Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Rear axel truth

[Rockcrusher]

Maintenance schedule for "Normal" driving does not address changing diff lubricant. Of course the dealer wants to do it every 18K which is over kill and expensive.

What is really safe milage for linited slip diff? Dont do much towing anymore.

Will start doing it myself again after finding out what the dealer wants. $$$$$$

Book calls for GL-5 with friction control additive at 6. 5%. How much is that for a refill?



I get free oil change so I let the dealer do it @3500.

Appreciate all the knowledge out there in TDR land.

Richard

 

[obert]

I try to change mine around evry 50k miles or so. Just changed it last week, in fact, but I dont remember the price off hand, but the tube of friction modifier was almost as much as the rest of the oil together-- got burnt on that, Id say. Think the total was in the $30 or $35 range. Used sealant already on hand for the cover.



Mostly the change is a good chance for inspection. Dad never changed the oil in his 94 rear end, and it exploded at around 115k. Just the carrier bearings failed, but it caused massive damage. He could have caught it at the 100k oil change and had only needed to replace the carriers, not the whole axle.

 

[Mundgyver]

I have mine set up for every 60,000. I also do the transmission at the same time that way I know what is going on.

 

[JR2]

I did mine at 35K and switched to Amsoil. It does not need friction modifier and since its syn it should last a long time. I stick my finger in the hole once in a while to make sure its still full and have a look at the color... nice and green after 15K on it.

 

[Nate]

I do my diffs every 15k, same as the t case and transmission. I don't put a ton of miles on the truck, so it ends up being about once a year.



It's a bit overkill, but gear oil isn't very expensive (about $35 for 5 gallons)