The rubber plug in my recently rebuilt diff is weeping fluid. I tried to pull the plug out, but it's in there pretty tight. I'm worried that if I pull any harder, I'll tear it. Is this the plug or is just some cover for a bolt that lays behind it and forms the real plug?

What's the test for diff fluid level? Maybe it's supposed to be level with the hole?

What type of diff fluid do these things use anyhow?

Thanks guys, -Scott

 

80w90 unless you tow a lot, then you use 75w140.
Drive the truck to get the differential fluid warm and the plug will be easier to remove.
get your fingernails under it and pull.
Get the fluid level with the bottom of the hole.

 

pry it out gently with a non-sharp flat screwdriver. if its gotten hard, thats probably why its leaking. you might can get one at any parts store, otherwise at dealer. it won't be more than a few bucks, even at the dealer.

 

Thanks a lot guys. I have a 7hr tow on Friday. I called around town and no one has one. So I ordered the rubber plug at two different places. Frankly, it amazes me that the diff fluid is only held in my a piece of rubber. I was figuring that there had to be a threaded metal drain plug underneath it.

 

no, its just a plain old rubber plug. there's no pressure inside, no forces placed against it, nothing trying to get in or out. and you know dodge.... cheap cheap cheap.

if its just seeping a little it won't hurt anything to just let it leak. if its leaking a lot, then clean the plug and surrounding area with brake cleaner and put a fat coat of RTV over the whole thing.

 

add the lucas oil additive to the fluid. I did a 50% mix of 80W90 and lucas oil additive, and the fluid went over the drain hole and just SAT THERE and barely started dripping...like a small tear. it was the consistency of maple syrup when you get it out of the fridge.

YOu would not leak with a faulty cap with that stuff on.

That lucas oil additive is good stuff.

 

Thanks dude. Cleaning with brake cleaner and putting some RTV on is exactly what I did. About 2hrs ago <g>.

And it was a helova lot easier to remove the cap with the diff warm. That was a good tip Sheriff.

 

after research, and from information ive recived from members here, Lucus is not good, they only have a name, not quality.....that half lucus, half gear oil will kill your diff

 

Yep. It's bad about foaming and foam ain't good.
The little bubbles of foam are air in the oil and air does not lubricate or cool defeating the purpose of the oil.