Hi all...

Just wanted to get a few details on doing the differential.

First, just put a pan under the diff, unbolt, and let drain.
Then install new gasket, bolt up and refill via fill hole at top.

Questions: Do we need friction modifier? Also how much lube and what weight?

Thanks

 

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Before reinstalling the cover put a thin coating of RTV Blue on both sides of the new gasket. This will guarantee you'll have no leaks. In my opinion the wide range multi viscosity full synthetic Mobil 1 or Royal Purple diff lubes make a huge difference in lubrication quality. Fill with new oil until it begins to come back out of the hole then insert the rubber plug or screw-in plug in the case of an updated cover.

 

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Thank you gentlemen!

 

Gear oil very stinky.

Take precautions or you will be smelling it for weeks.

Make sure axle is level when draining so as to not leave old oil in one of the axle tubes. Gear oil is thick and takes a long time to drain. Probably get an extra half pint out by letting it drain overnight. Make sure dust or grit cannot get blown on the the gears. Inspect spider gear and ring gear for pitting or abnormal wear.

I think Synthetics are really the way to go in an axle. I used mobil1 75w-90 but now would pay extra for the boutique oils like Royal purple or redline shockproof, or amsoil severe gear.

I didn't even use a gasket, and I don't know if I used ultra rtv or just regular. I did run a nice bead all around the cover and let it flash off for 15 minutes before installing it. No leaks 5 years later

 

Use an updated product like Permatex Gear Oil RVT sealant. An untreated cover gasket will leak eventually.

 

I drained and filled the rear without taking the rear cover off. Just park upward on a steep hill. Siphon the sludge out. Refill when the van is level turning back into the driveway.

Per the Chrysler TSB, Chrysler made rears (not Dana) can use the 75W90 synthetic with friction additive. This saves on MPG.

 

Then crawl under the van and work on the very thing keeping it from rolling back over me? No thanks, I'll remove the cover on a level surface.

 

Getting ready to service the 8" rear-end on my 2002 1500. Hoping for a little better milage after the Mobile 1 goes in.