Rear Diff fluid question...HELP!!

[VShortt]

I have a question about the rear differential fluid. I have been reading all of the posts in the thread regarding low levels. I have checked mine and it is also low. Can someone please explain to me the procedure. Specifically, what do I buy to put in it? Where can I get it? Do I need to drain if I am adding a different brand? Please help because I don't want to roach my differential. Any help would be incredibly appreciated. When you answer, just remember....rear end savvy, I'm not.

[bestatchess]

You might as well change it while you are messing with it as it is likely to have alot of metal fines suspended in the oil from breakin. Here is a thread discussing specific oil & sealant:

Differential lube check screw-locktite??

You can use conventional gear oil as recommended in the manual. Next time I change I am going to use Mobil 1 75-90 synthetic. You need three of the 1 quart bottles as it takes a little over 2 quarts to fill.

You want to change it right after you have driven it so it is hot and will drain easily. Park it on level ground, put a drain pan under the rear diff, use a 3/8" ratchet handle to remove the drain plug (on the bottom) being careful not to burn yourself on the hot diff or on the hot oil that will come out. Clean the magnet on the drain plug. Now go have an iced tea or something while it drains thoroughly.

Put the drain plug back in with the permatex thread sealant (not thread lock). Remove the fill plug with the 3/8" ratchet handle and fill until the oil just starts to run out the fill hole. Replace fill plug using permatex thread sealant.

Be careful with the plugs as you don't want to overtighten or cross-thread.

You can take used oil to a service station as they recycle. In my area, there are auto parts stores that do this also.

[VShortt]

Originally Posted by bestatchess

You might as well change it while you are messing with it as it is likely to have alot of metal fines suspended in the oil from breakin. Here is a thread discussing specific oil & sealant:

Differential lube check screw-locktite??

You can use conventional gear oil as recommended in the manual. Next time I change I am going to use Mobil 1 75-90 synthetic. You need three of the 1 quart bottles as it takes a little over 2 quarts to fill.

You want to change it right after you have driven it so it is hot and will drain easily. Park it on level ground, put a drain pan under the rear diff, use a 3/8" ratchet handle to remove the drain plug (on the bottom) being careful not to burn yourself on the hot diff or on the hot oil that will come out. Clean the magnet on the drain plug. Now go have an iced tea or something while it drains thoroughly.

Put the drain plug back in with the permatex thread sealant (not thread lock). Remove the fill plug with the 3/8" ratchet handle and fill until the oil just starts to run out the fill hole. Replace fill plug using permatex thread sealant.

Be careful with the plugs as you don't want to overtighten or cross-thread.

You can take used oil to a service station as they recycle. In my area, there are auto parts stores that do this also.

Thanks Best at Chess. Two minor questions though. Where can I buy permatex and you said to be carefule with the plug(S). Is there more than one? Thanks alot.

[bestatchess]

Originally Posted by VShortt

Thanks Best at Chess. Two minor questions though. Where can I buy permatex and you said to be carefule with the plug(S). Is there more than one? Thanks alot.

You can buy permatex at an autoparts store. Either Permatex High Temperature or High Performance Sealant is O.K. Don't get the thread locking compound (particularly not the red strength stuff). I think this is the stuff recommended in the manual:

http://www.permatex.com/auto/autouh....&item_no=56521

There are two plugs, both with a recess for a 3/8 drive. The lower one is the drain plug. The upper one is the fill plug. After you drain and replace the drain plug, you remove and fill at the upper plug, filling until the oil just runs out of the fill hole.

[FLfinfan]

Watch out for the hot tail pipe too. Got a tiny spot burned off my knee when wigglin around under there....DOOH!

[37L1]

Originally Posted by FLfinfan

Watch out for the hot tail pipe too. Got a tiny spot burned off my knee when wigglin around under there....DOOH!

"Pain is nature's way of indicating that stupidity is leaving your body."

Been there, done that, and will probably be there again soon.

[Squid]

Just bringing this thread back out into the open please disregard

Wow! I found another one. This stuff is great.