Can anyone tell me is a gasket is required for the diff covers on a 2003, or do you use RTV like on the Dana's? Also can anyone tell me the spec's for the fluid from the factory. Also what amounts for the front as well as the rear. And one more thing, what fluid does the factory list for the transfer case, and how much?

 

The gaskets are re-useable, just as is. No sealer should be used. For the rear, synthetic 80/90 for regular use or 80/140 for heavy towing is what's recommended. No friction modifier for the limited slip rear. Don't know about your other questions. Someone else will.

 

Transfer case uses ATF + 4.


Gasket on the pumpkins are reusable like Moterhead said. Just wash them off and reinstall. Any GL-5 rated synthetic gear oil in 75w90 or 75w140 is fine. Personally I use Mobil 1 75w90 with no problems....and I change it every 20k (which is probably overkill).

 

Just did mine. Easy change. The gasket is reusable......... can anyone tell me where the drain is for my transfer case?.......Sorry, I guess I hijacked your thread. Not thinking.

 

Transfer case is super easy. There are 2 screws on it. Just remove the top one (to make sure it will be able to come off) and then remove the bottom one and let it drain. When it's done, replace the bottom. Refill with ATF +4 until it runs out the top. Reinstall the top screw.

 

Thanks. I'm due.

 

Is the transmission pan gasket reusable as well?

 

Yes it is. Becarefull when you remove the filter. Fluid can still be in it.

 

You might want to think about putting a drain plug in the pan for future ease of fluid change. B&M makes one that has is like a short bolt with a hole thru it with a plug. You drill a hole in the pan, insert the plug, then put the furnished nut on the inside and tighten. Because of the nut on the inside, you can't completely drain the pan, but you can get enough out to make fluid changes mucho easier. OR, if you can weld, you can do what I did. Cut enough off the "bolt" part so that it just sticks thru the hole, then weld or braze it in. I brazed both the inside and outside to make sure there weren't any pinholes. That synthetic fluid will find it's way out if there are! This way, you get more out when you drain.

I put a drain plug on my wife's '03 Liberty also. That thing has some sort of electronic transimission. If you let the fluid go more than about 25K miles, it will start an annoying "lurch" on the 3-2 downshift. When it starts doing that it has to go to the dealer to have the CRV relearned or some such thing. I just change 4 quarts of trans fluid when I do her oil change. A bit more expensive, but no dealer visit for $75 plus a lot of hassle about all the other things the vehicle "needs".

 

I've got a question....

How are you guys able to get the covers off the diff or tranny without damaging the gasket? When ever I go to do it, I have to wedge something in between the cover/pan and the diff/tranny to break the seal and my gasket always gets chewed up.

 

Always loosen back first to drain oil. Never had to pry off the pan. Yours dented maybe?

 

The gaskets on the transmission pan are not rated as reusable like the rubber ones on the diffs. I have used mine several times on the trans, but im probably going to replace it next time. You just have to be very gentle with it if you plan to reuse it.

 

I did get a new gasket included with my new filter.

 

Take a rubber mallet and tap on the cover to break the seal. Never pry or wedge any thing on a gasket sealing surface you can scar it and create problems trying to get it to seal again.

 

Well, on the 2003 I was working on today, I didn't have any trouble getting the trans or diff covers off. Very easy and they were all reusable. The trans pan had a part # embossed in it for a reusable gasket. Thanks to all for the feedback.