Should I I try and change the differential fluid on my own?

[Sidingman]

Took my 80 for an oil change this week and of course they recommended other services like changing the differential fluid in front, back and transfer case. Each would run $75 using synthetic, but they would do all three locations for only $150.

I told them I would get back to them. I looked in my Haynes service manual and it looks like something I could do myself. Take out the lower plug, drain, and then refill through the other plug. The biggest problem I see is how to raise the Cruiser in order to do it.

Am I missing something?

I haven't looked at any of the technical posts yet. I'm going to do that right now.

Jay

 

[ClemsonCruiser]

you got this one Jay....... it is just as simple as it appears

drain from the bottom plug; then fill through the top and you are done

good luck

JP

 

[cruiserfan]

i think the best way to raise it would be an OME 2-4" lift kit

 

[Capt. Jim]

i think the best way to raise it would be an OME 2-4" lift kit

Won't help. Diffs will still be in the same place unless larger tires are installed.

As stated, changing your fluids will be easy. I don't believe you will need to use synthetic, which will save you lots of $$$. Remove the fill flug while draining as it will flow out faster.

 

[craptacular]

Very easy to do. $75 is stupid. Remove the fill plug first. You dont want to drain the fluid out only to find you cant remove the fill plug for some stupid reason.

 

[Southeast Overland]

And if you want to REALLY get fancy you can install new crush washers (if thats what your 60 uses).

Easy job - even I could do it which is saying a lot!

 

[jfz80]

Very easy to do. $75 is stupid. Remove the fill plug first. You dont want to drain the fluid out only to find you cant remove the fill plug for some stupid reason.

Someone beat me too it, def check the fill plug first. It should be under 10 qt. of gear oil. I did both diffs, t-case, engine oil, and filter all for under $100 and that was with mobil 1 syn. They make a handy little pump that screws down on the bottle and you can pump it in instead of wrestling w/ an upside down bottle and flexible 1/2'' tubing, but either way works. Other ideas while youre there would be magnetic drain plugs w/ an ALLEN head, but not necessary. you could use ramps to get you a little more room under the truck.

good luck

 

[GXO]

Lift helps for sure! The diff doesn't move, but the 4000# of head banging metal above it does

X2 on fill plug out first...

Won't help. Diffs will still be in the same place unless larger tires are installed.

As stated, changing your fluids will be easy. I don't believe you will need to use synthetic, which will save you lots of $$$. Remove the fill flug while draining as it will flow out faster.

 

[Capt. Jim]

Lift helps for sure! The diff doesn't move, but the 4000# of head banging metal above it does

For you 6+ footers, that is true.

 

[Turkeypen]

Just did this to my 62.

Get a 24 mm socket (I believe the 62 and 80 plugs are the same), and grind off the first mm or so of the socket where it is chamfered. The nut head is relatively shallow and you WILL round it off if you use a chamfered socket. Also, it's not a bad idea to have a couple of fill and drain plugs as replacements . . . ask me how I know. They are relatively cheap and OEM has the little magnets built in. If you do round off a fill plug, no sweat, get a big pair of vice grips! (Again, ask me how I know)

Buy the 5 gallon pail of 90 weight to save some dough. Also, buy the METAL hand pump (you will be doing this again) that screws into the top of the pail (or comes with its own lid).

After all is done, have one of these for every gallon of oil changed.

 

[Capt. Jim]

After all is done, have one of these for every gallon of oil changed.

Best tip of the day. I believe this applies to any fluid change, not just the diff fluid.

 

[informationjunky]

Make sure you drive it and get the oil nice and warm before you drain it. Also, if you use the smaller bottles, I like to get a bucket and soak them in some nice HOT water before I pump it into the diffs.