[NC_Homer]

Hey guys!

Just bought an '05 LE Titan w/138k on it. So far all I've done is change the oil (Mobil 1 HM 5w-30/K&N filter) and did a transmission drain and fill with S-matic fluid.

Next opportunity I get, would like to change out following:

-Spark plugs (NGK Iridium IX)
-Battery (Interstate)
-Grounding cables

Besides fluids, can any of you tell me what to look out for on early 1st gen Titans?

Would appreciate any feedback. Thank you.

 

[FishnAlaska]

Look for differential fluid around the wheels, real seals like to leak, I would suggest doing the axle vent mod (many threads on it just search). Check your rear differential cover to see if it is finned, if it isn't, I would swap it out. Wouldn't hurt to change your differential fluid (75w-140). Manifolds like to crack too.

 

[danman]

There is plenty...this forum has loads of information if you have the time to sit and read through it all...you'll need a lot of time! the platform has been around for a while.

Check axle seals for leaks/check the axle vent for cloggs
Exhaust leaks?
Transmission lines leaking/chaffing anywhere?
Is the radiator in good condition?
any CEL?
Brakes ok? any shutter when braking?

I thought matic j was the preffered tranny juice, but a quick google search said matic s would work too...learned something new today. I know from previous forums, that some castrol amsoil transmission fluids work too, but they are more exotic/expensive.

 

[LSturbointeg]

I would suggest doing the axle vent mod (many threads on it just search). Check your rear differential cover to see if it is finned, if it isn't, I would swap it out. Wouldn't hurt to change your differential fluid (75w-140). Manifolds like to crack too.

gonna have to look into this vent mod i keep seeing that must be done. also, rear diff cover finned is new to me...does it matter i'm 2wd? for the differential fluid i see how it needs to be changed but how do you know how much to fill?

 

[danman]

how do you know how much to fill?

Park on flat surface to do diff fluid maintenance, drain and fill till it comes out of the fill hole. clean the spill out with brake clean and you are good to go!

 

[FishnAlaska]

gonna have to look into this vent mod i keep seeing that must be done. also, rear diff cover finned is new to me...does it matter i'm 2wd? for the differential fluid i see how it needs to be changed but how do you know how much to fill?

Pretty much every axle vent clogs up and will not allow the pressure to dissipate, hence causing the seal to leak. The vent mod is basically using a replacement for the OEM vent and running tubing up into the tail light housing with a small one way lawn mower filter on the end. Older models had a flat diff cover, the finned ones allow the heat dissipate quicker, keeping everything cooler. Specs say 4.25 pints to fill.
My OEM vent at about 10k miles and installing the mod.

 

[danman]

Yea, mine didn't look that bad when I did the mod at 20k or so, but I could see how it could have failed if any measureable amounts of dirt or water were introduced to it.

 

[NC_Homer]

Awesome! Thanks guys! This has definitely been helpful.

Next question-

For the rear axle vent mod, I found a kit through cajunbpipes. I haven't yet found a complete write-up (feel free to throw out link), but would you lose any gear oil in process?

I ask because I'm about to move and tow my girlfriend's Jeep. So I thought about taking to shop to exchange fluid on front and rear differentials and maybe the transfer case.

Could I do this mod after taking care of diff fluid on my own at a later time?

 

[FishnAlaska]

Nope, you wont loose any, the vent is on the top of the axle. Simply unscrew it, screw in the new nipple, add the hose to it, put the filter on the other end and run it up to the tail light, zip tie it and done. They have actually incorporated this mod, almost exactly the way we have been doing, it on all the second generation Titans.
http://www.titantalk.com/forums/titan-faq-how-area/28334-axle-vent-issue-solution.html