[BFI]

After a lot of research and considering that after a 6 mile drive, the only thing that is hot (extremely hot) is the front differential housing, It probably needs an oil change, and Im going to attempt it myself with the help of a mechanic friend.

Id expect this to be covered in the Haynes manual which i intend to purchase, but I will be purcashing it at the same time that I will be purcashing the bits and bobs I will need for the job, so I was wondering...

Apart from the necessary tools and sealent, and considering it doesnt look like its in good shape, what other things should I be looking to buy?, I dont want to be standing in the store reading the manual for 30 minutes if I can help it lol. Also can I tell from loosening the drain plug what condition or level the fluid is in before I remove the housing?

Im told for the 94 grand cherokee limited 5.2 v8 the diff needs gl5 75 90 oil, but how much?

I assume the guys at the store will be able to tell me what necessary bolts etc I will need if I need them so is there anything anyone can give me a heads up on from experience before I start to avoid hang ups or multiple trips to the store? and or being ripped off

Thanks

[Windowsrookie]

Originally Posted by BFI

After a lot of research and considering that after a 6 mile drive, the only thing that is hot (extremely hot) is the front differential housing, It probably needs an oil change, and Im going to attempt it myself with the help of a mechanic friend.

If your differential housing is extremely hot, something is very wrong.

There is only a fill plug, pull it and stick your finger in there to see if the fluid is low. You do not need to purchase any bolts...

Your Manual states how much gear oil you need and what type you need. Also, there are many topics on this, so search.

[CLNinja]

i suggest buying some Amsoil or Royal Purple synthetic fluid for it

then get some black RTV

thats all you need to buy as long as you have the right size socket for the diff cover bolts

after that just follow your haynes manual

[gomes512]

Most folks like to spray down the inside of the diff with brake cleaner to get all the parts nice and clean. What they fail to do most of the time is squirt some new oil back onto the bearings before reinstalling cover, helps minimize "startup" wear after all the lube has been flushed off with the cleaner.

Forgot to mention, 2 quarts will more than suffice for the front diff.

[BFI]

Thanks very much

[jtsjeep99]

I agree that if it's hot, something is wrong. If a fluid change is all your going to do. And if everything is OK in the diff. , you can use a suction gun and remove the old fluid from the fill hole and save yourself allot of trouble (unless the gasket is already leaking. I change mine often and my gaskets are in good shape so thats what I do. Usually can change it in half hour or so. Again, only if everything is OK in diff. and gasket not leaking.

[SJZ]

Originally Posted by jrtsrt

I agree that if it's hot, something is wrong. If a fluid change is all your going to do. And if everything is OK in the diff. , you can use a suction gun and remove the old fluid from the fill hole and save yourself allot of trouble (unless the gasket is already leaking. I change mine often and my gaskets are in good shape so thats what I do. Usually can change it in half hour or so. Again, only if everything is OK in diff. and gasket not leaking.

To each his own, but how do you know if everything is OK if you don't remove the cover?
The cover may be hard to remove the first time, due to rusted bolts, but once done (& putting anti seize compound on the bolts before reinstalling), it's easy the second time. Probably doesn't take me an hour to do, and I know I get all the crap & old fluid out. Changing the fluid with the suction gun is better than doing nothing, but pulling the cover is the way to go, especially if you go off-road, and think you might have water inside.