Differential oil change

[wreck99]

I changed my covers at 20k to the Currie ones and glad I didn't wait any longer. The rear was pretty well used and the front wasn't that far off. I do wheel a lot with my 2024 JLUR. I also just changed my manual trans and t-case fluids at 24k (decided to do early, was going to wait until 30k) and glad I did. Also very well used. I think I'll be changing diffs every 20k and trans/t-case every 25k-30k. Oil is cheap, drive train is not. Probably overkill but I'll sleep better.

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[DanW]

No need to flush these things. Just drain and fill. Dana recommends 75w140, unlike Jeep. I run Valvoline.

I do mine ever 25k to 30k. The front really isn´t worked very hard. It always comes out looking pretty close to new. And even at 30k, the rear fluid looks good, although the magnet catches a lot of crap. Don´t forget to clean it.

 

[Terrymo]

With the cover off, you can spray cleaner into the carrier. Any residue is washed out, making the fluid replacement more effective. It's likely overkill. But, depending on what you use to clean it, doesn't hurt anything.

What spray cleaner(s) would you recommend?

 

[grimmjeeper]

What spray cleaner(s) would you recommend?

I use brake parts cleaner. No idea if that's necessarily good or bad. I'm sure someone has an opinion on that.

 

[Terrymo]

I use brake parts cleaner. No idea if that's necessarily good or bad. I'm sure someone has an opinion on that.

I use non-chlorinated brake cleaner and CRC Lectra Clean on the connectors. Everyone has an opinion on everything particularly those with no real knowledge. I’ll brace myself for those opinions.

 

[Jammer]

I changed my covers at 20k to the Currie ones and glad I didn't wait any longer. The rear was pretty well used and the front wasn't that far off. I do wheel a lot with my 2024 JLUR. I also just changed my manual trans and t-case fluids at 24k (decided to do early, was going to wait until 30k) and glad I did. Also very well used. I think I'll be changing diffs every 20k and trans/t-case every 25k-30k. Oil is cheap, drive train is not. Probably overkill but I'll sleep better.

Dang at 20,000 miles it was that dirty her

 

[wreck99]

Dang at 20,000 miles it was that dirty her

Yeah I work it hard with all the wheeling ive done is my guess. I cant imagine any other reason. I dont tow with it.

 

[roaniecowpony]

Brake cleaner is mostly acetone. Just keep that in mind as its hard on most plastics.

 

[CarbonSteel]

Brake cleaner is mostly acetone. Just keep that in mind as its hard on most plastics.

and some seals...usually with my luck, it will be the one that will be the hardest to change and would receive the vast majority of the brake cleaner...aka pinion seal.

I would wipe it out using the lint-free towels like Scott's. If removing the remnants is that critical, then just put cheap fluid in it and run it for 50 miles, then dump it using the cheap fluid as a flush.

 

[Terrymo]

Brake cleaner is mostly acetone. Just keep that in mind as its hard on most plastics.

Any recommendations?

 

[CarbonSteel]

Any recommendations?

Curious as to why there seems to be a need to clean the gears/housing with a solvent during a fluid change?

You could use a non-attacking type solvent such as mineral spirits or kerosene, but the concern would be that some remains (it will not evaporate) and contaminate or thin the new fluid.

 

[grimmjeeper]

Curious as to why there seems to be a need to clean the gears/housing with a solvent during a fluid change?

You could use a non-attacking type solvent such as mineral spirits or kerosene, but the concern would be that some remains (it will not evaporate) and contaminate or thin the new fluid.

I prefer to wash out any grit that was suspended in the oil. There's probably not enough to really make a difference, but I do it anyway.

 

[CarbonSteel]

I prefer to wash out any grit that was suspended in the oil. There's probably not enough to really make a difference, but I do it anyway.

Yep; totally get that, but I simply wipe it out with lint free towels. Brake cleaner is not the best choice if a flush is needed.

 

[Terrymo]

Yep; totally get that, but I simply wipe it out with lint free towels. Brake cleaner is not the best choice if a flush is needed.

I agree with wiping it out after…lint free seems one step below the OCD cleaning with cleaner. What would the lint do? Just kidding…mostly.

 

[roaniecowpony]

Any recommendations?

I just wipe out the sludge and refill. If you need to clean it more, stoddard cleaning solvent was the industry standard for 100 years. But California banned it. Kerosene is another good, mild solvent.

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