It’s true: the drain plug has been removed from the front diff on Rubicon

John VonJeep · Nov 16, 2021

Checked my XR this morning. The rumors are true. The front Rubi diff no longer has a drain plug. I wonder if this is a parts-related change, or a design-related change. In any event, I don’t like it.

Jeep Wrangler JL It’s true: the drain plug has been removed from the front diff on Rubicon A4DDFA47-9DBD-4F8C-87D6-73122BB1980E

John VonJeep · Nov 16, 2021

Of course, this is the argument for removing it:

Jeep Wrangler JL It’s true: the drain plug has been removed from the front diff on Rubicon 9B2FD529-A7BF-4E1E-83A6-333B57DCF2AE

four low · Nov 16, 2021

John VonJeep said:
Of course, this is the argument for removing it:

Did that impact fracture the cast iron housing ??

John VonJeep · Nov 16, 2021

four low said:
Did that impact fracture the cast iron housing ??

Not my diff, so I don’t know. Sorry.

bjm00se · Nov 16, 2021

Glad you brought up the point and counterpoint.

Not sure it's all Rubicons. I *think* it's only been seen so far on eXtreme Recons.

I have a Rubicon on order. It would actually make me happier if it's done this way.

The Last Cowboy · Nov 16, 2021

John VonJeep said:
Of course, this is the argument for removing it:

This is exactly why. It’s not that hard to loosen the bolts to drain it, plus you can clean it better that way.

AcesandEights · Nov 16, 2021

I would always remove the diff cover anyway. Seems odd to have a drain plug on something you'd want to inspect anyway, especially in the place where it is most likely to be damaged. Makes it quicker for the quicky-lube places, but not an advantage for someone that does their own work and wants to look things over.

OllieChristopher · Nov 16, 2021

I see no reason for a drain plug on a diff. In fact the Jeep's are the only vehicles I have ever seen with a drain plug. I find it odd and concerning that it would put someone out to do something as simple as removing a diff cover to drain fluid.

ekim · Nov 16, 2021

OllieChristopher said:
I see no reason for a drain plug on a diff. In fact the Jeep's are the only vehicles I have ever seen with a drain plug. I find it odd and concerning that it would put someone out to do something as simple as removing a diff cover to drain fluid.

Ha try that on a Ford 9" style diff

.

GATORB8 · Nov 16, 2021

Yup, noticed it wasn't on our 4xe Rub either.

HungryHound · Nov 16, 2021

The reusable gasket makes draining thru the front easier, but more importantly, where's the magnet now?

gato · Nov 16, 2021

HungryHound said:
The reusable gasket makes draining thru the front easier, but more importantly, where's the magnet now?

Fill hole screw?

Murphydog · Nov 16, 2021

I will double check, but I think it was missing from my Rubicon as well. V6 eTorque delivered in early September.

OK - can of worms here, quick glance at the maintenance plan it says to change front and rear axle fluid at 40,000 miles if using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet off-road or frequent trailer towing.
it doesn't seem to list any light duty (my words) interval for changing.

So is 40K a reasonable mileage to change front and rear diff fluids?

OllieChristopher · Nov 16, 2021

ekim said:
Ha try that on a Ford 9" style diff .

We are not talking a Ford 9". In the case of those (and a lot of Toyota diffs) then it is a very simple third member removal. Only difference is having to remove the driveshaft.

guarnibl · Nov 16, 2021

Murphydog said:
I will double check, but I think it was missing from my Rubicon as well. V6 eTorque delivered in early September.

OK - can of worms here, quick glance at the maintenance plan it says to change front and rear axle fluid at 40,000 miles if using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet off-road or frequent trailer towing.
it doesn't seem to list any light duty (my words) interval for changing.

So is 40K a reasonable mileage to change front and rear diff fluids?

I change mine annually given I wheel quite a bit. I'd argue if you do, and enter water -- you should change more frequently. At the same time, potting the sensors as preventive is a common thing owners should consider doing early on. In my case, my lockers were already starting to have issues engaging after 3k miles. Mine will get potted after break in at first oil change which I'll be doing at 3k.

It’s true: the drain plug has been removed from the front diff on Rubicon

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