Remove Diff covers for fluid change?

[Jsmall1]

Should I remove my front and rear diff covers to perform my scheduled fluid change or should I pump the fluid out? If I can remove the covers, are the gaskets re-usable?



Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[HOBrian]

Remove the covers and yes the gaskets are reusable!

 

[CHolman]

Yep, the gasket's are re-usable. I just put new "RP" gear oil about 3 months ago, really easy. I even stripped all the old paint off and repainted the covers they look so much better now...

 

[mconstable]

Ditto on the above... changing the diffs is easier than the engine oil!

 

[rbattelle]

Hey JSmall, nice to hear from you again! You moved to Fairborn?



I agree with the others - pull the covers! And be careful with the gaskets.



-Ryan

 

[Jsmall1]

Thanks for all the replies. I'll remove the gaskets!

 

[CPittman]

One person told me to just loosen the diff cover bolts but leave them in and just let the oil run out with the covers on. Then the dealer said to pull the covers off so I can clean any filings or shavings out of the bottom.



Are you guys seeing lots of shrapnel settling out in the diffs?

 

[rbattelle]

Are you guys seeing lots of shrapnel settling out in the diffs?

Not me. But I like to get a look at the gears.



-Ryan

 

[MHorne]

do you need to put new silicone on it and what kind of gear oil are you guys using?

 

[rbattelle]

do you need to put new silicone on it and what kind of gear oil are you guys using?

NO SILICONE! It's a rubber o-ring.



I've been using Valvoline Synpower 75w-90, but I'm getting ready to try Kendall Elite 75w-90. Both are GL-5 full-synthetic. Local distributor claims both products are identical except for packaging. I believe him.



-Ryan

 

[MHorne]

how many quarts will i need to buy for the front and rear and i take it i can buy this oil at any auto place like auto zone or checker.

 

[milehigh.o.]

I am getting ready to do this as well. Is there a bolt tighting method and how tight? And what is the best oil to use? I tow 10-13k lbs, 3-5 times a year and about 1k miles at a time and thru the rocky mountains.

 

[rbattelle]

When I tighten the bolts I work from the center out to the edges. I start with the top-center bolt, followed by the bottom center bolt, followed by the first top bolt left of center, follwed by the first bottom bolt left of center, followed by the first top bolt right of center, followed by the first bottom bolt right of center, and so on.



I torque all the ones that are accessible with a torque wrench to 30 ft-lb. The ones I can't reach with the torque wrench just get "snugged up" with a boxed-end wrench.



Using the stock covers, my front axle took 3 quarts, rear took 4. Specification is 4. 75 pints front and 7. 65 pints rear. I filled until it to the bottom of the fill hole in front, and just stopped at 4 quarts rear (wasn't quite to the bottom of the fill hole).



I recommend just buying a case of 12 quarts. Use the leftovers on the next change.



Would it be worth it to take pictures next time I do mine and post a procedure? It'll be spring before I'm due again...



-Ryan

 

[MG05CTD]

I need to do this service on my truck also, and thought I heard you have to add friction modifier to the diff. fluid, is this true? If so, does the Zone carry this or do I get it from the dealer? Thanks... .

 

[EEdmondson]

No friction modifier needed.



I use Mobile 1 75w-90. On my second change I just loosened the top bolts and removed a few of the bottom ones and pulled the bottom of the cover loose to drain. I don't need to see the gears because I couldn't tell a bad gear from a good one.

 

[WyattEarp]

had a silly question? the newer trucks have gaskets on the diff. covers... thought they stopped using those and went to the permagasket that comes in the tube... my '00 came from the factory with this gasket maker and no actual gasket when i changed the rearend oil.

I also like to see the gears and mirander at them and look for any unusual wear or abnormal stuff, actually you could say im looking for something and if i can't find anything then i know im in good shape .

 

[gonzo2]

When they switched to AAM for the 3rd Gens we got the re-usable gaskets and they work well.

4 quarts for the back, 3 for the front 75w-90 synthetic GL-5. Some use 75w-140 for heavy haulin'. Torque the bolts to 18ft-lbs.



No friction modifier needed as AAM uses a different LS package.



About a three beer job.

 

[ECappleman]

When I had all the fluids changed at the dealer, I believe the rear diff cost more. They said they only use synthetic for the rear.

 

[WyattEarp]

i was thinking that they had to go back to a gasket just wasn't sure what year they started that back again. actually the rear and front diffs are some of the easiest self maintenance a person can do, takes very little time or tools and can be done by the average person with no instructions, i guess im just one that like to see what my gears are doing...

 

[troll3193]

I have 36000 miles on my 04 4x4. Have had the transmission fluid exchanged at 30k miles. When should I consider doing the diffs? I tow about 2000 miles a year, other than that mostly unloaded miles.



TIA,



Bryan