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Another Diff fluid question...

punisher660

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So I just re-geared, and have done my 500 mile break in...Is there any reason to pull the diff cover, or is just pulling the drain plug and refilling the diffs sufficient?
TIA
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chevymitchell

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So I just re-geared, and have done my 500 mile break in...Is there any reason to pull the diff cover, or is just pulling the drain plug and refilling the diffs sufficient?
TIA
It's a 500 miles inspection, not just a fluid change.

You'll want to take the cover off. TQ check the sensor and cap bolts. Look for chipped teeth on the ring and pinion. Check electrical connectors.
 

chevymitchell

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So I just re-geared, and have done my 500 mile break in...Is there any reason to pull the diff cover, or is just pulling the drain plug and refilling the diffs sufficient?
TIA
Did you pot your sensors? If not, right now is the time to do it.
 
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punisher660

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"Did you pot your sensors? If not, right now is the time to do it."

I'm not sure I follow on this...

Is the 500 mile inspection something that you would recommend having the dealer or installer do? I don't think I would know how to identify an install issue short of damaged teeth. I'm seeing posts that reference to "check the lashing", etc.
 

chevymitchell

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"Did you pot your sensors? If not, right now is the time to do it."

I'm not sure I follow on this...

Is the 500 mile inspection something that you would recommend having the dealer or installer do? I don't think I would know how to identify an install issue short of damaged teeth. I'm seeing posts that reference to "check the lashing", etc.
Read this: https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/locker-position-sensor-potting-dana-44.59581/

You can do the inspection yourself if you own a TQ Wrench.

The lash specs change after break-in and vary wildy. I wouldn't worry about the lash if you're not having any whining or groaning from the diff.

A quick look over and TQ check is all you need.
 

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punisher660

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It's a 500 miles inspection, not just a fluid change.

You'll want to take the cover off. TQ check the sensor and cap bolts. Look for chipped teeth on the ring and pinion. Check electrical connectors.
Agreed. Just draining the oil doesn't show possible damage to the gearset, etc. You also want to check the bottom of the differential case for any possible chucks, etc. that might not be on the magnet, as well as wiring/locker connections.

Also, the break-in oil does just that, helps get things seated and taking a set to one another. This process has more wear and debris until things are mated up and take their patterns.

As such, the oil will likely have higher metal content than normal. Not that it's bad, but once things are seated, you want to get the old oil out that has more "crap" in it.
 

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So I just re-geared, and have done my 500 mile break in...Is there any reason to pull the diff cover, or is just pulling the drain plug and refilling the diffs sufficient?
TIA
PUll that cover and LOOK/FEEL for metal in the bottom of the pumpkin.

IF you have a powerful rare earth magnet you can put it on your plug will you are draining and etc and it will magnetize the plug or you can pick up some are as small as a bean and put them on your plug an leave it there. Its GOING NOWHERE. Some of them are extremely powerful, so much so a bean size almost takes a pair of pliers to pull it off a steel surface.

here is your magnets:

https://www.kjmagnetics.com/?gclid=...2ZSNU-m_y7wSzcDjW0OmlXeLaJBtCclhoC2qUQAvD_BwE
 
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punisher660

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Tncdrew

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Aside from all the benefits listed in the posts above, pulling that cover provides great piece of mind knowing that all is well inside that housing. And the gained knowledge of what's going on inside is always a plus. ?
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