Changing my rear dif fluid

[loves_off_roading]

I'm changing my rear differencial fluid for the first time tonight. Have never done this before. I've got all the equip ready and im gona start in about an hour.

any advice and encouragement would be great i'm hoping it goes well. I'll let yall know how it goes.

 

[Diggerfreek]

just make sure the diff cover is clean and oil free before you apply the RTV...

Oh and having warm oil helps speed up the process

 

[Warren.fischbeck]

^^^ What he said, oh and if you don't have a lift handy expect to get dirty.

 

[loves_off_roading]

Wow this is a lot tougher than I thought it would be. It been about a half hour since I started and I’ve only got 3 bolts lose. The ones up top are gona suck. This is going to take a lot of beer.

 

[Warren.fischbeck]

Are you using a breaker bar?

 

[tjkj2002]

Wow this is a lot tougher than I thought it would be. It been about a half hour since I started and I’ve only got 3 bolts lose. The ones up top are gona suck. This is going to take a lot of beer.

Jack up the rear and put jack stands under the unibody then let the rear axle drop completely exposing the diff cover,makes a world of difference and will get more of the gear oil out also.

Ain't thread lock fun(Argh)

 

[loves_off_roading]

I’m using a ratchet and banging on it with a hammer. tjkj2002 I think I’m def gona jack it up next time.


I’ve got 8/10 off taking a little break.

 

[loves_off_roading]

well I finally got the darn cover off with a lot of swearing. I'll finish it tomorrow on my day off.

 

[loves_off_roading]

Well I finally got it done. It's doable but I think I'm gona have the shop do it next time. It sucked maneuvering around the gas tank.

 

[autoboy454]

Don't give in to the shops (even though I may be a mechanic who suffers when people DIY)! Remain part of the ever-shrinking group of people that ACTUALLY work on their own heeps

 

[ridenby]

You got it done,next time will go 3X as easy,plus you know it was done.

 

[loves_off_roading]

you guys are right. At least I won't have to do it for another 30,000 miles

 

[LibertyOrDeath]

I’m using a ratchet and banging on it with a hammer. tjkj2002 I think I’m def gona jack it up next time.


I’ve got 8/10 off taking a little break.

You should work out a bit more.

The hardest part of changing my diff fluid was putting on the RTV.

you guys are right. At least I won't have to do it for another 30,000 miles

Or 15,000... Which weight did you use?

 

[loves_off_roading]

yeah I guess I've gotten a little lazy recently.

I used 75W-90 Super Tech

 

[AlexKJ]

I'm gonna do the same this weekend, but I don't plan to use RTV... I've bought a Lubelocker gasket...

I'll comment after... wish me luck

 

[Spidey]

I also skipped the RTV and used gaskets(FelPro) instead, so far so good. Just have to make sure to clean up the surfaces well.

 

[yellocoyote]

I'm gonna do the same this weekend, but I don't plan to use RTV... I've bought a Lubelocker gasket...

I'll comment after... wish me luck

Tell me how that works out...

I've got one of the lubelocker gaskets that I won in a raffle, and haven't used it. Thought about just keeping it as a spare because I usually use RTV instead. (dunno)

 

[Boiler]

My lubelocker seems to still be working fine after 4 months.

If you're going to use the Lubelocker gasket, ignore their torque specs. It will just break your bolts and make a medium simple job into a PITA.

If you stick with the stock grade 5 bolts torque to 17-20 ft-lbs, and if you replace them with grade 8 bolts (6 marks on head, get them cheap at tractor supply co) then torque to 25 ft-lbs. The lubelocker gasket says 35 and is just too darn big for bolts that size.

If you want to get the bolts ahead of time, get 5/16-18 grade 8 bolts, 3/4" long, plus lock washers. If using an aftermarket diff cover, get 7/8" long bolts or cut down 1" bolts by 1/8".

My review using riddler cover & lubelocker: http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=45383&highlight=review+riddler

 

[yellocoyote]

Thanks for the info, Chip.

 

[LibertyOrDeath]

yeah I guess I've gotten a little lazy recently.

I used 75W-90 Super Tech

Uh oh. I would recommend swapping it out after 15K.

Wal-Mart SuperTech Gear Oil fails to meet standards

I go with Valvoline Gear Oil, it wasn't much more than the Super Tech was.