Anyone know who makes a decent rear diff cover with a drain plug in it? I have a 2009 and I am going to change the fluid but I would like to install a new cover with a drain plug so I can make the whole process easier next time.

Thanks for the info.

 

I wouldn't trust a drain....all u need is a fill....I would remove the cover to completel clean the rear diff out. These rear ends have clutches and the material needs to be removed and thouroughly cleaned out as well as possible gear shavings....just my .02....also use royal purple 75w140...already has slip additive in it too....again just my .02..

 

He is right.... Take it off to clean it out and inspect.

M1 Syn also has the LSD additive.

 

I put a mag-hytec on the fx4 but let the dealer do the dodge at 30 k since it was a mess when I did the ford. Not sure if dealer pulled covers since there are large plugs on top of cover and they can just siphon out fluid. Maybe I'll do it myself at 60k to be sure it is cleaned out.
The Mag-Hytec has a dipstick and drain plug.

 

My previous truck had a drain plug and an LSD. I was changing the fluid about every 15-20k miles and pulling the cover at around every third service. The drain plug was great before towing trips, drain and fill in about 15 minutes. Another benefit was that the LSD lasted a lot longer. The drain plug was not on the cover but on the bottom of the pumpkin so all the crap drained out and I could inspect it.

 

Never change the fluid in a manner that won't let you inspect the gears for wear pattern, nicks, etc. You also really need to see the magnet and what may be at the bottom.

 

If u don't pull the cover u are just contaminating the new fluid anyways as well.

 

Kinda like when you change your engine oil?

Rob

 

Touche. Same goes for the transmission and transaxle. While I agree that it's desirable to inspect the gears, after the initial wear in, the patterns don't change much. after the first inspection ,inspecting the ring and pinion every other fluid change should be enough. In all of my years (55 yo) and many trucks and hot rods I've never blown an axle.

 

Most all imports have/had drain plugs. Lots of guys on the DIESEL forumns pull the cover and install a drain plug. The aftermarket finned covers have drain plugs on the diesels. Don't know of any made for the ZF differentals used in these 1500s.