Diffs & Transfer Case fluid change intervals

I do what the manual recommends.

 

Does it matter "when" you change diff and transfer case fluids? In other words, should your truck be completely cool? Or after a short drive?

 

Nope, if its warm enough to work on it, its warm enough to drain.

I wouldnt do it near or below freezing, but you wouldnt work on it then anyway.

 

I personally prefer it to be warm so everything particle wise is in suspension along with it draining faster. The front diff though I find is easier to crack when it's cold.

use a very good socket for the front diff, remove the fill plug first and smash the drain plug a few times with a heavy hammer before trying to break it loose

 

Here you go

 

30,000 miles. Looked at all sources of opinions on when to change fluids. Engine oil is done regularly. Just had the front and rear diff oil changed at the dealership today. $120.00 each diff. No time or place to do it myself. I think the transfer case can wait until 50 or 60k miles.