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

Yeah I was referring to Major Chris

 

just got done changing my rear diff fluid to mobil 1...easy as pie. thanks for the write-up or else i probably wouldnt have thought to do it. the fluid smells exactly like the transmission fluids we used on our helicopters in the Marines - it brought back some memories of being on the flightline.

 

I dont want to sound like a mangina, since today it has warmer weather in NJ, I want to change the rear diff fluid, drove around for a bit... got home...BUT I CAN"T GET IT OPEN!!! THE FILL AND THE DRAIN PLUG!!! ANY SUGGESTIONs!!! I want to get this done before the cold comes back AGAIN!!! I can OPEN the transfer case!! BUT NOT THE REAR!!! I put a LOT OF power into it but still nothing, I dont want to strip it!!

 

The only things I can think of are a bigger wrench or an impact wrench.

 

I think I need another suggestions!!

 

listen to Chris's suggestion. That's a good idea.

 

Sir Isaac Newton here, ladies and gents!! *running towards my truck now*

 

I turned it the wrong way because the drain plug is upside down and wondered why I had so much trouble. haha

If I were you I wouldn't try to get the drain plug off until the fill plug is off.

 

How about an air gun ? The hammer action on the impact gun could help. You could try WD or Blaster but don't just spray it on, try tapping it with a hammer, not so you dent it but the vibration helps it to get down into the threads. One time I couldn't get a bolt loose even with the double wrench interlock trick, I sprayed it and tapped it with a hammer for a while and it came off like butter.

 

i was turning it right...
I got it off by listening to chris4x4 on the hammer tapping... on the drain plug..
I was using the hammer tapping to get the fill plug off but I had trouble...
so I used all my super human strength and got loose! I turned it so hard that my body bounced up and hit my truck and my glasses came off the same time... dont know why they turned it so tight from factory... frustration was kicking in... I only did my rear fluid change... did have time to go my transfer case, we were going out to cheesecake factory... SO GOOD!!!

and thanks chris4x4!

 

oh also,,, when it was coming out, it was like this light yellowish and blackish color
I put back in Amsoil 75-90 (deep yellow, browish color) it was exactaly 3 gt! I have a headlamp and it filled up to the fill plug...

I hope I can do the transfer case tomorrow but it might rain here in NJ...

I'm going to do the driver shaft joints, but I dont know where to put the grease into...

 

i did mine the other day and it was hard as hell to get the fill plug off. i sprayed some WD40 on it and let it soak in for like 30 mins. When i finally got it off i was pushing so hard on the ratchet that i punched myself in the face when i broke torque...my jaw still hurts.

 

that sucks dude

I looked into my transfer case, and it looks like its leaks a little...
I tighten it as much as I can... umm

 

My drain and fill plug were pretty easy. I just used my 1/2 inch drive ratchet and it had no problem getting it off. Just alittle tap with my fist and it was loose.

 

Ok.. So, I think ive got this down... tell me if I am missing something...

Step One: Go to the store and buy beer
Step Two: Call Brian
Step Three: Open a couple beers
Step Four: Watch Brian change differential fluid

 

Great write up... Need to do mine as well... Anyone know how much diff oil is needed to put in? I've heard some people on here say that you are only supposed to put in a cirtain amount of diff oil, while I hear most other people say pour it in until it spills out then wait a minute then pour in oil until it comes out again then close it up... Can anyone claify this for me....