How to change differential fluid

Grand96 · 09-03-2002, 02:48 PM

I took my 96' to econo lube to have the oil changed. They found that both of the differentials were low. They were going to charge me $30 each to take care of it. Is this fairly easy to do? If so, how do you replace the fluid for the diff's, what type of fluid, and where are they located?
I am used to doing my own oild, air filter, spark plugs, etc (the basics), but I have no expereince with transfer cases or differentials. If I want to flush out and replace the transmission fluid, how would I accomplish this task?
I know that this is a lot to ask, so if anyome can point me in the right direction I would appreciate it. I did some thread searching but couldn't find specifics for my 96 limited.

Thanks again for any information

Bigjake · 09-03-2002, 04:54 PM

I only have a rear diff. You need to buy a hand pump at AutoZone or somewhere else and take the plastic plug out of the back diff. case cover. Pump fluid out of hole then refill. Hope this gets you started.

BigJake

Grand96 · 09-04-2002, 11:17 PM

Thanks for that great link.

That will be perfect for me to follow. I am planning on checking both the front and rear differentials this weekend and the detail from the link you sent to me will be great to follow.

One more question though. How do you know how much fluid to add to the differential case? Where can I find out what type of oil to use and how much goes into the case.

Thanks again for al the help

luken18r · 09-18-2002, 04:13 PM

what volume of oil does 6 bottles equal? 6 oz, 6 galons, 6 quarts, 6 hogsheds?

ALS59LTD · 09-19-2002, 08:15 PM

to tell you the truth, unless you have a lift, it's a real pain to do. I did it on my camaro and my friends jeep (both diffs) i'm planning to take my jeep in to my local shop and have the transfer case, tranny, and both diffs taken care of at the same time.

P.S if they are just low on fluid, adding fluid is not as bad. just fill them up untill the fluid starts running out.

luken18r · 09-20-2002, 05:27 PM

how much torque for the bolts for the diff housing?

heres another stupid question. can i tell if i have an LSD by my VIN? i have no idea if it came with one and i need to pick up the gear oil in the morning, so I need to know if I need the LSD lube

Grand96 · 09-21-2002, 12:24 PM

I changed both my rear and front diff with no problem. The front diff was really dark and smelt burnt. The rear oil was clear when I drained it. I replaced both. I did not have the correct torque wrench so I wasn't able to removed the cover and inspect the inside. I did go to a book sote, checked the Chiltons manual for torque specification and on most Grand Cherokees and cherokees, the torque spec is between 15 and 25 lbs. The bolts on both the front & rear diff for my lim grand said 20 on the bolt. I will be buying thr torque wrench so that I can inspect the inside of the front diff. Anyone know why the oil would be a dark brown color and smell burnt?

09-04-2002, 11:17 PM	#3
Grand96 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 10 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Thanks for that great link. That will be perfect for me to follow. I am planning on checking both the front and rear differentials this weekend and the detail from the link you sent to me will be great to follow. One more question though. How do you know how much fluid to add to the differential case? Where can I find out what type of oil to use and how much goes into the case. Thanks again for al the help __________________ 1996 Grand Cherokee Limited 1998 C5 Corvette Nassue Blue 6 Speed coupe

09-21-2002, 12:24 PM	#7
Grand96 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 10 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I changed both my rear and front diff with no problem. The front diff was really dark and smelt burnt. The rear oil was clear when I drained it. I replaced both. I did not have the correct torque wrench so I wasn't able to removed the cover and inspect the inside. I did go to a book sote, checked the Chiltons manual for torque specification and on most Grand Cherokees and cherokees, the torque spec is between 15 and 25 lbs. The bolts on both the front & rear diff for my lim grand said 20 on the bolt. I will be buying thr torque wrench so that I can inspect the inside of the front diff. Anyone know why the oil would be a dark brown color and smell burnt? __________________ 1996 Grand Cherokee Limited 1998 C5 Corvette Nassue Blue 6 Speed coupe

09-03-2002, 04:54 PM	#2
Bigjake Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 6 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I only have a rear diff. You need to buy a hand pump at AutoZone or somewhere else and take the plastic plug out of the back diff. case cover. Pump fluid out of hole then refill. Hope this gets you started. BigJake

09-19-2002, 08:15 PM	#5
ALS59LTD Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: NY Posts: 52 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	to tell you the truth, unless you have a lift, it's a real pain to do. I did it on my camaro and my friends jeep (both diffs) i'm planning to take my jeep in to my local shop and have the transfer case, tranny, and both diffs taken care of at the same time. P.S if they are just low on fluid, adding fluid is not as bad. just fill them up untill the fluid starts running out.