1st Gen Tacoma Rear Differential Oil Capacity

Hey everyone, my first post here on Tacoma World, though I've always referred to this forum for a lot of good information. Any input on my rear diff capacity issue would be greatly appreciated.

My 2001 Tacoma - 3.4L / Manual Transmission / Long Wheel Base / Locking Rear Diff / 6-Lug Wheels / No Mods / VIN and dealership said it's a TRD though I have no decals indicating that.

I'm getting ready to do a complete front suspension overhaul and have bought all the OEM parts for a top to bottom job. Decided to do all the gear fluids in advance just to have that out of the way. So here's the issue. Pretty much every forum, FSM and comment I have found says that the rear diff oil capacity is 3.1 Qts. With my Tacoma on level ground (put the rear wheels on 2x6's to account for a slight slope in garage floor), I was only able to put around 2.5 Qts. in the rear diff before the fluid began to run out of the fill hole.

Anyone have an idea what accounts for this. The few comments I've read in non-Tacoma forums, people just say fill it to the hole and don't worry about it. But a 1/2 Qt. deficit seems a little low to feel confident about the right amount being in there. Thoughts?

 

Yeah, don't overfill it

 

Yes, I think

If it's full, it's full.

 

Not all of the old fluid will drain out. If you’re sure the truck is nice and flatly level, you’re done when fresh fluid starts to weep out the fill hole. I personally always replace the crush washers.

 

Welcome, this forum has a ton of info! If you have the elocker then it is a TRD, unless someone went through trouble to add the axle and such… doubtful but sure it happens.

I’d have to agree with when it starts to weep out it’s full.

 

Thanks. Yeah I figured using the fill hole method is fool proof.