Rear diff. cover and oil?

[JJMaine]

I want to change my rear diff cover and oil and want to get one with a drain plug so that it makes changing the gear oil easier from here on.

Does anyone have experience with the Spicer diff covers and are the good quality? There doesnt seem to be too many options.

Also, the manual says 80-90w on everything except the FX4? I think my truck is just an Xlt 4x4 but it does have skidplates on it. Not sure if those were added by the original owner or not and my truck has no stickers that say 4x4 or Fx4. How to tell?

I have axle code 96 (as long as nothings been changed) which is the 8.8 with 373 gears (not limited slip). Just put 80-90 in it? Thanks!

 

[Uncle Gump]

I would have bought that very cover if it would have been in srock when I was buying. They are after all the manufacturers of the entire rear end.

The thing you need to be concerned with is if you have a traction lock differential. If you do... you need to add a bottle of friction modifier. If not and it's a simple "open" rear end... use straight gear oil per recommendations.

 

[JJMaine]

Ok thanks.

It appears that the last guy to do this broke the very top bolt off. I wonder if I should just let it be as long as it doesnt leak or try to drill it out?

 

[JJMaine]

Probably the same guy that did the suspension lift, change the rear diff oil

 

[Blmpkn]

I broke off that same top bolt on one of my prior trucks, and it never leaked.

Might of been the ONLY time I've got lucky though so YMMV

 

[Uncle Gump]

Looking at that cover... it appears you have a 7.5 rear end... and not the 8.8. You should check your door tag and see what it is equipped with.

 

[2011Supercab]

Looking at that cover... it appears you have a 7.5 rear end... and not the 8.8.

With a 2011 4x4 pretty sure it's an 8.8

 

[Uncle Gump]

This is a 7.5 cover...

 

[JJMaine]

I did check the tag and it is axle code 96. 8.8 w/373 gears.

Thanks Blmpkin I might try to hit it with some PB blaster from the back side and tap it with a small chisel to try to get it to turn it drill it but then again if it's held up without leaking this long then maybe just leave it be.

 

[JJMaine]

Oh I see what you mean though, mine does look just like that 7.5 cover

 

[Uncle Gump]

That's an 8.8...

They look close...

Does yours have rear disc's?

 

[Uncle Gump]

I thought there was more of a visual difference...

 

[JJMaine]

Yeah rear discs and it has the same bracket and wire on the left and right side like that one

I can't get good pictures from more than a foot away because the camera on my phone won't focus anymore

 

[Uncle Gump]

All good...

Carry on...

 

[superj]

Wrong info. Had to edit