2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission changing the rear fluid

[shendren]

well, the time has come for me to try this myself. the NAPA guy said to use the hylomar sealant for the cover? any suggestions? thanks. scott.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Grey or black RTV works. Don't overdo it. Let it sit and tack up a bit before replacing the cover. I make this a warm weather project so the oil flows. Jack up both sides one at a time to get the oil out of the axle tube.

 

[Loren]

Scott,



The Hylomar is advertised as sealant for differential covers so I tried it a few years ago. It leaked. It would have been nice if it worked, because the card says that you don't need to re-apply it every time you remove the cover. Oh, well...



I now use, and recommend, RTV silicone sealant.



Loren

 

[bighammer]

Remove cover? I thought you pull the plug and stand the truck up on it's bumper.

 

[illflem]

I've found it easier to roll the truck on it's back. Remove the bed first if you don't want oil on it.

 

[KenHokie]

Dosen't anyone make a gasket for the front and rear differentials? When I had the diff fluids changed on my last Ram (2000), the tech used an orange colored RTV. It didn't leak but there were orange rings on both of the differentials.

 

[John Berger]

Mag-Hytec does and it comes with their cover. Works good unless you have a part of the axle housing that is not machined as well as it should be. My Mag-Hytec mated well with the original axle housing. When I had to have that housing replaced under warranty, it leaked and I couldn't get it to stop. I ended up using RTV and once it dried, I trimmed it up real well. You would never know that RTV was used.

 

[BV]

diff cover sealant

pick up truck with front winch - pull plug and drain - lower truck and refill.



or rip the cover off and re-seal with RTV of your choice - The orange is High Temp for manifolds and such.

 

[pwr2tow]

Removed cover the first time I changed differential oil to get the break in debris out and from then on I use a suction gun ($7. ?? and reusable for many purposes) to get the oil out after I have driven the truck for 20 miles to warm up and stir up what ever is in there so it comes out with the oil. I know this doesn't get all the oil out but when ever I changed oil before it was clean looking so I figured why bother with takeing the cover off.



Ron

 

[illflem]

I usually change my diff oil every 50k but have to wonder if I'm wasting my time after reading this Chevron bulletin.



"Chevron Delo Gear Lubricant ESI SAE 85W-140 is the first nonsynthetic gear oil approved for the extended warranty program with a 500,000 mile initial and service fill in Dana Spicer heavy duty axles. "



Just because oil looks dirty doesn't mean it's bad, even clean looking oil may be worn out.