Diff service interval question

[Jglad15]

So I’m approaching 20k miles. I have searched the threads on here and it seems like that’s when everyone is changing the diff fluid. When I look in the owners manual it says inspect at 20k but it doesn’t say change until 40k. But if you’re going to “inspect it”, why not just change it. Unless I’m an idiot and missing something. The dealership I normally take it to says I don’t need to change it at 20k. Not till 100k, I’m thinking to myself your an idiot have you ever even looked at the owners manual. But he wasn’t my typical service advisor. Was gonna go in there today after work to talk to my normal guy who I generally trust. Typically I don’t start servicing stuff myself till the 36 is up. So was just gonna let the dealership do this one.

Thanks!

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[LouisvEarlleJT]

Checking just involves removing the fill plug, sticking your finger in, and seeing if you can feel oil in there. If you can, then you're good.

I don't see any reason, short of severe abuse, that it would need to be changed at 20k.

Random internet opinion sure, but I've owned many solid axle vehicles that were maintained well into the upper echelons of mileage.

 

[Jglad15]

Checking just involves removing the fill plug, sticking your finger in, and seeing if you can feel oil in there. If you can, then you're good.

I don't see any reason, short of severe abuse, that it would need to be changed at 20k.

Random internet opinion sure, but I've owned many solid axle vehicles that were maintained well into the upper echelons of mileage.

Sounds good!

 

[jac04]

Based on reports of the Rubicon locker sensors becoming 'fouled' by metal contamination of the oil, I changed my rear diff fluid at something like 1500 miles (yes, 15 hundred). I was surprised at the amount of metallic paste on the magnetic plug for the mileage.

IMO, it is best to do a few early & often fluid changes on any factory Tru-Lok electronic locking differential, especially the rear.

 

[Jglad15]

Based on reports of the Rubicon locker sensors becoming 'fouled' by metal contamination of the oil, I changed my rear diff fluid at something like 1500 miles (yes, 15 hundred). I was surprised at the amount of metallic paste on the magnetic plug for the mileage.

IMO, it is best to do a few early & often fluid changes on any factory Tru-Lok electronic locking differential, especially the rear.

Yeah you def make some good points! Maybe I’ll just do this one myself then.

 

[jac04]

..Maybe I’ll just do this one myself then.

It's super easy to do if you have drain plugs. Otherwise you have to pop the cover off. Still easy, just not as easy as having drain plugs. I can't remember, but IIRC the 2022 models don't have drain plugs.

 

[Volt0]

Did ours early, just in case, and cleaned off the magnetic shavings. Just be sure that you use the right diff fluid for your build/diff-type/toe-usage.

 

[bd100]

Don't have to take off the diff cover if you use something like this:

Suction Gun

Based on my own experience, I'd recommend you change it early. And use the Dana recommended 75W140, especially in the back.

 

[firemedic2714]

Like you, I thought the same thing, I might as well change it. IIRC, it was $50 for the oil and $25 for the additive (I have a Rubicon with limited slip). Since I was removing the cover, I swapped it out for an ARB cast iron one with a dipstick and a drain plug. For me, it was expensive, but the following ones won't be. I only had to use 1-1/2 bottles of oil and a very small portion of the bottle of additive. The next few changes will only require oil. I feel like it's cheap insurance to do frequent fluid changes.

 

[whysoserious]

Like you, I thought the same thing, I might as well change it. IIRC, it was $50 for the oil and $25 for the additive (I have a Rubicon with limited slip). Since I was removing the cover, I swapped it out for an ARB cast iron one with a dipstick and a drain plug. For me, it was expensive, but the following ones won't be. I only had to use 1-1/2 bottles of oil and a very small portion of the bottle of additive. The next few changes will only require oil. I feel like it's cheap insurance to do frequent fluid changes.

Did you swap the Tru-Lok out for the Trac-Lok?

 

[Hootbro]

Like you, I thought the same thing, I might as well change it. IIRC, it was $50 for the oil and $25 for the additive (I have a Rubicon with limited slip). Since I was removing the cover, I swapped it out for an ARB cast iron one with a dipstick and a drain plug. For me, it was expensive, but the following ones won't be. I only had to use 1-1/2 bottles of oil and a very small portion of the bottle of additive. The next few changes will only require oil. I feel like it's cheap insurance to do frequent fluid changes.

Rubicon has the E-Locker, not the limited slip. You do not need the limited slip additive but it does not hurt it if you put it in anyways.

 

[Jaxmax]

I have never changed diff fluid until
my Mojave. Sensor issue and putting on cast Dana covers I thought why not do it at like 15,000 miles. Glad I did and take the cover off even if you have a drain plug the first time, clean everything out had metal paste on magnet, and it was easy. Rear was much dirtier then front cause of use but piece of mind is a good thing…..Jack

 

[Jglad15]

I’m so freaking busy over the next month. I just let the dealer do it, sucks I paid for something so simple, but I’m booked like every weekend.

 

[firemedic2714]

Did you swap the Tru-Lok out for the Trac-Lok?

No.

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