Someone can give me a brief rundown on how to change the oil in my diffs please? Here is what I think please correct me if i'm wrong.
There is no drain plug on the diff itself so I will need to remove it to drain the oil? If that is the case is there a gasket I need to buy or can I reseal it with RTV silicone? Once oil is out yadda yadda I need to refill it to just about where the fill plug is? I know someone mentioned using an allen wrench to verify the level. It looks stupid simple to do but I don't feel like wasting much more than an hour doing this over the weekend. Thank is advnca and forgice my ignorance,

 

It's easy. Go buy the diff oil of your choice. I use Mobil 1 75w90, but there are plenty of good choices.


Take a large drain pan and put it under your pumpkin. Loosen the diff cover bolts and let the fluid drain. Then remove the cover and reusable rubber gasket (on the AAM axles).

I like to spray around in the diff with brake cleaner and wipe out any extra residue and spray again.

Replace the diff cover gasket and pan. Tighten the bolts but not to tight. Don't remember the exact specs for tightening, but just don't do it to hard but nice and snug.

Refill with your new fluid up to the drain hole. Your done, go to the other one if you have 4x4.

Personally, I like to go ahead and change the tranny fluid/filter (auto trans) and transfer case (4x4) fluid at the same time too.

Hope that helps.

 

Take it to the Dealer..........if you want it done wrong..

 

Can someone please tell me about how many quarts to buy for the front and rear? I need to pick them up on the way home today.
TIA!

 

You'll need 3+ quarts for the rear and 2+ quarts for the front.

I say + b/c you won't a full 4 qts. for the rear and a full 3 qts. for the front. I got 7 qts and had plenty left over.

 

I believe you are supposed to leave the level 3/4" below the drain plug...

 

no need to replace the gasket...it is reuseable. Mine took 4qts rear and 2.25-2.5 front.The manual says the level should be 1/4" + or - from the bottom of the fill hole.I use mobil1 75w90

 

you will be low doing that.. the service manual sets the spec for 1/4" below the fill hole, ± 1/4".. so level with the hole is acceptable, or up to 1/2" below the hole is acceptable. i personally fill them till they run out the hole