Change Driveline Fluids Early!

[ThunderFlash]

I did my transfer case today at 21K miles on my WT. Took about 1.8 quarts to weep from the fill hole. Used a hand pump. Lots of pumping, but no spilling. I didn't measure it, but it seemed like less than 1.8 qts came out. It was dark and kind of had a burnt smell to it, so glad I did it. I use 4A very little, but the previous owner might have used it a lot in his 12K mile ownership.
Shout out to Stinky Fab Racing for puting a cutout in the Trans case skid plate for draining. Only a little bit ran down the case and into the skid. If you look close, you can see the drizzle in the pic.
Thanks @CarbonSteel for all your guidance on these cases. I need to do the front diff yet. Probably weight until I do the Severe Duty rack install since my ADD Rockfighter front bash goes under the front diff mount bolts. Would like to flush the transmission soon, too. Then I want to go back and put heavier weight oil in the rear diff in a couple thousand more miles (used OEM spec previously) based on your Dana/Spicer research and experience.

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[ogo]

Started my fluid change series. It's been hot and humid here in NC these past few days so I've decided to do the changes in intervals.

Saturday was Engine Oil / Filter (worried myself a bit because I didn't pay attention to the torque wrench click when tightening the filter housing and went a bit past, but after driving around a bit I was able to back the filter off a bit and re-torqued correctly...not sure I like these plastic cartridge filter housings)

Sunday I did the front diff oil change, oil didn't look to bad, but there was definitely metal sludge on the drain plug. Even though I got that flex hose filter recommended by Carbon Steel, it wasn't much fun filling that front diff. On the plus side I think I have some ideas about how to make things a bit easier the next time I change it (thinking after another 5K or so to see how the oil / drain plug look)

Transfer case and rear diff are later this week.

Also had a good look at my LOD transmission skid plate, had some scrapes and a decent sized dent so I'm glad I got it and that it's doing what it needs to do

 

[crenca]

correctly...not sure I like these plastic cartridge filter housings)

One of the reasons I go with the Mobile One brand (2.3 I assume they have a version for 2.7).

 

[e30rida]

I read and watched everything and still can't find the plug tool sizes. Looks like they are just a sqaure 1/2" ratchet drive?

 

[Lenato]

I read and watched everything and still can't find the plug tool sizes. Looks like they are just a sqaure 1/2" ratchet drive?

3/8" square drive

 

[LSW]

Rear Diff at 30k in an OBX non-sasq with rear locker, changed with Amsoil Severe Gear 75w-140. Last changed at 10k with Valvoline 75w-140.

Looked like maybe a little bit of milkiness/metal in the drain pan. I think I will change this again at 50k, definitely no later than 60k or two years.

Also did front diff, transfer case, and another transmission drain and fill here at 30k mi. Did the initial transmission fluid and filter at 25k. Initial diff and t-case change at 10k.

 

[e30rida]

I keep hearing really good reviews on Valvoline 75w140, what's your take?

 

[CarbonSteel]

I keep hearing really good reviews on Valvoline 75w140, what's your take?

Other than it it not being owned by a US company any longer, it is decent oil.

Most any off the shelf oil is fine, it is the oil change interval that is more important versus the actual oil provided it meets spec... typically GL-5.

Axles have a non-filtered, non-pressurized oil system so clean oil is a requirement for long life.

 

[ggjjr]

Sorry if this has been asked before, or seems like a dumb question, but I haven't used 4wd since I took delivery about 2300 miles ago. I was going to have the trans, rear diff, front diff, and transfer case fluids changed, but do I really need to do the transfer case if I haven't put it in 4wd?

 

[Y2KFirehawk]

Sorry if this has been asked before, or seems like a dumb question, but I haven't used 4wd since I took delivery about 2300 miles ago. I was going to have the trans, rear diff, front diff, and transfer case fluids changed, but do I really need to do the transfer case if I haven't put it in 4wd?

The transfer case is still rotating inside when you drive in 2WD. No such thing as too much preventative maintenance, in my mind That said, IMHO, you could wait a bit longer than 2,300 miles to do the transfer case.

 

[Wilbur's son]

Front diff, TC and rear diff service done at the dealership. 13k mileage. They didn't remove covers but instead used a pump device to suck out fluids. Light metallic sheen on fill plugs is what they said. Filled all back up to spec.

 

[Y2KFirehawk]

They didn't remove covers but instead used a pump device to suck out fluids.

Only the factory rear diff cover needs removed to drain. Front diff and transfer case have drain plugs.

 

[Wilbur's son]

Only the factory rear diff cover needs removed to drain. Front diff and transfer case have drain plugs.

Yeah, they left the rear diff cover on and just sucked the fluids out.

 

[Brian_B]

Yeah, they left the rear diff cover on and just sucked the fluids out.

There is the case vent ….

But…

Half of the rear diff is wiping the sludge that builds up in the bottom

 

[Wilbur's son]

There is the case vent ….

But…

Half of the rear diff is wiping the sludge that builds up in the bottom

I wondered about that since a lot of guys have been showing pics with the cover off. I don't know how much would be picked up off the bottom, or missed, pumping out through the fill hole.

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