Question on Differential fluid change

[PWelsh]

I'm going to do my 15,000 mile fluid changes. My question is on the front differential. It looks like a tie rod will keep me from pulling the cover completely off the front differential. I plan to loosen the bolts, let it drain then retighten the bolts and refill. Question: Can the gasket fall down out of place so that when I retighten the bolts it's not in place?



Am I correct in filling both differentials and transfer case until it flows out the hole? My search said I can do that on an 05 but I just want to confirm this. Thanks. I just did the fuel filter today and all went well. This is a first for me.

Paul Welsh

 

[Bertram65]

As long as you do not remove the bolts you should not have any problem with the gasket, I have done my front 3 times that way, can't beat an aftermarket rear cover though just take out the drain plug, drain, put the plug back in and refill. I fill them till it runs out the fill hole, I have not done the transfer case yet.

 

[Coyote556]

i guess i have not checked my manuals. , do we have to change differential fluid at 15k???

 

[livetodrive]

A flex socket makes bolt removal easier on the front differential. It's also helpful to have a floor jack and perhaps jack stands to vary the geometry - makes bolt access even easier.



Total capacity of front and rear is about 13 pints.



The job is a bit messy, but basically easy.

 

[hemijustin]

i just changed mine last week. didn’t have a problem with the tie rod being in the way but i have a 4" lift. mine didnt have a gasket either. the fluid was a really neat shade of green. i just siliconed it up and tightened the bolts. . i lost one and i went to the dealer to get a new one 4 dollars. i also lost one of the nuts that hold the t-case to the transmission one of those is 8 dollars i thought i had blown the front ring a pinion but it turnd out to be a missing bearing in the tail housing

 

[DPKetchum]

03 up has a re useable gasket. 98. 5 did NOT. Yours is a DANA. 03 up is a AAM axel. Are you on the wrong forum? Whole differant trucks!

 

[PWelsh]

Got Her Done today, both differentials & transfer case. A little messy but it saved me $310 that the dealer wanted to charge me, less the cost of fluids of course. Thanks for the info you guys gave me.

Paul Welsh