Changing differential fluid - A step by step "HOW TO"

'From the power of greyskull, you have the powerrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!' something like that. You can do it. Just don't strip the bolt.

 

Spray where fill plug meets the pumpkin/rear diff with PB Blaster & let it sit for a couple hours then give it a try. Mine was pretty stubborn as well. As others have said, just be careful to not strip it.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions. I didn't have PB Blaster so I used some WD40 with my air impact wrench and they came off. Gonna wait to change the front for another day....when I regain my patience.

 

The old fluid came out pretty clear but smelled like swamp rot. The drain bolt magnet had a coating of black residue. It looked like graphite. Before I drained the oil, I stuck my finger inside the pumpkin and did not feel any oil. It must have been low.

 

All sounds normal...I doubt it was low.

 

Subd

 

sorry I didn't read through all of the 94 pages but I have a sport and I know I need the LSD additive or a synthetic that has it in it like RP which Im a fan of all of their products. could/would you use the same stuff in the front diff and trans case being that mine is a 4x4 or would you use something that doesn't have LSD additive in it on the font and trans? thanks

 

From what I know and have read, the additive depends on the year of your truck...

 

I thought I seen a quick glance if your truck is a sport with LSD like I have. I could be wrong though. I'm no where near the point to change anything yet but engine oil just like to know my stuff ahead of time and not last minute. I've done that before and it has left me in a bind and im sure it has others. hopefully someone will chime in and in the mean time I will read the manual. But please, if you have a sport and use synthetic on everything (or advise against it) let me know. Much appreciated.

 

'05-'08 Sport models need an LSD additive in the rear. Nothing needs an LSD additive in the front.

Your truck looks to be '12 or newer. You don't need any LSD additive.

 

So does RP make a synthetic that doesn't have the additive in it? Or if anyone with a 12' or newer with good experience with another brand of synthetic would work to.

 

I don't know about any of the RP stuff.

I've been using Lucas Conventional in mine since I require the LSD add. They also make a synthetic version. I've seen a lot of people use the Mobil 1 and Valvoline synthetics.
If you're changing it on the regular scheduled intervals I personally don't think it'd make much difference to put one of those expensive RP, redline, amsoil, etc. oils in it.

 

Has anyone used

$10 Lubegard 30903 Gear Fluid Supplement, 8 oz.

Lubegard 30903 Gear Fluid Supplement?
Is it only for differentials with LSDs or can it work with locking types and transfer cases?

 

I have just the SR5 but the rear differential has the LSD oil only sticker, is this common? I only ask since everyone mentions if you have the sport you have a LSD but no one mentions SR5. I bought the truck used so maybe it was an option?

 

If your diff has that LSD oil sticker on there I would do what it says. lol

 

hahaha I am not questioning the sticker! Just wondering if the limited slip was an option on the SR5, I am assuming it was since I have one but figured I would ask. Probably swapping it out for a air locker in the next year anyway..

 

I don't remember it being an option. Maybe the axle needed replacing on your truck and this one was readily available at a parts yard.

 

I see your point. I am just a guy that when I use a brand I always stick with it and for some reason it has always been RP. I will see how expensive it is the first time and go from there. I am planning on doing all of the fluids besides the ATrans every 15K. I know on the maint log it says that the front diff is due for change but not the trans and rear. they are due at 30K but since I am going to be down there any way just going to knock everything out at once. So every 15K miles is going to be an expensive service! but I look at it this way, the truck is an investment and it I keep everything top notch could be worth a little extra come time to sale. Also speaking of service I just lubed up my u-joints at 10K and man that grease can get nasty and black. I didn't use RP though haha. I used Mystik Hi Temp. heard good stuff about it so we will see.

 

Do you use 4oz lsd additive for the front diff as well?

 

I have a 2013 TRD sport 4x4 dcsb. Do they only put lsd in the rear?