rear differential
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3
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rear differential
I've got a 2002 dakota 3.9 5spd regular cab with 47k on it. I would like to change the rear differential oil. Can anyone tell me what viscosity and best brand. My differential has anti slip, that's what the sticker says. Will I need an additive for that and if so what kind? Would you suggest taking the cover off and wiping out or just sucking the old fluid out and replacing. How many quarts does it take anyways? I'd like to change the oil in my tranny as well so if you know what viscosity and how many quarts that would be great as well! I guess the easiest thing to do would be to get it done but the dealer wants like $150. Would Jiffy lube or a place like that do it? If anyone has had this done or did it themselves I would like to hear from you. thanks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 30
Likes: 1
RE: rear differential
I have a 2002 Quad Cab 4.7L 4x4 45K miles and I am just starting changing the fluids (rear / front diff , transfer case , auto trans etc). I started in the rear. Here is what I did.
I removed the cover so I could inspect / clean everything. I cleaned the differential cover and scraped off all of the old RTV sealant. The cover was not looking that great so I put a coat of Rustoluem (Light Engine Grey) on it. Waited for that to dry and then I applied new RTV sealant and re-installed the cover. I waited about an hour for the RTV to set prior to adding new fluid. I tow with my truck so I used 75w-140 Sythn gear oil. If your rear is limited / anti slip you'll also new a 4oz. bottle of friction modifier. The rear takes about 1 1/2 qts . I filled it until it started to come out the fill plug hole. One important thing after you're done. Go to the nearest parking lot and do 7-8 slow figure eights. This will make sure the new fluid gets to all points in the rear end. Important step !!
Everyone has different tastes when it comes to oil / brand use. Some brands already have the friction modifier it in (like Amsoil). I went with the Mopar fluid from the dealer 75w-140 Synth , got the friction modifier and the RTV sealant there as well.
While waiting for the RTV to set , I changed the Transfer case fluid. It took about 1 1/4 qts ATF +4 fluid. Got that at the dealer as well. Next will be the trans and the front differential.
So far so good. Hope this helps
Mark
I removed the cover so I could inspect / clean everything. I cleaned the differential cover and scraped off all of the old RTV sealant. The cover was not looking that great so I put a coat of Rustoluem (Light Engine Grey) on it. Waited for that to dry and then I applied new RTV sealant and re-installed the cover. I waited about an hour for the RTV to set prior to adding new fluid. I tow with my truck so I used 75w-140 Sythn gear oil. If your rear is limited / anti slip you'll also new a 4oz. bottle of friction modifier. The rear takes about 1 1/2 qts . I filled it until it started to come out the fill plug hole. One important thing after you're done. Go to the nearest parking lot and do 7-8 slow figure eights. This will make sure the new fluid gets to all points in the rear end. Important step !!
Everyone has different tastes when it comes to oil / brand use. Some brands already have the friction modifier it in (like Amsoil). I went with the Mopar fluid from the dealer 75w-140 Synth , got the friction modifier and the RTV sealant there as well.
While waiting for the RTV to set , I changed the Transfer case fluid. It took about 1 1/4 qts ATF +4 fluid. Got that at the dealer as well. Next will be the trans and the front differential.
So far so good. Hope this helps
Mark
