Front Differential Questions

[joepackersrock]

Cant seem to find much info about the front dif...its a 94 4x4 and im going to be changing out the front and rear dif fluids next weekend. Thought I read on here somewhere that you cant get the front dif cover off without pulling the whole front end apart? Can somebody verify? Also does the front take the same 80w90 gear oil that the rear does? and will it need any of the friction additive in there?

 

[Sunk]

It is correct that you can't remove the diff housing without first pulling the shafts. Then the housing will unbolt from the beam. You won't need friction additive unless there is a limited slip in there, and even then you won't need it. It just reduces "chatter" when turning.

 

[joepackersrock]

It is correct that you can't remove the diff housing without first pulling the shafts. Then the housing will unbolt from the beam. You won't need friction additive unless there is a limited slip in there, and even then you won't need it. It just reduces "chatter" when turning.

Thanks for the info

 

[Ranger44]

Don't forget the pinch bolt. Right under the drivers side RA. It's often over looked.

Yes standard 80w90 is perfect for both diffs, unless the rear is an L/S.

If you just want to drain the fluid, my suggestion is to buy a vacuum pump kit and suck the fluid out of the front through the fill hole....... It'd be alot quicker and less tedious.

 

[joepackersrock]

Well I'd prefer to give the rear dif a proper change and get all the crap out of the bottom of the dif. Im definitely going to have to use the vacuum pump on the front though, dont have enough time to take the truck apart again.

 

[4x4junkie]

Lock the hubs in and drive it at freeway speed for 10 miles or so (transfercase in 2WD of course). That should get most of any crap that might be in the front diff suspended into the oil so you can suck it out with the oil.

 

[joepackersrock]

Lock the hubs in and drive it at freeway speed for 10 miles or so (transfercase in 2WD of course). That should get most of any crap that might be in the front diff suspended into the oil so you can suck it out with the oil.

Thats a great idea, thanks for the tip