I have the rear out of the truck. I'm wondering if I can remove the inspection cover to verify the type of posi traction unit and verify the gear ratio on the ring gear with the unit on jack stands and the inspection cover pointing upwards without losing gear oil. I'm thinking that the gear oil may run into the axle tubes and allow me to remove the inspection cover without spilling gear oil? Thoughts?

 

with the rear out of the truck you could as you discribed. Remember the rear is only about half filled. Lots of air space in there.

 

Why do you want to save the gear lube? Not like the stuff is expensive... and if it's been in there for a while, changing it sure wouldn't hurt.

 

Everything adds up cost-wise (gear oil + posi additive = $$$) and it looks like someone else has already been in the rear previously. If the fluid looks decent when I pull the cover, I hope to re-use it. If not, I'll change it.

 

Thanks for the thoughts. I'll put a pan under it just in case when I pull the cover.

 

You can check for limited slip (gm calls it posi) and the gear ratio without even pulling the cover.

If you rotate one wheel in the forward direction, the other side will follow the same direction if you have a limited slip differential.

If you rotate the wheel 10 times, and count the number of times the saddle for the driveshaft turns. That will give you the ratio.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for those tips. I'm aware of them, however, I want to pull the cover to see which type of limited slip unit is in the unit (Trac Loc or Power Loc) more than anything else.

 

Get the BOM numbers off the axle tube, and run 'em on the Dana site. It'll tell you exactly what was in it when it shipped. (of course, that may be no relation whatsoever to what's in it now.....)

 

Exactly! It appears that the cover has been removed before, so a visual inspection is desirable, as you never know who has done what to modify a part these days, especially given its age and unknown history before it came into my possession.

 

Put a turkey pan under it. Whatever leaks, pour it back in. Nothing wasted.