Input on Differential Covers

[ChuckQue]

lol. I thought you had to remove the entire cover and such to drain it not just crack the bottom? If I can just crack it and let it drain then refill, thst may be a whole new ballgame. I could save $400 for something else rofl.

Just loosen the bottom bolts first then the rest until the cover pops loose. Once it’s done draining, snug it back down then tighten the bolts back in a star pattern to proper torque. Get some of the Valvoline flex fill bags of gear oil and it’s super easy.

Personally, I remove the cover fully so I can inspect the gears and I use a gloves hand to scrape out the last bit of oil oil that pools in the lowest part of the pumpkin. Mainly because I wheel mine and plan to tow as well so it’s considered hard use. I figure a little extra diligence is worth the time compared to a breakdown that could’ve been avoided. Removing the cover doesn’t take much more time than just cracking them.

Sponsored

 

[Electrified]

I intend to order these at some point. They don't have a drain hole but that doesn't bother me. They look like they could take a beating.

https://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/R2538.html

 

[Byrds8]

Just loosen the bottom bolts first then the rest until the cover pops loose. Once it’s done draining, snug it back down then tighten the bolts back in a star pattern to proper torque. Get some of the Valvoline flex fill bags of gear oil and it’s super easy.

Personally, I remove the cover fully so I can inspect the gears and I use a gloves hand to scrape out the last bit of oil oil that pools in the lowest part of the pumpkin. Mainly because I wheel mine and plan to tow as well so it’s considered hard use. I figure a little extra diligence is worth the time compared to a breakdown that could’ve been avoided. Removing the cover doesn’t take much more time than just cracking them.

Thanks, I may just do this then. I wouldnt know what to look for when inspecting the gears so that alone, unless its obvious, would not do me much good. Hind site being 20/20, I should have went out with Dad a lot more decades ago when he could have taught me more lol. I appreciate all the advise.

 

[ChuckQue]

Thanks, I may just do this then. I wouldnt know what to look for when inspecting the gears so that alone, unless its obvious, would not do me much good. Hind site being 20/20, I should have went out with Dad a lot more decades ago when he could have taught me more lol. I appreciate all the advise.

I’m far from an expert, I just look at them to make sure they don’t have any obvious signs of damage, no metal pieces in the oil, stuff like that.

Hell, I wish my dad had taught me anything. I guess YouTube university has to suffice these days!

 

[CarbonSteel]

Thanks, I may just do this then. I wouldnt know what to look for when inspecting the gears so that alone, unless its obvious, would not do me much good. Hind site being 20/20, I should have went out with Dad a lot more decades ago when he could have taught me more lol. I appreciate all the advise.

Just look for chipped teeth and/or metal shavings. Use some lint free paper towels to wipe out the bottom (do not spray any solvents like brake cleaner inside it). Reinstall the cover and refill.

 

[Roky]

One good thing about my 2018, the drain plugs are in the pumpkin…….

 

[Byrds8]

One good thing about my 2018, the drain plugs are in the pumpkin…….

Yeah it was one of the first things I learned after buying the 22....no drain plugs. I thought it was a damn shame. This was the first vehicle I read a manufacturer suggested forever transmission and diff fluid if you just drove it normal lol.

Sponsored