axle lube change??

[tom sweeney]

hey guys... i'm gonna change my rear axle lube to mobil 1 75-90. it is ABSOLUTELY necessary to REMOVE the diff. cover COMPLETELY??? i was thinking of simply loosening the bolts enough to drain the oil without taking the cover off... i don't have a replacement gasket on hand,and wonder if the cover will re-seal???thanks in advance. . tom

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2001QC 2500HD LB ETH/DEE 4x4 4:10's LSD, Pacbrake,Combo Gauge on A pillar,All options except cab lights,Xcelerator air filter,Forest Green/Light driftwood. Westin tubular black powder-coated side bars.
26'Holiday Rambler 5th wheel. Extra Class Amateur Radio Operator ke3Rx

 

[Jff24Gordn]

Just get a tube of RTV silicone and a wire brush and take the cover off. You get to admire the sheer size of the ring gear, and clean it out. I think if you just losen it, it will leak because you broke the seal on the silicone. Use the wire brush to clean off all of the old silicon.

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1996 2500, 4x4, 5 speed
-- email address removed -- Great Lakes TDR
PURDUE STUDENT 
GO BOILERS

 

[klenger]

You can use a suction pump to empty the old fluid, but you won't be able to get all of it out and you won't be able to clean it up. I'd recommend waiting till you can get a gasket. Since you are spending a fair amount of money to change the fluid, it would be nice to do it correctly.

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Ken Lenger
2001. 5 2500 QC 4X4 SWB SLT, ETC/DDX 5 Speed, 3. 55 (no antispin), camper group, trailer folding mirrors, RBR CD/Radio, LT265/75R16E AT OWL tires, trailer tow group, Patroit Blue / Agate, Westin CPS Step Bars, Jordan Utlima Brake Controller/
Replaces 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 which is for sale.
Trailite 21' Travel Trailer, ~4000 lbs loaded.

 

[Dane]

If you do take the cover off to change the lube make sure you sweep the fluid from the bottom of the housing out with your fingers. Lots of metal flakes end up in the bottom of the housing.

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2001 HO 6 speed Regular Cab SLT 4x4 3. 54 anti spin 2500. Used for the daily grind and sneaking away to some secret Baja beaches toting a cabover

 

[Cooker]

For the reason Dane stated it is best to take it off.

Most guys use RTV silicon for the gasket and the factory did too. I personally prefer a paper gasket. JMO, Ryan

 

[MikeR]

Tom,

The axle housings on our trucks DO NOT use gaskets on the diff covers,they simply use RTV sealant. Yes,if you loosen the cover to drain,then retighten it,it will leak. Use either the gray or black RTV for best results.

-Mike

 

[Dave B]

Isn't there an additive we're supposed to put in here as well? Or is that dependent on the year of the truck... . ???

 

[Pete Peterson]

Dave, its a friction modifier that is put in if you have the LSD. If you don't then nothing is added... ..... Pete

 

[Neal Cassady]

Tom,

If you can wait till next weekend to change your diff fluid I will trade you a Dana 80 gasket for one of those power seat/power window fuses that you modified. Your solder and jumper work looks great.

Dave D


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2001. 5 QC, LB, 4x4, Auto, 3. 54, Everything but Leather, Bright Silver Metallic, ARE K Series, Diprocal EGT, Boost and Autometer transmission Temp(sensor in the line) in an Autometer Dash Pod, ,Westin CPS Platinum Step Bars - Black on Stainless