[Titanic9]

So when it comes time, I am definitely going to change the rear differential oil myself since it is so easy (I've read the how-tos here on TitanTalk). It seems crazy to pay a dealer $100 to do it since it appears easier than changing engine oil and filter (which I also do myself).

My questions are on the FRONT differential oil:

• Should it be changed on the same interval as the rear differential oil? More often? Less often?
• Is the same oil used for the front differential as is used in the rear differential?
• Is changing the front differential oil as easy as the rear differential? Basically just a drain and re-fill? Easy to access area?
• Any other info I should know about the front diff? Anybody here worked on it?

Note that I am NOT talking about the transfer case oil or automatic transmission fluid. Those two I'd likely still have the dealer do.
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[chunko]

So when it comes time, I am definitely going to change the rear differential oil myself since it is so easy (I've read the how-tos here on TitanTalk). It seems crazy to pay a dealer $100 to do it since it appears easier than changing engine oil and filter (which I also do myself).

My questions are on the FRONT differential oil:

• Should it be changed on the same interval as the rear differential oil? More often? Less often?
• Is the same oil used for the front differential as is used in the rear differential?
• Is changing the front differential oil as easy as the rear differential? Basically just a drain and re-fill? Easy to access area?
• Any other info I should know about the front diff? Anybody here worked on it?

Note that I am NOT talking about the transfer case oil or automatic transmission fluid. Those two I'd likely still have the dealer do.
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Depends how often you 4x4. Generally...less often.

No: 75w-90 in the front

Sorta: A little more difficult to access the fill plug. Squeeze bottle hard to shoot it in there.

No. It's pretty much same idea as rear.

-AD

 

[BigJ]

I change mine at the same time as the rear diff, I also use the same 75w-140 full synthetic. You have to remember that front diff has the same amount of miles on it the rear does, because it spins all of the time. Its easy to drain and fill there is even an open spot to squeeze in the new stuff when filling the front. I also do the transfer case its just as easy, drain and fill plug. Filling the transfer case is the hardest part of the job but why pay for someone to pull a plug and fill it up seems to easy to me.

 

[COTitan]

i just put the same 75w-140 as my rear and it has worked well

 

[grnTitan04]

I just changed out my front this weekend with 75W-140. Good 'nuff for the back is good 'nuff for the front.

For lack of a better place to post this, did anyone else notice that the front was REALLY low from the factory? As in - I could not touch the oil with my finger fully extended in the fill hole?

 

[silverkorn]

You have to remember that front diff has the same amount of miles on it the rear does, because it spins all of the time.

a lot of people forget that this happens, but just because your not in 4WD doesnt mean the front diff is working. when you turn on 4WD the transfer case is what "turns on". but if it was me and i was chaning the rear diff oil, i would be doing the transfer case and the front diff at the same time.

 

[tiller87]

If I'm not mistaken it costs about 30.00 for the fluid alone. for 30 something most quick lube shops will do a differental service.

 

[Titanic9]

Not in my experience - most places want around $100 to do a rear differential fluid change. Multiply that by 2 if you want the front one done. I have no idea why they charge so much.

 

[tiller87]

damn thats steep. I work at Jiffy Lube and we charge 39.99
100.00 is ridiculous for such a simple operation especially on diffs with a drain plug. It's the ones I end up having to vaccum out that are a ***** even then geez.

 

[NorCal 4x4]

For the rear differential I just used the squirt bottle, (that most diff oil comes in), but the gun in the link to an old post of mine, works well for the front and for the transfer case, (the link has a pic of the type of gun I used for the front and transfer case). Buy two though ... don't mix the D-Matic and the front diff oil.

For $10 each they can be disposable if you don't have a place to store them. Mine leaked out the air hole after they sat for a year or so, so it might be a good idea just to get new ones each time anyway.
Guns for transfer case and front differential change

 

[Titanic9]

NorCal where did you buy the pump - thanks...

 

[NorCal 4x4]

NorCal where did you buy the pump - thanks...

Kragen Auto Parts.

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[Shadowofnight2001r]

damn thats steep. I work at Jiffy Lube and we charge 39.99
100.00 is ridiculous for such a simple operation especially on diffs with a drain plug. It's the ones I end up having to vaccum out that are a ***** even then geez.

No kidding...even before I lifted the truck it was really easy to change ( Front was a little tight...but still easy ) . Now that its lifted its even easier.