How do you change the read diff fluid without pulling the cover?

 

You have to pull cover. You might be able to insert a hose and pump it out, but I am not sure that something would not be in the way.

 

Pulling the cover really IS the easiest/best way. Gives you a chance to see what's on the magnet, and have a look at the gears and such. Can also check and see if you have some flavor of Posi.

 

Not to mention you can clean it out by pulling the cover. If you drain and refill but dont clean everything out, what would be the point?

 

There is no point in doing it without pulling the cover. You need to inspect the parts, the magnet, and the fluid settled on the bottom of the housing. I've done it twice in the last four weeks, aside from cost of oil and a little elbow grease, it's not a big deal.

 

HAHAHAHA! You are not serious are you?

 

Do it man, clean and wipe everything down, check the magnet like everyone said, fluid should smell horrible if its real old. wipe rim down, put new gasket in place and bolt it back on in a Torque pattern. Oh and after a nice long drive re-tighten it! Like everyone said no point changing it without inspecting other then to save a 2 dollar gasket. Besides the thing you need to suck the fluid out cost more then a new gasket and the oil combined.

 

http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech-article-4.html

don't bend the cover when removing it. use a stiff putty knife to break to seal.
don't overtorque the little cover bolts.
use black RTV for a gasket. don't use orange or blue it looks silly.
spray everything with brake cleaner, wipe it all out and don't leave a puddle inside.
add the friction modifier if you have LSD.
don't get gear lube on your clothes or in the truck or in the house, it stinks like ****.

 

I used the grey RTV that said it was made for differentials and such. Seemed to work pretty good. Painted my cover while I had it off, as well.