2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Front Diff fluid was darker than rear.

[JPLB22]

I changed the diff fluid this last Saturday, and when I drained the rear fluid it looked like brand new stuff. But when I drained the front fluid it looked quite a bit darker than the rear . Why would that be ??



That was the 3rd time I have changed the diff fluid in 37,000 ( I know I'm crazy, but it makes me feel good ! ). I always change both diffs on the same day, so they both had the same mileage on them, about 14,000. I was under the impression that the front diff fluid could go much longer than the rear, since I almost never use 4x4. So what gives with the front fluid looking much darker than the rear ??



TIA !



Jeff

 

[y-knot]

Hey by shear coincidence, I changed my front differential oil on Saturday, but it looked like new. Blue and clean like out of the Amsoil bottle, didn't even have one spec on the magnet, I thought that was awesome.

Your front diff with the darker oil color must have gotten water/moisture inside? That would be the only reason I could think of for the dark color. I checked the rear, and it was clear/blue also, so I left it alone. Makes you wonder?

 

[fox]

Just to have a little fun,, the front of the truck is not the tailgate end!!!!!!!!!!!!



Mine has always been clean up front and dark at the rear, from the LS clutches.

Not sure why you are getting this.

 

[JPLB22]

I have an open diff in the rear, so both front and rear are the same, with the exception to the size. So I to am miffed .



I have an oil sample done every time I chang the engine oil. I guess next time I do the diffs I will have a sample analyzed from the front at least, probably both.



By the way, everything looks great in the front diff ( gears ect... ) no signs of abnormal wear, at least to my untrained eye.



Jeff