Differential service?

[NY2LA]

So my 2020 LC hit 15K miles last week. Time for service. The manual recommended basically just a tire rotation for "normal" usage but much more--oil change, cabin filter inspection/change, propeller shaft lubrication, front and rear diff oil change, and re-torqueing of chassis--for "special operating conditions." My own usage fell somewhere in the middle, but I decided to play it safe and get the fuller service since I have a major cross-country work trip, including some off-roading, coming up next week, and it's critical to have the vehicle in top shape.

Dealer charged me $950. Prices are always higher here in the NYC area than in other parts of the country, but I still thought this was quite high. The bulk of the cost was for the differentials. $250 for the fluids (apparently, the LC200 takes a ton of diff fluid), and $450 for the labor.

Question 1: Did I get ripped off, or was this a fair price for the service rendered? Question 2: For folks with "special operating conditions" usage (defined as towing, using cargo-top carriers, or heavy loading, with separate notes for dirty/dusty roads, frequent idling, and frequent short trips in cold weather), what's your opinion on the need for/timing of differential service?

 

[TLC2013]

I did my own fluid and filter changes after I purchased my pre owned LC and spent about $200 between filters, new fluids, lube And grease gun. Used redline for the gear oil ( front and rear diffs) and then used 75w Ravenol for the transfer case. Amazon for the Air filters. This forum has excellent tutorials posted by its members so it was a cake walk to complete the work in an hour or two. I really enjoy learning to do the simple things like this to better understand the truck and save some money to spend on more mods.

 

[atsparkinson]

For what its worth... i balked at the cost of differential fluid change in VA they wanted the $700 (which is what you paid)... I went to budbuilt and he showed me how to do it. It was not a long process.. so its not like the charged more than a VA dealer to do it.. but i cant imagine why they would need to change your fluid at 15k

 

[Sandroad]

I’m glad I don’t live in NYC! I was charged $234 for F/R differential and TC fluid changes at a dealer here in Michigan. I did those changes myself on my 80 and my 100, but it can be a messy job and it was worth it for me to have the dealer do it this time.

Other than those extremely high NYC prices, my biggest concern was their cabin filter check. Does the recirc/fresh still work?

 

[bloc]

If I were towing heavy with high frequency I might do the diffs at 15k.. but even with my off-roading and water crossings and such it’s only 30k interval for me.

 

[NY2LA]

Other than those extremely high NYC prices, my biggest concern was their cabin filter check. Does the recirc/fresh still work?

Yes, thanks to the info shared in this forum, I left the techs a giant note taped to the glovebox about how to change the filter.

 

[04UZJ100]

$1000 for 6 quarts of fluid and labor? Yes. Ripped off highway robbery.

15k is far too early to touch fluids under all operating conditions, ESPECIALLY on a new truck.

 

[stonepa]

I would find it hard to believe that anyone in north america qualifies for ‘special operating conditions’. Rural africa or australia? Sure. But not NA. Over the last 35 years and 3 LCs i have completed a full fluid change maybe twice. Even with many hundreds of thousands of miles on gravel, dirt, and mud, including towing, and i have yet to have an issue related to fluids. I do have relocated axle breathers on all my LCs so water incursion has not been an issue.

 

[fullybalanced]

As mine is a 2019 and still under warranty at 30k i had the dealer change my front and rear diffs and transfer case. I was quoted $120 EACH it was slightly more .... but less that $400 for all three... i think your getting hosed.