Explorer Diff Fluid Change

[kozak]

I`ve had a few occasions in the past month or so where my Explorer has been mysteriously swamped, in mud and water, and in river water. I changed my front diff fluid, it was pretty white and sandy looking.
My problem is the rear diff, there is no drain plug, and I can`t figure out a way to do it without taking the whole cover off, but unsure of if there is even a way to do it without the cover off.
Its a stock 93 Explorer, any help or tips and my Explorer and I would be greatful.

 

[kunar]

you gotta pull the cover. leave the top 2 bolts part way threaded in so the cover stays on and the fluid pours out the bottom. the only other option i have have heard is to use some sort of vacuum pump but it tends to leave some old fluid in the bottom. if you have water contamination, you want to pull the cover anyways so you can clean out the housing with a couple rags and some brake cleaner or similar.

 

[mjonesjr]

Easiest way is to remove the cover.

 

[odie1969]

not meaning to hijack the thread. but is there any way to drill and tap the bottom of the housing for a drain plug.

 

[mjonesjr]

grab yourself a '02+ Explored diff cover. They have a drain plug in them.

 

[Evan]

I use a siphon pump to change my diff fluid. Costs about $3.00.

 

[metalmacguyver]

not meaning to hijack the thread. but is there any way to drill and tap the bottom of the housing for a drain plug.

Sure. The problem is that it may be damaged by rocks or something. It would be as simple as drilling it and tapping with a pipe tap and putting a plug in.

 

[kozak]

grab yourself a '02+ Explored diff cover. They have a drain plug in them.

Would it fit the 93 though ?

 

[kunar]

Would it fit the 93 though ?

it should, but i cant say for sure. there is some differences in the depth of covers that i havent exactly figured out, but i think the issue was 28 spline 8.8's vs. 31 spline 8.8's so i dont think that should be an issue in your case.

 

[mjonesjr]

Would it fit the 93 though ?

As long as you have a 8.8 axle, then it will fit with no problems.

 

[MAKG]

I don't see how the depth can vary. 8.8 inches is 8.8 inches.

 

[mjonesjr]

I don't see how the depth can vary. 8.8 inches is 8.8 inches.

You can't put a 28 spline cover on a 31 spline axle because of the bearing size differences. You can however put a 31 spline cover on a 28 spline with no problem.

 

[kozak]

you gotta pull the cover. leave the top 2 bolts part way threaded in so the cover stays on and the fluid pours out the bottom. the only other option i have have heard is to use some sort of vacuum pump but it tends to leave some old fluid in the bottom. if you have water contamination, you want to pull the cover anyways so you can clean out the housing with a couple rags and some brake cleaner or similar.

When I pull the cover and clean it all out, how do I fill it up without it all draining out the sides when I need to put the cover back on ?

 

[mjonesjr]

Put the cover back on. Then on the front driverside of the hog, there is a bolt near the top that you fill through. Fill till the fluid runs out that hole.

 

[kunar]

When I pull the cover and clean it all out, how do I fill it up without it all draining out the sides when I need to put the cover back on ?

bolt the cover back on and use a gasket. if you cant get a gasket use rtv and let it cure. then fill through the fill plug located on the opposite side of the housing....


how would you have changed it if you didnt pull the cover? through the fill plug, right?