Differential oil change

[CenTX JPR]

for the front, the manual states 15ft lbs, then 20 degrees more. isn't that tty?

for the rear, the manual states 30ft lbs with NEW bolts.

now this is from 2021 since there doesn't seem to be one for newer wrangler/gladiators.

the front scares me because some of those bolts are hard to get to and breaking one off and extracting would be difficult or impossible without removing susp parts. That's a pandoras box.

Out of all the guys that have potted their sensors (sensor thread), I don't recall anyone breaking bolts, or replacing bolts. So it's nothing to worry about, and a simple job.

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[grimmjeeper]

Out of all the guys that have potted their sensors (sensor thread), I don't recall anyone breaking bolts, or replacing bolts. So it's nothing to worry about, and a simple job.

I did a diff cover and diff skid when I potted my sensor. It came with longer bolts to accommodate the thicker flange and skid.

I most likely would have reused factory bolts otherwise.

 

[BRuby]

yes, this hasn't changed since 2021 at least.

this is what bugs me. trying to figure out what "good enough" is for the bolts. Error one way you get a leak. the other, you snap a bolt.

i hear you on the "Indeed the rear M220 torque specs show that the bolts should be replaced after one use. Clearly it's an error" part, but why is it clear that it's an error?

the front is 15 ft lbs and then 20 degrees more oomph.so id guess that is around 20 ft lbs or so. i don't have an angle torque wrench. i'd say i know what 45 is and 20 is a hair less than half of that. I'd probably either buy an angle torque wrench or just go 15 ftlbs and a hair more.

i like KISS.

still favoring extracting but i have a year to decide.

You mentioned earlier that you are scared. No need to be scared. Just be careful to crack each bolt off by hand to minimize torque. Front and rear single use. If super concerned just buy new bolts.

When I removed the OEM bolts to pot the locker sensors - the bolts surprisingly seemed on much tighter than the expected for 20 and 30.

Did the front first by jacking up the frame to get clear access. Loosened each bolt by cracking off the initial OEM tightening bite by hand to make sure nothing snapped. Then removed the rest of the way by hand which took way longer than expected. The bolts were very "sticky" and gummed up in the threads. This slowed progress a lot.

The rear also jacked up the frame to get clear access. Loosened each bolt by cracking off the initial OEM tightening bite by hand to make sure nothing snapped. Then removed the rest of the way with an impact gun. This speeded up the process tremendously.

Cleaned off the bolt threads before re-installing them - and they all went back in smoothly and easily.

Do not recall exactly but think tightened to an estimated 20 for front and 20 for rear. Thinking was to see if 20 was plenty and it was. The reusable gasket was stuck to the axle housing so just left it there. As did not want to mess with the leak free orientation. Thought was - could always tighten the rear more if any drips appeared. But none have.

Followed the recommended bolt tightening pattern and all is good. Gasket sealed perfectly.

Used the same bolts in the same holes. They seemed not tight at 20 but are plenty tight. Expect removal to be a snap whenever the covers need to come off again. As a real maintenance item is to clean off the metal shaving fragments off the locker sensor and base housing.

If your lockers do not engage the instant you push. Would check for metal stuck to the magnets.

Is not as simple as draining your engine oil as you have to fill lying on the ground. Otherwise would recommend pulling off the covers to see the status inside and clean away metal stuck to the magnets. Cover takes a lot longer by hand the first time - so use a gun after cracking. Second time should be very easy.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

On sale right now.. Very good price at $56.20 for a case of 4 !

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[Newbalewb]

On sale right now.. Very good price at $56.20 for a case of 4 !

It's a Spring Deal and will end soon. Act fast!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KB5LTJM?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1

It’s been awhile for me…I think we mostly decided it’s 75w-140 for both front and rear, yeah?

 

[Rhinebeck01]

It’s been awhile for me…I think we mostly decided it’s 75w-140 for both front and rear, yeah?

@Newbalewb
Yes, per DANA, 75W-140 in both front and rear.

 

[Fatbob Frank]

I went with Amsoil Severe Gear 75w140 in the rear and 75w110 in the front (and the balance of the second pack of 75w140)
3 quarts was exactly the right amount...

I also torqued to 20ft/lbs as it seemed plenty...

 

[kdiff]

On sale right now.. Very good price at $56.20 for a case of 4 !

It's a Spring Deal and will end soon. Act fast!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KB5LTJM?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1

Dang, I just bought 4 cases on the 23rd for $65 per case.

 

[WannFly]

@Rhinebeck01 or @CarbonSteel

I am need of a little suggestion.

1. I know not to spray brakecleen in the housing, is there something I CAN spray to clean it out? While opening the diff cover, some dried mud fell inside the housing, I used a shop towel to get most of it out, but unsure if there are some crud inside somewhere.

2. I will be putting in AEV diff cover, and also working on a 2.5 inch lift. From what I understand, due to the lift and the pinion angle it might be a good idea to use a little more oil. The question is how much is little more? Right now I cant fill, the jeep front end is open and is on a jack stand under the frame. AEV says to fill fluid until it starts draining out from the magnet hole, but right now due to the angle the Jeep is sitting, it won't work. So, I will do it when the Jeep is at its ride height.

I will be using Valvoline -140 in both diffs.

Another observation - I was under the impression that front fluid should be little better than the rear. In my case, both fluid is same crap. 16k miles, over 3 years, offroad mostly 4-high, at times 4-low, may have used the lockers 2-3 times.

Pic of front, got about 30 oz out

Pic of rear fluid (got about 45 oz out)

 

[jadmt]

I can tell you AEV sprays brake cleaner in the diffs when cleaning them out (they borrowed my Power wagon to test the covers and gave me covers for letting them use my truck the benefit of living next to their R&D) and I watched them do the test fit)...I also measured mine when I installed my AEV covers and they actually took slightly less than I got out before coming out the hole..I went ahead and put the plug back in and added the amount I had gotten out. it was not much..

 

[CarbonSteel]

@Rhinebeck01 or @CarbonSteel

I am need of a little suggestion.

1. I know not to spray brakecleen in the housing, is there something I CAN spray to clean it out? While opening the diff cover, some dried mud fell inside the housing, I used a shop towel to get most of it out, but unsure if there are some crud inside somewhere.

2. I will be putting in AEV diff cover, and also working on a 2.5 inch lift. From what I understand, due to the lift and the pinion angle it might be a good idea to use a little more oil. The question is how much is little more? Right now I cant fill, the jeep front end is open and is on a jack stand under the frame. AEV says to fill fluid until it starts draining out from the magnet hole, but right now due to the angle the Jeep is sitting, it won't work. So, I will do it when the Jeep is at its ride height.

I will be using Valvoline -140 in both diffs.

Another observation - I was under the impression that front fluid should be little better than the rear. In my case, both fluid is same crap. 16k miles, over 3 years, offroad mostly 4-high, at times 4-low, may have used the lockers 2-3 times.

Pic of front, got about 30 oz out

Pic of rear fluid (got about 45 oz out)

I would just wipe it out with towels. Brake cleaner can attack the seals and lead to leaks over time. The worst one to have a leak is the pinion seal given the work it requires to replace it.

Top off the fluids before driving it when the Jeep is on the ground, it will be fine.

 

[roaniecowpony]

@Rhinebeck01 or @CarbonSteel

I am need of a little suggestion.

1. I know not to spray brakecleen in the housing, is there something I CAN spray to clean it out? While opening the diff cover, some dried mud fell inside the housing, I used a shop towel to get most of it out, but unsure if there are some crud inside somewhere.

2. I will be putting in AEV diff cover, and also working on a 2.5 inch lift. From what I understand, due to the lift and the pinion angle it might be a good idea to use a little more oil. The question is how much is little more? Right now I cant fill, the jeep front end is open and is on a jack stand under the frame. AEV says to fill fluid until it starts draining out from the magnet hole, but right now due to the angle the Jeep is sitting, it won't work. So, I will do it when the Jeep is at its ride height.

I will be using Valvoline -140 in both diffs.

Another observation - I was under the impression that front fluid should be little better than the rear. In my case, both fluid is same crap. 16k miles, over 3 years, offroad mostly 4-high, at times 4-low, may have used the lockers 2-3 times.

Pic of front, got about 30 oz out

Pic of rear fluid (got about 45 oz out)

Mineral spirits, a.k.a. stoddard solvent. Make sure to dry it out and lube stuff before you close it up.

 

[Jammer]

I have 42,000 miles on my 2018 JL Rubicon. Friend of mine we just did the drain and refill it I don't really drive it hard the front because I don't really go in four wheel drive that much it's probably okay for another 20,000 miles what do you think ? 20,000 more on the front and on the rear just draining and refilling is probably okay or should we have took in the cover off I mean it's kind of late now I just had them drain and refill it with new oil but what do y'all think at 42,000 miles ?

 

[mwilk012]

I have 42,000 miles on my 2018 JL Rubicon. Friend of mine we just did the drain and refill it I don't really drive it hard the front because I don't really go in four wheel drive that much it's probably okay for another 20,000 miles what do you think ? 20,000 more on the front and on the rear just draining and refilling is probably okay or should we have took in the cover off I mean it's kind of late now I just had them drain and refill it with new oil but what do y'all think at 42,000 miles ?

There’s no need to open the cover.

 

[Jammer]

There’s no need to open the cover.

Should it had been flushed instead ? If not when should I do it again and i wander how much is left in there by not flushing it vs just draining it ?

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