Front/Rear Differential and Transfer case fluid change procedure?

[crebelein]

I'm wondering what the procedure for changing out the diff fluid is on both the front and the rear. Can I simply pull a bolt to drain (like on the trans) or do I have to pull the cover? If I have to pull the cover, are there any clearance issues, is a new gasket needed, etc, etc???



What about the procedure for changing fluids in the transfer case?



I have a 2003 4x4 with the HO 5. 9L, 6-speed trans, and manual transfer case.



Thanks in advance for your help...

 

[nickleinonen]

front and rear diff's. . you need to pull the cover. there is no drain plug, but the gaskets are reuseable. for the t-case, pull the drain plug, drain it, put it back, pull fill plug, fill it, put it back. i fill the diff's, t-case and transmission until they flow out the fill hole...

 

[rbattelle]

What Nick said. And read this.



Diff gaskets are reuseable. Coat them lightly with diff fluid prior to reassembly. And don't mangle them.



-Ryan

 

[MNielsen]

crebelein,

I just changed frt/rear diff fluid last wknd and front suspension made it tight so I raised driver's side by frame to eliminate clearence issue.

 

[gonzo2]

Good info guys, I also went with Joe Donnelly's reccommendation of 18 ft-lbs for the diff cover bolts.

 

[EEdmondson]

You Don't Have To Remove Your Diff Covers

The first time I took off the diff covers. The second time I just loosened the bolts (the bottom ones more than the top) and pulled the cover away from the housing at the bottom to drain the fluid. Works great and saves a few minutes.

 

[OSalinas]

i like that idea, thanks!

 

[24V-DSL]

Transfer case... . take the fill plug out first. Don't ask me why... .

 

[trucknut]

Pull Diff Covers!!!

This should be mentioned:



Before you pull the diff covers clean the top of the diff cover and case or all the built up sand, dirt and crap will fall on top of the gears as the cover is removed.



Clean the magnet attached to the diff cover

Clean the bottom of the diff case, check for metal, chunks.

Have a look at the pinion gears - good opportunity to have a good visual inspection.

 

[Crunch]

The first time I took off the diff covers. The second time I just loosened the bolts (the bottom ones more than the top) and pulled the cover away from the housing at the bottom to drain the fluid. Works great and saves a few minutes.

Saves a few minutes, but those are the minutes you would otherwise use to inspect the inside of the differential, the condition of the gasket and to clean away any debris on either of the above that could cause problems.

 

[KDillard]

On the front and rear diff dont forget to spray some parts cleaner in there and wipe it out to remove any additional grime and dirt. alot of stuff settles at the bottom and does not drain out with the fluid.

 

[berrydogs]

I was told by the parts people at the dealer to fill the diff to within 1/2 inch from the fill hole. They also sold me some very expensive fluid, syn gear lube SAE 75W90. FYI