Rear Differential fluid Change

[SWithrow]

Just serviced the front and rear differentials, front was still clear the back was a bit blackened. I noticed sludge and some fine shavings on the plug, should I worry? Truck is driving fine no noise, 170k & third time changing the diff fluid since I've owned it.

 

[rscurtis]

Mine will do the same thing, but to a lesser extent, as it has fewer miles on it and is used for basic transportation. On the early AAM axles, the end user did the final machining, resulting in noise complaints if you can remember those episodes.

 

[Schumacher]

My first change was about like yours, the second was far less. I'm getting ready for the third. 98k and tow 7-8k trailer 5 days a week.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Agree, totally normal.

 

[AH64ID]

I'm on the perfectly normal band wagon.

 

[JMarketos]

x2. Looks normal. BTW- I installed bunch of gauges on my truck some time ago and was surprised to find that the rear end runs at significant temperature when towing- 180 to 190F isn't unheard of. After speaking with some others, I learned that apparently heavy eqt. like big dump trucks etc. can run even hotter than that.