2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission High Mileage Rear End oil change

[Taz]

I've heard a lot of what I consider "witches" tales about changing the rear end oil on high mileage vehicles.



As religious as I am about changing every other fluid on the truck (some not by choice. . ) I realized I have never changed the oil in the rear end. Now would I be spelling disaster if I did this now?

 

[BigPapa]

I changed mine the first time at @200K Taz, and I've had no problems. I can't think of a reason not to change it at any mileage. I went with the Amsoil in mine.



Good truck you got there.



Scott

 

[BDaugherty]

Change it. Those stories are pure superstition. I hear the same ones about changing transmission oil. They just aren't true.

 

[SHobbs]

I do the rear end and the transmission every year about 25k miles.

 

[GAmes]

How could changing the oil possibly be bad? I like royal purple synthetic, no additives needed for the anti-slip. Haven't had to mess with the rear axle yet, not even for brake shoes (thanks to the EB).

 

[cruiser_2]

I didn't change mine until 490,000+ miles. No problems. I used Royal Purple and like it.

 

[CumminsPower98]

The only bad thing (or good depending how you look at) about changing the lube is that you might find something wrong and then have to deal with it. I was changing mine once at 358k and decided to pull the carrier out to check preload. I'm glad I did as it slipped right out. I replaced the bearings and set it up for proper preload. I run 100k changes on Amsoil. The oil comes out looking good and I sometimes feel bad throwing it away.

 

[litespeed]

A lot of people like to use "Brake Kleen" to clean the inside of the housing out. I personally do not see the sense in this. This is probably the #1 culprit behind the "witch tales".



Just change the oil... . Right? How hard is that. If you do it and do it when you are supposed too... You will not have to worry about it.



Use a lint free rag and scoop out all of the crud out of the bottom of the housing with your hand. I just use my hand, but I am not endorsing it. There will probably be a pretty good pile of crud if you have not changed it in a long time.



I can tell you this. If you pull heavy often and have not changed it. You will pay the price. Probably sooner than later.

 

[Taz]

I'm on my way to pick up some 75w140 RP at O'Reilly's and change it.

I pull a light trailer often but this weekend I will be pulling ~5000lbs up the side of a 2600' mountain.

Good truck you got there.

It really has been a great truck. I cannot complain with as much stuff as I have put it through. I wish it was a manual though, ever problem I have had has centered around the transmission. However, it's time for me a newer truck.