Rear diff problem when towing

CoachBoone · 07-26-2004, 09:56 AM

So we just got back from towing my 7000 lb trailer from Portland Oregon down to Colorado and back. Stopped in Denver to change oil and asked them to check diff as we smelled a nasty odor from rear of truck when towing uphill. Sure enough, they showed me a black, sludgy, putrid smelling oil. They flushed and re-filled, and suggested getting it into a dealer when we get back. That's where it is now, in the shop. Haven't heard from dealer yet, it's only been an hour. Has anyone else had rear diff problems when towing?

TriKKy · 07-26-2004, 10:14 AM

Rear diff fluid is always putrid smelling.

Hope all is OK with your truck however. Other people have had their paint flake off and the fluid be low. I know there are 2 cases where the diff's have been replaced, I just don't remember what happened.

Big Platinum · 07-26-2004, 06:21 PM

do a search, tons of info on diff problems.

cttitan · 07-26-2004, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoachBoone

So we just got back from towing my 7000 lb trailer from Portland Oregon down to Colorado and back. Stopped in Denver to change oil and asked them to check diff as we smelled a nasty odor from rear of truck when towing uphill. Sure enough, they showed me a black, sludgy, putrid smelling oil. They flushed and re-filled, and suggested getting it into a dealer when we get back. That's where it is now, in the shop. Haven't heard from dealer yet, it's only been an hour. Has anyone else had rear diff problems when towing?

Just wondering if you noticed any oil leaking out of the breather on the rear axle. If you filled your rear diff up full full before you left it could blow a little out when it gets hot and that could account for the smell. How did your cover look?