Rear diff. fluid change questions

[ScarabEpic22]

I have tried to get the plugs of my rear diff. off, but they are stuck. I have tried WD-40, and it didnt help. A friend suggested a breaker bar, which is probably what I will do next.

My question is, for those of you who have changed the fluid, what did you do to get the fill and drain plugs off of it?

Thanks,

[dpm6836]

My TB fill plug was slightly leaking when I bought mine. I just used the square end of a 3/8" extention and a breaker bar to tighten it. It may have some lock-tite on it holding it tight or someone tighten it too much.

[ScarabEpic22]

I just used the square end of a 3/8" extention and a breaker bar to tighten it. It may have some lock-tite on it holding it tight or someone tighten it too much.

Yea, that is what I tried to use to get mine off, but no luck. I tried again today after I drove for 1 hr to see if the heat would help at all, which it didnt. I will go to Napa tomorrow and invest in a breaker bar. Also, thanks for the reply.

[o2man98]

Be sure you pull the fill plug before removing the drain. You wouldn't want to drain the lube and not be able to fill it.

[MoJoe]

Be sure you pull the fill plug before removing the drain. You wouldn't want to drain the lube and not be able to fill it.

Now that friends is good advice :yes:


I used a 1/2 drive rachet to see if mine would break free and they did. :undecided Just make sure you are turning it the correct way :raspberry j/k ;)

[ScarabEpic22]

Thanks for the all of the reply's everybody. I ordered a 1/2in breaker bar from Napa today, will pick it up tomorrow and get a 1/2 to 3/8 adapter to break the sucker free.

[MoJoe]

Thanks for the all of the reply's everybody. I ordered a 1/2in breaker bar from Napa today, will pick it up tomorrow and get a 1/2 to 3/8 adapter to break the sucker free.

Good luck, let us know the outcome. Also make sure if you have the G80 (limited slip) you get the GM or FOrd additive for the rear :yes:

[ScarabEpic22]

Good luck, let us know the outcome. Also make sure if you have the G80 (limited slip) you get the GM or FOrd additive for the rear :yes:


Thanks, I have the G80 locking, but the fluid I am using (Amsoil) doesnt require an additive unless there is chatter in the differential. Already changed the front and works great!

[MoJoe]

Thanks, I have the G80 locking, but the fluid I am using (Amsoil) doesnt require an additive unless there is chatter in the differential. Already changed the front and works great!

Cool, I used it with my Amsoil, just to be on the safe side, I was not going to change it again :D

[ScarabEpic22]

Cool, I used it with my Amsoil, just to be on the safe side, I was not going to change it again :D

What gear lube did you use? I'm just curious, but I used Severe Gear 75W-90. Its designed for 4X4 Suvs and trucks, so I figured it was worth the extra money.

[bmm354]

I had to use some penetrating oil on the filler plug. After letting it do its thing for ~30 mins. it came out much easier. A 1/2 in. breaker bar helped too. The bottom plug came out much easier. It's sealed better than the fill plug against road salt and so wasn't rusty (it has a rubber o-ring plus a "lip" around it); you'll see what I mean when you change yours.

I went with Amsoil 75W-90 as well, but the "Long Life" formula. That's all the local place had in stock and I was starting to get some growling after highway driving with the current lube and I wanted it out NOW. At an interseciton after getting off the highway or interstate it'd feel like I was driving over a cobblestone road for the next few seconds. I bought the Long Life stuff with the intention of using it as a "flush." Supposedly it's not as hvy duty as Severe Gear, and it's Amsoil's 2nd recommendation for SUVs after Severe Gear. This weekend the SG lube goes in.

FYI- I have the G80 limited slip as well and did not add any additives. I have not noticed any chatter or binding in 400+ miles...and believe me I would notice! Plus, no more growling/rumbling after hwy driving. :D

[ScarabEpic22]

Thanks for the replys, I was just curious what everybody has used in their diffs. I am planning on leaving the sever gear in for at least another 50,000mi, and I'm not sure how much longer after 100,000mi I will have the truck. :( My ol Jimmy had some issues when I sold it in 01 to get my 02 TB, and that was with 75,000mi. I'm hoping the TB lasts much longer than that!! :D

[ScarabEpic22]

I got the sucka off!!! :cool:

Finally, after 2 trips to Napa, 2 other trips to Schucks I got the stupid plugs out. Filled it up with about 2.5 quarts (give or take .5), and sealed it up. Man, all that work to get the fluid changed. Once I go the 1/2in breaker bar, it took me all of 10min to change the fluid and refill it all. I'm just glad all of the maintenance I planned to get done is done! :D

Thanks for all of the helps everybody!