Long story short, a while back I bought some Royal Purple 75W90 and handed it to my mechanic to service the diffs and xfer case.

My gut is telling me this time to do it myself (to be sure) so this is what I think I know:-

Rear Axle Differential - Capacity 2 Quarts (1.9L) + Gasket
Transfer Case - Capacity 1.5 Quarts (1.4L)
Front Axle Differential - Capacity 2.6 Pints (1.2L)

Information on the Rear Diff and Transfer Case I've found, but little about the front diff. Can I check on the left front side are the fill and drain plugs?



2 worries I have, I was never asked for a rear diff gasket (no available in UK) so I suspect the rear diff was never done properly, maybe topped up.

More seriously, I seem to have an oil leak covering parts in front of the Front Diff e.g. the bottom of the steering column shaft and cabling above. It's not a vast amount but definitely there. It's definitely not engine oil, transmission fluid or brake fluid those are all fine, my suspicions are either a leaky diff gasket, loose diff bolts or my valve-saver system (required LPG) is leaking.

I'll double check the front diff oil shortly.

Has anyone ever experienced this problem or similar before?

Is there anything else I should lubricate

Cheers guys 👍

 

on my 03 i did not realize there was a drain plug on the flat bottom of the rear diff. i had done it the old messy way first but now i know it's there

 

Wise Man removes the fill plug first, before you drain.

 

Thanks for the tips guys, think I'm up to speed now....

👍

Who knows, may be I'll get my mechanics merit badge soon, it's a tall ask I know 🧰📱🪛🔧🔩 😄

 

It's possible they used a suction device to remove the old fluid. A lot of shops are doing it that way now. I much prefer the old fashioned way.

 

Agreed. Suction devices leave the heavy particulates at the bottom of the diff. Best to use the drain plugs, which also increase the velocity of expelling the crud. I do the T-case and both diffs yearly.

@oceanbrave

The rear diff plugs take a large nylon washer which is reusable if in ok shape. I did find replacements at
a local speed shop. Make sure you do all drains just like with motor oil. Hot after driving. The viscosity drops and the crud gets agitated and suspended better.

 

Great tip, makes sense 👍