How To: Change Rear Differential Fluids

[dixie_boysles]

[B]Written By: dixie_boysles


Discalimer: Neither I nor this site takes any responsibility in any damage or actions resulting from this . When performing this, you are doing so at your own risk

In this how-to I will be showing you my method to replacing the gear oil in your rear differential. There may be other ways, but this is the way that I found best. This was for my 04' Lariat with 3.73 Limit Slip. The same process works for a Ranger

Materials needed:

- Gear Oil (I used Mobil 1) (your truck may call for different fluids, check owner's manual)
- 1 Tube of TransX Friction Modifier (for people with limited slip only!!!)
- 1 tube of RTV Sealant (Get the Grey kind if possible)
- 1 Can of brake cleaner
- Old Rags

Tools Needed:

- 3/8" Drive Ratchet
- 1/2" Socket
- Extension
- 1/2" wrench if needed
- razor blade or gasket scraper
- Hammer
- Oil Drain pan

Tips:

- Wear old cloths as you dont want gear oil or rtv sealant on you
- I wore medical gloves to keep the smelly gear oil off my hands (that stuff stinks)
- you should always loosen the fill plug before you start the job to make sure the plug will come out. You'll be in a tough situation if you pull the pan, drain the fluid, re-install the pan then find out you can't get the fill plug out.


Procedure:

Gather Materials:









Put truck in park and apply brake. Place Oil catch pan under rear differential





Using the 1/2" Ratchet or Wrench, start loosening all of the bolts

I took them all out but the top Two, used them to hold the cover so it wouldnt fall for the next step.





Once that is done, it's time to break the seal. Using a combination of the screw driver and the hammer, try to pry away the bottom of the cover from the axle. dont force too much in one area.



Then oil should start to drain



When it drain all the oil then go ahead and remove the remaining two top bolts.



Use the razor blade to clean both mating surfaces on the axle and cover





Use brake cleaner to clean the gears and the back of the diff cover





Once both surfaces are clean, apply RTV sealant around all the holes and a good solid bead around the perimeter of the cover



Put cover on and hand tighten all the bolts, let RTV dry for an hour then tighten completely using a cross bolt pattern similar to tightening lugs for wheels.

Using the 3/8" drive ratchet, loosen oil drain plug





Once loose, begin filling. I mixed my friction modifier with a qrt before putting it in. fill until the oil is level with the fill hole. Plug the hole. Done.

[djfllmn]

scott add this...check to make sure you can get your fill plug out before popping the cover loose

[Bob C. of Indiana]

Excellent write up,thanks for sharing!

[shawn_house102]

What kind of oil should I use there is 75w-140,75w-90, 80w-90, and 85w-140 for a 4.10 rear?

[noflers]

I have a new differential cover on the way and it comes with a gasket. Is anyone for or against the gasket? Should I use some liquid gasket instead?