rear diff...

[pickup]

Is it that simple to change the fluid? I'm used to having to bust off the cover to drain the fluid. But if I'm looking at it correctly there is a drain bolt! It mates to a 15/16th which, yes is a domestic size (I don't have the metric size, still looking for the metric size that didn't come with my mechanics set, I think it's either 23 or 24mm). I'm gonna go see if the front diff is also this easy! I'm so excited!!!
The front is that easy as well! Had to take off the steel guard which is overkill in my mind. I mean this truck doesn't have and power as is and has to carry around a heavy ass cover. I've got to find an aluminum cover!

[fourwd1]

yes, it's just that easy.

[greypickup94]

i don't think you need to worry about the guard being too heavy...a few pounds won't make a big difference it would be a pain to get aluminum plus you have to have twice the amount of aluminum to get the same strength as steel

i believe the metric size is a 24

[IronNam]

im waiting to do mine, but when i tried, the sockets i have dont really snug on tightly. this drain bolt stuff is hard packed on the diff

[pickup]

Originally Posted by DubVipers

im waiting to do mine, but when i tried, the sockets i have dont really snug on tightly. this drain bolt stuff is hard packed on the diff

Definetely don't wanna strip those. 15/16ths is really close, but not as snug as I like. Funny how my tool set came with such large and plentiful standard sizes. It jumps from 22mm to 27mm though. Pfft, even if it's built here it uses metric bolts. More tools to buy, it never ends!!!!!! HAHA

[new echo owner]

It is indeed a 24mm as mentioned above, unless it had previously been work on by Jiffy-Lube or some other quick lube place, they like to replace them with 17 or 19 mm plugs with paper type gaskets. You will need to replaced the gaskets every time, because they are crush gasket. Otherwise, down the road it will probably be damage the drain and filler plugs. If the plugs look like they are smashed against the housing that is probably why, whomever done it previously didn't replace the gaskets.

N.E.O.

[pickup]

Originally Posted by new echo owner

It is indeed a 24mm as mentioned above, unless it had previously been work on by Jiffy-Lube or some other quick lube place, they like to replace them with 17 or 19 mm plugs with paper type gaskets. You will need to replaced the gaskets every time, because they are crush gasket. Otherwise, down the road it will probably be damage the drain and filler plugs. If the plugs look like they are smashed against the housing that is probably why, whomever done it previously didn't replace the gaskets.

N.E.O.

Thanks for the size conformation! But how do the plugs get damaged? What happens to them?

[new echo owner]

Since the old washers are already crushed, the plugs may end up being over tightened, often more force would be required to remove them, and the chances of damaging them will go up, especially not everyone has a 24 mm wrench or socket in their tool inventory.

N.E.O.

[pickup]

Okay. You don't happen to know the torque specs do you?

[new echo owner]

Off hand I don't.

N.E.O.

[IronNam]

i had to take an extension for my huge rachet, and hammer, but still not off!

[greypickup94]

put some air on it

[MIC0417]

Use some force. Our trucks weigh nothing, and taking off the light skidplate won't do anything but create a weak point, I've added 35 inch by 12.5 inch wide tires, a steel light rack, soon to be steel rocksliders, front and rear bumper, reinforced STEEL skid plate. This isn't a racecar. It's Toyota Truck.

[Jayota]

As long as you have a good 24mm 6 point socket on the fill plug, I wouldnt be scared of really giving it some oomph. Mine required ALOT of force to finally come out..

Re-fill with 85w-90 gear oil. Check your diff breather for blockage aswell (14mm).

Front is easy. Remove 4 12mm skidplate bolts.... Same 24mm for fill and drain plug. Refill with 85w-90 gear oil.

[IronNam]

Thanx Jay, im gunna have something to do over the weekend!!!!