more frequently—like every 30,000 miles—would be recommended. Also, if using a cheaper, non-synthetic brand of fluid, the differential fluid will need to be changed more often. Following the recommended Toyota Tundra front differential fluid change intervals and the recommendations noted here can eliminate and minimize mechanical issues and costly differential repairs.
Why Should Toyota Tundra Front Differential Fluid Gear Oil Be Changed?
Your front Toyota Tundra 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 Tundra 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 Tundra Front Differential Fluid Specifications
- Differential Gear Oil LT part numbers 08885-02506 (AKA 75W-85 GL-5)
- EUROL MTF 75W-85 GL-5
- RAVENOL DGL 75W-85 GL-5
NOTE: Currently from our information all Toyota Tundra front differential gear oil recommendations regardless of trim package recommend the LT gear oil and not the LX gear oil.
Toyota Tundra Front Differential Fluid Capacity
- 2013-2021 4WD models are typically 2 liters or 2.2 quarts
- 2007-2012 4WD models are typically 1.9 liters or 2 quarts
Toyota Tundra Front Differential Fluid Change Tools Needed
- 3/8- or 1/2-inch drive 10mm hex-bit socket
- 3/8- or 1/2-inch ratchet (dependent on bit socket drive size)
- Waste oil drain pan container
- Qty 1 front differential fill plug sealing washer part number 12157-10010
- Qty 1 front differential drain plug sealing washer part number 90430-24003
- 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 Tundra 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 Tundra Front Differential Oil Change Video Guide
Step-by-Step Toyota Tundra Front Differential 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.
How To 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.
How To Step 2
Confirm that the vehicle and front differential are in a level position. Most Tundra 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. If you do decide to lift your vehicle for this service, confirm you're lifting the vehicle correctly by referencing your factory owner’s manual for the proper vehicle lift point locations and safety procedures.
How To Step 3
Locate the front differential fluid fill plug on the driver-side left of the differential, closest to the axle. The easiest way to access the Tundra front differential fluid fill plug is 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. Ensure that the sealing washer is removed along with the fill plug during this process.
It is always best to confirm the fill plug can be removed before draining the Toyota Tundra differential fluid. This will ensure you can refill the front differential with fluid in case the fill plug is seized or can't be removed.
How To Step 4
Prepare a waste oil drain pan for the old gear oil, then locate and remove the front differential fluid drain plug. This is found on the left-bottom side of the front differential. Loosen, and remove the drain plug and sealing washer in a counterclockwise direction using a 10mm hex bit socket and ratchet. Again, ensure the sealing washer is removed along with the drain plug during this process.
Allow the old gear oil to thoroughly drain into a waste oil drain pan.
How To Step 5
Using a clean rag, clean both the drain and fill plugs from excess contaminants and debris.
How To Step 6
Reinstall the front 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 to a 29 ft lb. torque specification.
How To Step 7
Prepare to fill the Tundra front differential with new fluid. The front differential fluid fill port on Toyota Tundras can be challenging to access when adding new fluid. To make accessing it easier, we turned the wheels full-lock to the right with the vehicle off the ground.
We also attached some additional fill hose to the end of the gear oil bottle's integrated spout tube. In some cases, it may be neccesary to trim the top of the gear oil bottle's integrated spout tube while installing the additional fill hose.
How To Step 8
Begin filling the differential with the recommended 75W-85 GL-5 gear oil by routing and inserting the fill hose into the front differential fluid fill port through the wheel-well area, lifting each bottle to dispense the fluid.
The correct fluid level is achieved when a stream of fluid begins overflowing from the front differential fluid fill port. See capacity notes below.
Toyota Tundra Front Differential Gear Oil Change Capacities
- 2013-2021 4WD models are typically 2 liters or 2.2 quarts
- 2007-2012 4WD models are typically 1.9 liters or 2 quarts
How To Step 9
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. In our case, we tightened it to a 29 ft lb. torque specification.
How To Step 10
Using a rag, clean and remove any excess fluid from the front differential fluid drain and fill plug areas. The differential should be completely cleaned from any oil residue. This will help when inspecting and confirming that your Tundra front differential does not have any leaks after performing your gear oil change and test drive.
How to Step 11
Once you have the vehicle on the ground, you can take the car for a simple 5 to 10-minute test drive and then examine the Toyota Tundra front differential and confirm you do not have any leaks coming from the rear differential drain plug.
How to Step 12
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.
