Hello. I was hoping I could get help identifying which rear end piece the truck has on it.

At the rear of the truck theres that round cover for the differential. It holds the gear oil in it, I believe. I think that oil might be called 75/140?
Well, theres a leak right there, at the bottom of the cover. Its sort of reddish/black color. But it drips out, pretty slowly, but drips a little, everyday! So I think it could be low at this point, and maybe low enough to ruin it causing replacement if I keep driving the truck.
I did find the sticky that shows me how to replace the oil that goes in it, but he says it's the 9.50 sized one, or something like that and that its NOT the dana?
Do I have to do anything different if this truck has a diff size one? And much less important, can I get a shiny new chrome one or would that look stupid!

Any feedback helps me probably more than most. I've never had a 4x4, or a truck like this so I don't know much yet, not many of the basics, like all of y'all do.

After the help y'all shot me pertaining to that transmission's shaft seal replacement, I know this is probably too easy for you guys/gals, so I thought I'd start here before even loosening 1 bolt off of that cover!
Thanks!

 

You have the chrysler 9.25 rear. There are all sorts of accessories available for it, including chrome covers. Things like that are just a matter of taste. If you like it, have the money, then go for it. I personally prefer function over form, so, mine are still the original steel fellers.

All you really need is fluid, a tube of RTV (red, or black), and a bit of time. It's an easy job, takes less than an hour. (couple cans of brake clean to spray out the old crap wouldn't hurt either.....)

 

Thanks man. That's what I was wanting to know.
So, functionality is typically the most important thing. Gotcha. And, this usually takes about an hour, maybe less?(so that means 3 or 4 for me!)

The 1st time I do something it takes me forever! But after doing it once, I can cut that time in half the next time. Then the 3rd time, and from there on, I can usually do whatever pretty quick, and I end up doing it better as well.

Appreciate it. Nothing else I should know with this job? The brand or type of fluid that goes in it maybe? I remember one day someone told me the numbers 75 and 140 I think. Not 100% sure what those meant, but I assume they mean differential fluid? Are you supposed to buy new bolts?

 

Looks like your is leaking mostly from the fill plug. Take it out, and clean it up good while you have the cover off.

Basically, the fluid is just gear lube. 80w90 for most usage. 75W140 (synthetic) if you do a lot of towing. I don't think brand really matters. I just grab whatever they have on the shelf at the parts store. Don't worry about a gasket for the cover either. Just be generous with the RTV.

I think it holds in the neighborhood of two quarts..... so, having three might not be a bad idea. Take off the cover, let the fluid drain (having a good pan under it is a good idea....) spray it out with the brake cleaner, let it dry out for a few, put a nice bead of RTV around it, and bolt the cover back on. Let the RTV cure for maybe half an hour, then fill the rear end up to the bottom of the fill hole. Let it sit for 10 or 15 minutes, and check the level again. Top it off, put the plug back in, and you are pretty much done. Check level again in a day or two, just to make sure.

 

It helps if the fill plug is warmed up a bit (like with a hair dryer). That way you won't destroy the plug trying to get it out. Just enough to soften the rubber.

 

Thanks dbbd1, will do!
So, do you think I'm supposed to put that 4oz of other stuff I read about? For if you have an ltd in your truck? Not really sure if this one has the ltd or not, but its a laramie, if that even has anything to do with it. Prob not.
But there was something I saw about a 4oz of ltd stuff in a tube and it seemed kind of important to put in it. Then again, I almost have to believe just about anything till I get more knowledgeable with truck. I do like this truck now that it's running good and everything!
Just a couple more things and I should be done with the important stuff it has to have! Thx!

Do y'all know what kind of rtv is better by chance? The red or black? And if I can buy a new plug?

 

I think you are talking about friction modifier for a limited slip diff. As far as I know if you add it but do not have a limited slip, it shouldn't hurt.

Get the rtv or silicone for gas and oil applications. I went with high heat too.

 

Ahh. Thanks! On way to get supplies and I'll post up the summary when done.
Thx.

 

Just get the gear lube that already has the friction modifier in it. That way, you know you are covered.