tomtsops

first of all, it almost looked black... eek should have changed it a while ago.

I ended up filling it with lucas synthetic oil, but i didn't add any limited slip additive... is that going to be a problem? From the DIY's i read here no one put any in (or didn't mention it). Guy at auto parts store said that since i was going synthetic i didn't need it.. just want to make sure.

Thanks.

GSJake

iTrader: (21)

Our cars don't have a limited slip differential from the factory.. therefore no additive is needed.
How many miles do you have on you car?

tomtsops

oh really? my friend was telling me that it does.. although he drives a supra.. so maybe he confused the two? i have an '02 GS300..

i have about 85k miles on it.

tomtsops

also i filled it up until it started spilling out, and then put the fill cap on, is there any issue if it overfilled a bit? It didn't take the full 2 quarts, took about 1.8 or so.

GSJake

iTrader: (21)

No thats perfectly fine, fill it until it spills out.

tomtsops

do you need to make sure you're on a level surface, because i had the rear end of the car jacked up in order to get to the rear diff.

GSJake

iTrader: (21)

As long as you have around 1.8 of the two quarts you should be fine.. the pumpkin probably wont take all 2 quarts. Have you maintained your trans fluid also..

tomtsops

nope , that is next on the list, but i'm taking that to a professional so they can flush it completely, and i'm probably going to change the gasket and filter.. shop said it would cost 150 for that... which i think is decent.

Obviously synthetic will cost more, still considering whether or not i should switch to synthetic in there as well.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

If your car is stock, just use the Toyota T-IV. It'll cost half as much. If you can DIY, you can flush your own transmission without added harm (unlike many machines out there that uses pressure).

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

+1......................

I just changed my differential fluid today on my GS430. The fluid was sludge up w/ greenish color, YUCK! The magnet on the plug was FILTHY! I think this is the first time it ever got changed. Amsoil Longlife Synthetic 75w-90 for me.

GSJake

iTrader: (21)

How many miles?

I have 51.5 on mine and I will most likely change the trans, diff, brake, and radiator fluids at 60k...

On a side note.. the manual says plugs to at 60K for the 3.0 what about us 4.3's?

Rippaflow

iTrader: (4)

Here is the GS4 Schedule according to the Lexus Owner Manual book. Not that this helps for a GS300
Replace Timing Belt every 72 months/95,000 Miles accordign to this guide.

LUBRICATION
5,15,25,35,45,55,65,75,85,95 K

Replace engine oil & filter
remove & inspect air filter element
Lubricate locks, latches & hinges
Inspect air conditioning filter (if equipped)
Inspect lights, horn & wipers for proper function
Inspect coolant, brake & washer fluid levels
Inspect transmission & power steering fluid levels
Inspect drive belts
Rotate tires (GS 400 17" tires only)
Road test.


SERVICE
10,20,30,40,50,60,70,80,90,100 K

Replace engine oil & filter
Remove & inspect air filter element
Lubricate locks, latches & hinges
Inspect air conditioning filter (if equipped)
Inspect lights, horn & wipers for proper function
Inspect coolant, brake & washer fluid levels
Inspect transmission and power steering fluid levels
Inspect drives belts
Inspect tires - check and adjust pressure
Rotate tires (sooner if required)
Inspect exhaust pipes and mountings
Inspect body and paint
Inspect brake lines & hoses
Inspect brake pads & discs and /or linings and drums
Inspect steering linkage
Inspect ball joints and dust covers
Inspect chassis nuts & bolts on body
Inspect drive shaft bolts and tighten bolts
Road test.


Additional Service Requirement
Inspect fuel lines and connections, fuel tank vapour vent system hoses, fuel tank bands and fuel tank cap gasket every 24 months/20,000 Miles
Inspect supplemental Restraint system initially at 120 Months/75,000 inspect every 24 Months/15,000 thereafter
Inspect Valve Clearance at 72 Months/60,000 m (audible inspection, adjustment not included)
Replace A/C filter every 12 months/10,000 m
Replace air filter element every 36 Months/30,000 m (sooner if required)
Replace spark plugs every 72 months/120,000 Miles
Replace Timing Belt every 72 months/95,000 Miles

Be sure to have all applicable fluids replaced as part of regularly scheduled maintenance at the time and distance indicated.

FLUIDS
Replace engine oil & filter every 6 months/5,000 miles
Replace engine coolant at 36 months/45,000 miles, then every 24 months/30,000 Miles thereafter
Replace brake fluid every 36 months/30,000 miles
Replace automatic transmission fluid every 72 months/60,000 miles
Replace differential fluid every 48 months/40,000 Miles (RWD & 4WD models)

GSJake

iTrader: (21)

Thanks Rippaflow.
How do you guys feel about the 72mo versus the 120k.. Do you think time has anything to do with it.. as my car is an 04, so by that figure I should change them.

tomtsops

I called up a local transmission shop and they said they use Dextron (spelling?), is that the same as the toyota? I'm thinking no..

How much tranny fuild can i get out if i do DIY? I thought you could only get out like 1/3 of tranny fuild which is why i was going to go get it professionally done.

jcat_350

technically the mercon will work. But, toyota type IV is used from oem and recommended. It's a better fluid IMO.

if you DIY, i'm pretty sure theres a way to run the shifter through park --> L with the brake on to release the extra fluid without damaging the tranny. Members who have done this please chime in.