Is it toast?

[scotts90ranger]

That's personal preference, if it has a limited slip, the modifier makes it more slick and can cause some tire scrub in corners if you don't use it, but I wouldn't stress about it. If a little tire scrub doesn't bother you, just use the normal amount or none, whatever... I didn't add any to my '00 Explorer after I shimmed up the limited slip and I didn't notice anything goofy after 40k miles, but it did lock up on hard launches in corners...

 

[don4331]

99% of the population never even checks the oil in the front differential, yet drives for >200k miles without issues.

The ALUMINIUM for the case is almost paper thin - probably not 3mm - at bottom of case. I doubt there is enough thickness for sufficient threads to hold a plug. If I put plug at the bottom of the case, every rock in the country would be lining up to take a shot at knocking it out so it better be secure.

If you aren't putting plug at the bottom - where the water would be after playing in the creek or iron fillings would be if you suspect you damaged something with hard wheeling - why add it at all??

Suck it up and drop the differential if needed.

p.s. I have found it advantageous to put one side of truck on ramps, pull the axle, drop housing slightly, reinsert the axe (now below the a-arm), lower off ramps and repeat on other side. Avoids the gear oil bath when you didn't balance the housing perfectly and one end drops... Installation is the reverse.

p.p.s. 2 hydraulic jacks or transmission adapter might work to lower/raise coordinated but my little one does reach high enough.

 

[dashhho]

I pumped out as much of the fluid and refilled with fresh two times. I am still getting a bit of noise in the front end when I am at low speeds. If I am slowing down to a stop sign it will growl a taddddddd bit. I happens without braking and going straight so I dont think it is a wheel bearing? I think a pinion or carrier bearing is making the noise maybe. Any thoughts on if this sounds correct?

 

[dashhho]

It also doesnt seem to change sound level if I turn the wheel left or right which leads me to think its not a wheel bearing. I feel it under my feet in the truck it seems.

 

[Dirtman]

You have live axles so it could be the U-joint or prop joint on the front driveshaft...