4x4 shop changed my diff fluid differently

[Jeep Junkie]

So, I *think* what you're talking about here is the first diff fluid change done roughly 500 miles after a re-gear.

In which case it is entirely appropriate as part of that fluid change to pull the cover and inspect the new gears to check the wear pattern and make sure they're breaking in properly. I wouldn't trust a shop that didn't do that.

He's a great guy, very skilled and very honest

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[Deen]

He opened it like that

That looks like Jeep West in Estacada OR.

 

[Jeep Junkie]

That looks like Jeep West in Estacada OR.

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[mgroeger]

Guys, in the YouTube videos they just drain and fill it. But my 4x4 shop opened the pumpkin, cleaned it with brake parts cleaner, put it back on and then filled it with fluid. I'm confused

That's because your shop knows what they are doing. That is the proper way to do a diff service. Pulling the plugs, draining and filling is the lazy way.

 

[DaltonGang]

That's because your shop knows what they are doing. That is the proper way to do a diff service. Pulling the plugs, draining and filling is the lazy way.

Yep, draining and filling, that's me, Mr Lazy. Been doing the lazy way on Jeeps and trucks, since I can remember. Never an issue with the axle, gears, or bearings. The main thing to remember is to just change it every 60k-80k miles.

 

[mgroeger]

Yep, draining and filling, that's me, Mr Lazy. Been doing the lazy way on Jeeps and trucks, since I can remember. Never an issue with the axle, gears, or bearings. The main thing to remember is to just change it every 60k-80k miles.

You do you boo. Take offense much? It's also good to open it up when doing the drain and fill to see how things look in there. Did you chip a tooth? Did a piece of plastic crack off the the selinoids? Always good to look around.
But I do agree with you being mr. lazy.... 60k to 80k diff fluid change? Dang I pretty much do it once a year since it's cheap insurance and off roading as well as towing, larger tires, etc... puts more demand (heat) on the oil. I would say at least every 30k.

 

[DaltonGang]

You do you boo. Take offense much? It's also good to open it up when doing the drain and fill to see how things look in there. Did you chip a tooth? Did a piece of plastic crack off the the selinoids? Always good to look around.
But I do agree with you being mr. lazy.... 60k to 80k diff fluid change? Dang I pretty much do it once a year since it's cheap insurance and off roading as well as towing, larger tires, etc... puts more demand (heat) on the oil. I would say at least every 30k.

Nope, no offense taken. I'm just not OCD about it, BOO. When there are known issues that can and do pop up, I then become more proactive. If I were towing I might drain it every 30-40k. To each his own.

 

[NWJeepr]

Pulling the covers on JL's is very easy. The gaskets are thick rubber and metal, and are meant to be reused.

An electric ratchet is a useful tool here...the cover bolts have a fine thread, and doing them by hand with a regular socket wrench will tire out your hand if you're not used to it.

Reinstalling the cover bolts isn't rocket science, but there's a way to alternate torquing them in a cross pattern that seats the cover evenly. Look up the torque spec for your differential cover bolts...generally around 28-33 lb-ft for the Dana's in modern Jeeps. Double check that before torquing.

Another good reason to pull the covers is to clean off any magnets on the cover to see what kind of debris you're getting. Chunks = you're hosed. A fine sludge is OK, more common on anti-spin differentials as the clutches wear.

 

[Jeep Wick]

I have the 2024, so this means that the fluid change is not easy for a rookie like me

Spend a few bucks on the ARB covers, you get axle strength, debris magnets, and a drain plug.

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