Front differential drain plug on '04 Lexus RX330?

[VK56VD]

I want to change all the fluids on a '04 Lexus RX330.

I know the rear differential has a drain plug and uses GL-5 75w-90 gear oil, the transfer case should also have a drain plug and uses the same fluid.

Does the front differential have a separate drain plug and uses 75w-90 gear oil or does it share the fluid with the transmission as many Pilot's and MDX's do?

I wanted to convert the transmission over to Amsoil ATF and the rest to Amsoil Severe Gear 75w-90.

 

[The Critic]

They are one unit.

Did you get yourself a proper set of jackstands yet? You definitely don't want to be doing this job on a spare tire jack.

 

[VK56VD]

Yes, jack stands are in order.

So the front diff. shares the fluid with the transmission?

This just shows how knowledgeable Lexus technicians are as they told me it has a drain plug and takes gear oil!

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Spartuss
Yes, jack stands are in order.

So the front diff. shares the fluid with the transmission?

This just shows how knowledgeable Lexus technicians are as they told me it has a drain plug and takes gear oil!

I might be wrong then.

I checked Amsoil and there's no listing for a front differential.

I checked OnDemand5 and did not see anything about a front differential either.

 

[nfs480]

Some techs mistakenly call the transfer case a "front differential". The above posters are correct however, in that the front differential is housed within the transmission and is lubricated with the ATF.