DIY: Differential Fluid Change

[ivey_usmc]

I just did mine yesterday. This helped alot. Thanks!

 

[redram2007]

Does anyone have any advice or a how to on the front diff with IFS? It just looks like a PITA bc I will have to use RTV bc the rear didn't have a gasket so I'm sure the front will be the same.

 

[jsmith180601]

This diy was awesome walked me threw it easily

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[jsmith180601]

I just did mine

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[btah]

I am not sure what years it was an issue, but when you pop the cover off, make sure you look around really well to see if the clutch pack retaining clips are broken apart and laying around.

Mine is a 2003 and a simple fluid change turned into an adventure when I popped the cover to find the clips broken apart. Big PITA...

 

[jsmith180601]

Yeah mine is an 02. I know I had the fluid changed before 4 years ago professionally and decided to do it myself this time.
I saw no retaining clips at all? Hardest part of doing the job was breaking the seal between the rtv gasket and the cover

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[btah]

I am not sure I would have saw them either, except for the fact they were in about a dozen pieces stuck to the magnet at the bottom of the housing. There are 2 sets of clutches in there, one on each side of the differential. Each set has 2 clips. The new clips I got (12 bucks from the dealer) are much thicker. The dealership told me they have some type of a bulletin on them and you can now buy the clips by themselves. My guess is they must break a lot. The parts person knew exactly what I was talking about. I think the official name of them are Trans Lock Retaining Clips (I might have the spelling wrong there). Cheap repair for DIY. I am guessing somewhat expensive if you have it done because you have pull the gears out of the differential to get to the clutch packs.

 

[Ares_288]

Used this write up this morning. Great help and was definitely needed!

 

[usaf2006]

Getting a bit of chatter in the rear end with take off specifically while turning. Want to swap fluids abd check it all out. Any recommendations on where to get fluid?
Thanks

 

[RonJon '06]

I just did the rear diff on my '85. I got the fluid at Wal*Mart but they didn't have the limited slip additive so I had to go to Auto Zone.

 

[usaf2006]

Thanks. Want sure if others trusted Wal-Mart fluid

Manual says 2.1 qts. Do I have to buy the third bottle for the .1 or does 2 full it up nice. I don't have the lsd... I don't think lol

 

[JPT]

When looking for differential fluid for a LSD, before you add the additive, check and see if the fluid you buy already comes with it. Since the additive doesn't harm non-clutch driven LSD's sometimes the oil manufactures simply include it.