4X4 front differental oil change

[tlippy]

Anyone done an oil change on the front differental? Don't want to crawl under there until it warms up a bit. Just wonder what to expect.
Is an oil change recommended?
How do you check the level?
How often do you change?
What lube do you use?
How do you drain?
hanks for the advice!

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99' Quad 4x4 A/T LB 3. 54 30K Miles.
26' Terry w/slide 7500GVWR
"KISS your truck and it will be forever faithful"

 

[highland]

I have the same basic question. I have been running Mobil 1 Synthetic (75W-90) in the rear with a mag-hytec for 55,000 miles and it has performed excellent. I have never changed the front but once it warms up arounf here I'm thinking of going with the same up front. I have heard that the front pumpkin in turning the oil whether it is in 4x4 or not. Any comments?

 

[dresslered]

Roy at mag-hytec says that they will have a front cover out by spring. I think that this will be a good time to change the front differential oil.

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David Dressler
2001 Driftwood 3500 Quad Cab 4x4, 155 inch WB, HO Cummins (ETH), 6-Speed (DEE), SLT+, 3. 54 LSD, Camper Special, Trailer Tow, Heated Leather, Sliding Window, Jacob's E-Brake, Rhino Liner, VDO Vision (pyro, boost, engine + diff. temp. ), Weather Guard Diamond Plate Saddle Box, Tork Lift camper tie-downs, Mag-Hytec, Mopar Tow Hooks, AND functional Halo light!
Bigfoot 3000 10. 11 Slide-in Camper. "Do it in a Dually"

 

[Fireman Dave]

I would think you'd want to treat it just like the rear and change it at the same inervals. I haven't done either one yet, though. If nothing else, err on the side of caution.

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2001 2500; SLT; 4x4; QC; LWB; Auto; 3. 54 LS; 265s; Camper; Tow; Sliding Rear Window; Travel Convenience Group; Cab Clearance Lamps; Forest Green

 

[Davison]

I'm waiting for the Mag Hytec also... . Have it on the rear and happy with it. Using Red Line Synthetic mainly 'cause it's easily available and I can afford it... .

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2001. 5 2500 SLT+, QC/LB 4x4, ETH, 6spd, 3:54 LSD, camper/tow equip. , NV241HD, Bright Silver, Snug Top, Ispro w/3 pod pillar w/tweeter, Pyro, Boost & Mag Hytec cover w/temp guage, "Plain Wrap" (no decals or emblems)

 

[Randy J]

Tlippy, I changed the front and rear differential fluid out at the same time. Just pulled off the cover and let all the fluid drain out. I did use mineral spirits and towels to clean out the housing good before re-installing the cover. I think the RTV you want is the gray one (although I used the red one and it worked fine). Fill with fluid to the bottom of the fill hole. Conincendently, after switching to Amsoil Series 2000, 75W90 front and rear, I picked up about 1 mpg. Good luck to you.

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Randy Jones, San Antonio, TX, rdj@gvtc.com, 98 1/2 QC, 4X4, American Racing BAJA's, 285/75/16, Amsoil throughout, Superstar 3000 export radio, Firestik antenna with fender mount, Fire-ring cable

 

[LDusky]

Tlippy, I just changed my front dif. for the second time. Just like the first(13K), the second change (40K) was as clean as can be. I rarely use 4wd. Go ahead and change it and see what you think. I won't change mine again until I have 70K on the front. I do change my rear every 12K since I tow.

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98 24V QC, AT 4wd,4:10 LSD,Driftwood w/leather. Boost, Pyro and Trans temp gauges. X-Line Bed liner. TC lockup switch. BD E-Brake & PressureLoc

 

[Cooker]

I too just recently changed both the front and rear diffs. The front was definitely cleaner than the rear. Yes the gears in the pig do turn, but they are under no-load unless you are in 4 wheel drive. The rear receives most of the torque and is loaded more often (camper, trailer tonge weight, wood, ect... ) and this weight and torque tends to take it's toll on the rear end fluid.

IMO I will continue to changes them at the same time and I think this is a good idea especially in cooler climates. My reasoning is that when you drive the fluid gets warm. When you stop and lets say it's 10 degrees outside condensation form in the axle housing due to the cooling and eventually contaminating the oil.

My $. 02, Ryan

 

[1tuffram]

You change the fluid just as the rear. The track bar is kind-of in the way for getting the cover off and on. Takes a little finesse to get the cover back on without messing up your bead of sealant.

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'95 2500 SLT 5 speed 4x4

 

[Pete Peterson]

tlippy, a good rule of thumb is to do the front every third rear fluid change. If you use your 4 wheel drive alot then naturally you would change it a little more. There is no pressure on the fluid in the front even though it is turning unless you are in 4 wheel. Pete

 

[TomGolden]

Howdy all,

If I remember correctly, there is no gasket on either of the front or rear diff's? What type of liquid sealant do you all recommend?

Thanks,
Tom


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Get outta the way: The Cummins is Cummin'!

Tom Golden
Godzilla: Patriot Blue 2001 2500 SLT QC 4X4 LWB ETH/DEE, Tow & Camper packages, 3. 54 Ltd. Slip, 4 wheel disc ABS, Isspro EGT/boost gauges, black SmittyBilt nerf bars, TDR decal, Jack antenna ball
2001 Zinc Yellow SVT Mustang Cobra on order
NRA Life/CRPA/El Dorado #26 F. &A. M. of California

 

[DiffDude]

Here at work we tell people to change there oil every 30,000 miles. Use a synthetic oil 75w-140 any thing but stay-lube. The best silicone to use is a tube of 100%silicone from Home Depot the kind you use on windows.

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01,white 2500 q-cab,4x4,auto4. 5"sky jacker lift,315/85/16(36")tires

 

[DiffDude]

Here at work we tell people to change there oil every 30,000 miles. Use a synthetic oil 75w-140 any thing but stay-lube. The best silicone to use is a tube of 100%silicone from Home Depot the kind you use on windows.

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01,white 2500 q-cab,4x4,auto4. 5"sky jacker lift,315/85/16(36")tires