Need to change diff fluid

[ShadowsPapa]

I'll add on to this. Use a lint free rag and wipe down the inside of the diff cover, and inside of the diff housing that you can reach.

Yes, fer sure.
I scrape out best I can with the plastic scraper to minimize the use of rags, then yes, absolutely, because of the roughness of the casting, lint-free cloth/rags.

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[Hootbro]

At least for your first time drain and fill, remove the cover to get out the breaking in slurry that settles to the bottom. Drain plug even though it is magnetic, will not capture all the break in wear metals.

 

[legacy_etu]

Having done a few dozen - rebuilds as well as simple service, I prefer if they are warmed up.
I then let them sit a bit to allow fluid to run back out of the axle tubes if there's any appreciable amount up in them.
I always remove the cover and use a home made scraper (using a piece cut from an old milk jug) and scrape out the remaining fluid. I like to clean the housing out in case something has settled in there - like metal that doesn't run out the drain. I've found small bits from bearings before - in an otherwise quiet differential.
I never simply pull the drain plug, let it drain, then refill it. It's a great time to inspect the faces of the teeth, get a feel for the health of the thing.

Fill until level with the bottom of the fill hole with vehicle sitting flat and level. That's been a general rule for decades, as well as the spec Jeep mentions, if I recall correctly.

I have found hidden damage by pulling the cover and even though it's a bit more mess, a bit more time, it may be worth it. You don't know unless you pull the cover. Not everything happily runs to the drain hole and shows itself.

Ah, love That milk jug scraper idea!

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Ah, love That milk jug scraper idea!

The first time you use your hand/fingers to scrape it out and find a bearing has started to go - based on the sliver of steel that just sliced your finger and the lube on your hand being tinged a bit red, you learn there's got to be a better way. (I was probably 15 or 16 and of course, back then, nothing in the world could possibly hurt me HAHAHAHAHA. Got over that real fast)

Milk jug plastic - it's everywhere, stiff enough to do the job, flexible enough to form to the shapes being "scraped".
Lately, since I used several gallons of distilled water a month in my plating, I have been using the plastic jugs from the distilled water. No odor to it, and it's the same stuff.

 

[legacy_etu]

The first time you use your hand/fingers to scrape it out and find a bearing has started to go - based on the sliver of steel that just sliced your finger and the lube on your hand being tinged a bit red, you learn there's got to be a better way. (I was probably 15 or 16 and of course, back then, nothing in the world could possibly hurt me HAHAHAHAHA. Got over that real fast)

Milk jug plastic - it's everywhere, stiff enough to do the job, flexible enough to form to the shapes being "scraped".
Lately, since I used several gallons of distilled water a month in my plating, I have been using the plastic jugs from the distilled water. No odor to it, and it's the same stuff.

Ooohhh, the metal sliver under the fingernail bit. Damn. That happened to me once driving my UPS truck. Got a metal shard under my thumb fingernail when I grabbed the metal braided wired that holds up the rear door.

 

[j.o.y.ride]

Ok thanks all. I will pop the diff cover off but I have a trip this week, will just wait until I get back. And even tho the gaskets are reusable I will have backups on hand, and wont get here before my trip anyhow.

 

[Jteakus]

I like to wash my housing out with aerosol brake parts cleaner.

 

[Jteakus]

Also, if you have time to wait you can order off Ebay and save some coin over the box stores.

Ultra1Plus™ SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil API GL-5 | Gallon (4 QT) 810050654135 | eBay

 

[j.o.y.ride]

I like to wash my housing out with aerosol brake parts cleaner.

That seems like it would sting, or at least be very messy and uncomfortable

 

[Jteakus]

I try not to get it on me. Safety glasses are mandatory too. It is an easy way to make sure all the old fluid and any particles get washed out. Process is usually reserved for destroyed or contaminated diffs but works wonders on a clean one,

 

[j.o.y.ride]

I try not to get it on me. Safety glasses are mandatory too. It is an easy way to make sure all the old fluid and any particles get washed out. Process is usually reserved for destroyed or contaminated diffs but works wonders on a clean one,

Dang it. I was trying to be innuendous. Is that a word? Anyways it failed.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I try not to get it on me. Safety glasses are mandatory too. It is an easy way to make sure all the old fluid and any particles get washed out. Process is usually reserved for destroyed or contaminated diffs but works wonders on a clean one,

It leaves white spots on plastic safety glasses........
Been there, done that.

 

[MikeD93]

I have actually never done diff fluid change on any vehicle. I assume basics are same as oil... remove lower drain plug, replace plug, fill.

2 questions are... should it be warmed from driving like oil to help it flow better? And how do you know when you've filled it properly?

Any JL/T tutorials?

So depending on your year you may not have a drain plug. My 22’ rubicon doesn’t. And no you don’t have to warm it up

 

[kennyglm]

Also loosen the fill plug before you drain.

a $1.99 sounds like a better deal

 

[Rusty PW]

I like to wash my housing out with aerosol brake parts cleaner.

Don't get any on the locker sensor. The Power Wagon guys had problems with the sensors when sprayed with brake cleaner. Just use a couple of Q-tips to wipe it clean.

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