Nissan Titan Forum banner

Factory Diff Cover...Help?

1 reading
2.6K views 11 replies 7 participants last post by  J.Bahde  
#1 · (Edited)
Hey guys, bought my truck used a year a ago and have read alot about the diff problems with the early year models (mine is a 2004). Can anyone tell me if this is the factory Diff cover? I am also intersested in doing some self service, my truck is 500 miles short of 60,000. I had the dealership service the tranny when I bought it, but I want to service the front and rear diff's myself, any instructions/things I should know about doing these services? How bout the transfer case? when is the service scheduled for it? I don't post on this site very often, but I do read it daily and want to say thanks for all the great info, and entertainment.

p.s. added some pics of my dirty silver titan.
 

Attachments

#3 ·
That IS a factory diff cover. However, it's the updated one, and not the original from the 2004 Titan. Your truck has most certainly had it replaced.

The service intervals are in the manual. I'm not sure when it is, but I changed mine at 30K. I believe that's when it's recommended, but most wait until 60K.

If you tow, or back into water while launching a boat or something, service it a LOT more often than 30K.
 
#4 ·
Here's what the original '04 cover looked like:

Image


It was smooth and tended not to dissipate the heat as well as the vented ones. That's the reason for the update TBS.
 
#6 ·
Yeah. There's a level detection bolt you can remove and check to see that it's topped off. If you can stick a finger in it, you can feel the level. Check to make sure it doesn't smell burnt. You may not be able to see the color of it, but it shouldn't be dark or thick. It's a simple drain and fill procedure either way. Good luck!
 
#8 ·
I'm glad I found this thread, my diff cover looks just like the one in the OP and my Titan is an 04, I guess mine has been changed also which is interesting, because my truck only had 18K miles on it when I bought it. I'm surprised that it was replaced with that few miles on it.
 
#9 ·
With the number of failed rear diff's, it's cheap insurance.
 
#11 ·
A finned cover is an indication, but not proof, of an updated diff install on the 04-06 model. Many have simply put on a finned diff as a cheap cosmetic/practical upgrade for better cooling. Best to run the VIN at the dealer, while it is still under the 5 year/60k mile warranty for the drivetrain.