2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission when it rains it pours

[DPyles]

Well, While waiting for the NEW FITTINGS for the "updated" replacement trans. lines, I decided to give it the ol once over. I haven't had time to do this since I bought it bout nine months ago.



Glad I did, Pulled front wheels to check brakes. looked good but the flexible brake lines on each side were worn badly. While turning sharply the tires were rubbing these lines and have worn them into the inner lining of the hose.



Well, better pull the rears and have a look there. pulled passenger side wheel and drum. wow got a lot of mileage left here on these shoes everything nice and dry too.

Pulled driver side and... ... crap! loaded with black sticky goo on everything. Axle seal. Guess I'll replace the good shoes after all.

Now here is the run down on everything I have had to repair or replace.



oil change with filter

fuel filter and found wires torn from water in fuel light.

all five trans lines

fluid filter and gasket for trans

both front flexible brake hoses

had windshield replaced (growing crack)

rear brake shoes

axle seals on both sides-bought big nut removal socket

water pump

serpintine belt



I have read today on older posts that one should fill the diff. higher than the check plug. Is this correct?

has 150,000 miles on it and I would say that this is the first axle seal that has been replaces on it. not sure though.



guess this is not too bad for the mileage.

 

[Extreme1]

I don't know haw far you should overfill the diff but after you replace the seals, you need to make sure you get the hubs full of lube. I modified mine so I could drain the hubs when I changed the lube without removing them. Here is a link to the post on how to do it. I was surprised I found it.

 

[illflem]

Originally posted by dpyles

I have read today on older posts that one should fill the diff. higher than the check plug. Is this correct?

My feeling is that if Dana felt the differential needed to be filled higher than the plug level they would have put the fill plug higher. In fact they recommend that the front differential only be filled 1/2'' below the bottom of the fill plug and the rear 3/4'' below. Level surface when checking is essential.



Pre-lubing the seals after a new one is installed is important before driving though and can be done by jacking each side of the truck up after the fluid is at the proper level.



My experience on several front differentials including my own '95 is that if the fluid level is above the recommended 1/2'' below the bottom of the fill hole it will leak out the seals and tend to puke out the vent tube. Leaks will stop when the fluid has dropped to the recommended 1/2'' below.