[BradG]

I went wheeling yesterday for the first time in my TJ. We drove down the stream for a little while. It wasn't too deep--generally not more than 5-10 inches, but at one point I apparently had my entire rear license plate submerged. Do I need to be worried about my differential fluid? How do I check it? I was under the Jeep yesterday inspecting for damage (there was none) and looked at the differentials trying to figure out how to check the fluid but didn't see anything.






This is how deep it was most of the time:





Mine:

[mdm]

Pull the fill plug. If the gear lube is milky you need to replace it. Don't judge by the smell, gear lube stinks.

[BradG]

I was looking for the fill plug but didn't see it. Where on the diff is it located? I thought I saw something, but it was right in the middle...

[jzmtl]

It's the black rubber thing, just to pull it out.

I'm not sure if you have to do it right after drive it, because the oil/water may settle and all you can reach is the oil layer on top.

[Rocky529]

That is it. It is recommended to change them every 12,000 miles regardless of water crossings... I would change them if I were you.

http://www.4x4xplor.com/diff-service.html

[BradG]

Originally Posted by Rocky529

That is it. It is recommended to change them every 12,000 miles regardless of water crossings... I would change them if I were you.

http://www.4x4xplor.com/diff-service.html

Problem is I don't have most of that stuff. I guess I could just go ahead and check the rear differential fluid. I have a socket wrench for the front, but no torque wrench...

[jzmtl]

Originally Posted by BradG

Problem is I don't have most of that stuff. I guess I could just go ahead and check the rear differential fluid. I have a socket wrench for the front, but no torque wrench...

A clicker torque wrench is $20 on sale, beam type are even cheaper.

[HolidayJeep]

You can take it to a service station to do it but they'll usually charge $50 or more to crack and drain fluid.. for both diffs, t-case and tranny that's $200. Go to Autozone, buy the gear oil, a socket set, a drain pan, gasket scraper, gasket maker and a filler pump thing all for less than half that price. It's an easy change.

If you're cool like me you can buy some paint to accent your differential covers

[Rocky529]

Originally Posted by BradG

Problem is I don't have most of that stuff. I guess I could just go ahead and check the rear differential fluid. I have a socket wrench for the front, but no torque wrench...

If you want to keep your Jeep for a long time, you are going to need a good collection of tools. You can get a cheap clicker style torque wrench at www.harborfreight.com.

[HolidayJeep]

Harbor freight's a great place for tools. Only problem I've ever had with their stuff came while working on a diff. a while ago. I cracked my 1/2" and 13mm sockets on the same diff. bolt (but had used them on bolts with higher torque settings and were fine, go figure). So I got a new socket from Home Depot and hasn't broken since.

[BradG]

Yeah I would start building up a tool set but I'm in a dorm right now and space is at a premium. I'll have lots of room in my apartment next year, and one of my roommates for next year has taken apart and rebuilt his 1972 Jeep Commando twice (like he took the body and engine and everything completely off the frame) so I'm sure he'll have plenty of stuff I can borrow.

[devilishred]

[QUOTE=Rocky529]If you want to keep your Jeep for a long time, you are going to need a good collection of tools. QUOTE]

lol i agree

[BradG]

Well I opened up the fill holes and stuck my pinky in them. The fluid itself looked good, brown, and thick on both of them, but on the rear one I got some kind of sludge when I brushed my pinky on the inside of the hole. Front one spilled out about an ounce when I took the plug out, so I put it right back in and used the spilled fluid to judge (it looked good to me--no milkiness or bubbles). Anybody know what that crap was in the back diff hole? Had to guesstimate how much to tighten the plug on the D30, but I think I got it as tight as it was before I took it off.

[Rocky529]

Originally Posted by BradG

Well I opened up the fill holes and stuck my pinky in them. The fluid itself looked good, brown, and thick on both of them, but on the rear one I got some kind of sludge when I brushed my pinky on the inside of the hole. Front one spilled out about an ounce when I took the plug out, so I put it right back in and used the spilled fluid to judge (it looked good to me--no milkiness or bubbles). Anybody know what that crap was in the back diff hole? Had to guesstimate how much to tighten the plug on the D30, but I think I got it as tight as it was before I took it off.

Chances are the fluid is fine, but don't you want to follow the maintenance schedule regardless? Don't you want to do your own maintenance in the future? You are going to have to change your diffs eventually, why not start now and learn? Start your collection of tools and do it... I still suggest you change the fluid right now. If you have any questions, you know where to come.

[BradG]

Yes, as stated earlier I do plan to start building a tool kit and doing my own maintenance. I don't really want to screw around with that in a dorm parking lot and have to find non-existent space in my room for my stuff. Since the fluid looks fine, I'll just wait until I get home in May. I don't know when the fluid was last changed--anywhere I can find that? PO didn't fill in the maintenance schedule log.