2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Rear Diff change - several questions...

[schu777]

Well, the truck is nearing the 15K mark - which I think one of the maintenance things to be done is the Rear Diff (font diff?) - so I'm planning on ordering the MagHytec rear cover. So here are the questions:



1) What tools will I need to use in changing the cover?



2) What brand/type of rear oil have people used (don't start a war of the brand/type - just state what you have used)



3) Where did you purchase the rear oil?



4) Changing the read diff oil, procedure for doing it?



5) When changing the oil, should anything else be done?



6) Should the front diff also be done too?



Now for some info - I have a light trailer that I haul remote control airplanes - I manage out of the 15K, I've used it about 3K or less. I don't use 4x4 much, except backing the trailer to the garage, that gutter/driveway enterance will make the rears spin if the fronts are there... I put it in 4x4 for that and once a while with the snow that Omaha gets. I'd say about 60/40 of city/highway driving is done so far.



Thanks! Michael

 

[BFC]

1. Socket/Ratchet, someting to pop the cover (flat screwdriver)



2. Amsoil synthetic



3. I sell it



4. Take out all the bolts but the top one (loosen it) and the fill plug (easier with the cover still on the diff) put a catch pan under it. Break the RTV seal by prying the cover with the screwdriver, let the oil drain. Remove last bolt and cover, clean the cover and the old RTV (cover and diff) make a new bead of RTV on the cover, reinstal cover and bolts, fill it up put the plug back in. Done



5. look if anything is wearing etc... . while you have te cover off



6. Why not, makes it easier to keep track of when you change what.



BTW, if you do get the Mag Hytec cover you won't need to mess with the RTV as the cover will have it's own rubber gasket.



Hope it helps,



Glenn

 

[klenger]

1) Basic hand tools. The Mag-Hytec comes with allen wrenches (I think) for it's hardware.



2) Amsoil 75W-140 Series 2000



3) Amsoil direct



4) Take cover off, oil will drain on floor, install Mag-Hytec, fill as required.



5) You may need LSD modifier depending on which gear lube you use and luck of the draw. 1st time I didn't need it, 2nd time I did. Same lube.



6) Not IMHO. Too soon, but if you do, you will be good for a long time.

 

[GWHaley]

rear diff oil change

I changed mine at 14,000 to Amsoil series 2000 75w140. Basic hand tools only were necessary. I'm going to need friction modifier as I am getting some chatter around tight corners. I noticed in the latest issue of the Amsoil magazine that they are selling a friction modifier and it is substantially less than what you get at the dealer. They must have been getting some questions/complaints about chattering. I'll be getting some and posting on the performance.

 

[Dkevdog]

Not that i want to start any oil wars, but you might try Lubrication Engeneers- Oddly enough, the only oil that Jerry at Mag Hytec recommends.



LE Oil on Hytec Site



Kev

 

[Fireman Dave]

Michael,



I just got around to doing my front for the first time at about 43,000. If I had known, I never would have touched it. The fluid looked as clean as the new stuff I put in. I don't plan to open that front cover again unless I have a problem or get it submerged. I'd say I probably use 4wd about the same amount as you do.



The rear is a different story, and it's been covered well by the others.

 

[mberry]

1. Socket set and a flat blade screwdriver.



2. Royal Purple 75W-90



3. NAPA



4. See BFC's #4.



5. See BFC's #5.



6. I would.

 

[Duluth Diesel]

Did my front and read diff fluids at 16,000 miles. On the 2002 CTDs, there is no axle disconnect. Your front and rear diffs are always turning, so I believe that if you are changing the rear, change the front too. Just my preventative maintenance opinion.

As already stated, be sure to add the friction modifier to the rear if you have the anti-spin differential. Dodge factory fluid had the modifier built in. They used to stock both kinds (with and without friction modifier), but due to problems of techs putting the wrong fluids in and cooking diff clutch packs, Dodge simply puts fluid containing the modifier in both front and rear diffs, regardless of the presence of an anti-spin or open diff.



Here's a side question:

When I asked my dealer to change my trans fluid, they said that Dodge does not require EVER changing the fluid on my 6-speed. Is this true??? Seems nuts to me. So at 19000 miles, I still have the original factory fluid in my trans.

 

[ralphr]

/fluid change

all responses covered your questions, however in addition I

would recommend two things. First, with the rear cover off jack up

one wheel and let it stand for about an hour, then jack up the other wheel and do the same. this will ensure that any old fluid that is at the end of the axles, (by the bearings), will be drained

completely. second take an old towel, and wipe the inside of the diff and make sure you clean up any residue lying on the bottom. It would be a good idea to stick your fingers in there first and then rub them together. if there is any grit, or metal shavings you can feel it between your fingers.



I would say any synthetic rear end fluid better than Dino oil. the stuff I drained out of my rear end was awful, it smelled and looked terrible. I had only 40K miles when I drained mine, would not have drained it except purchased mag hytech cover. If I were to do it over I probably would do the first drain at about 20K!



I used amsoil and did not have to add any friction modifiers, ( you should be able to tell by doing real tight figure 8's and listening to hear any "clunks". If you hear them, add a little friction modifier

and repeat, if you add to much you "dis able the limited slip feature" so less is better.



hope this helps, good luck!Oo.

 

[illflem]

Heed the instructions in your owners manual, fill the front 1/2'' below the fill plug and the rear 3/4'' below. When filling all the way to the bottom of the hole I've run into leaks out the axle ends on several different rigs. I should have read the manual long ago.

 

[klenger]

it smelled and looked terrible

I thought that all gear lube smelled terrible, even when brand new.

 

[schu777]

I got the Mag-Hytec diff cover coming this next Monday/Tuesday - now for the gear lube - most have said what they use... . now for the questions:



1) How much fluid does the rear diff take?



2) How much fluid does the front diff take?



3) What lube does everyone use with the front? The same as the rear or ???



I've looked through the owners manual, but not finding the info for the amount to be put into it. I didn't search yet, but figured this thread was a good place to ask about it



Thanks, Michael

 

[Dennis Garrett]

Drain the fluid while it's still hot, just in off the hiway. It might suspend some of the impurities the magnet hasn't picked up, or settled in the form of sludge. I have a low budget cover on mine, It's original with a drain plug welded into the bottom. Drains better hot through the little 3/8" hole.