Rear Differential Oil Change

[rmatkovich]

Originally Posted by mayco

I'm about to change the oil in my differential, do you fellas recommend using any product in addition to the gasket on reassembly? Ive read about spray-on gasket sealer and others but is there a general consensus for the differential gasket? Is the gasket sufficient by itself? Thank you for any guidance!

Mike

I have been changing my diff for 20 years every 60,000 miles I have a 1997 F-250 7.3 with 351,000 miles and I use only RTV silicon from local parts store and never have a leak ans works well. Meany mechanics use this for many install inplace of gaskets.

[tjdonahoe]

Originally Posted by BIGED52

It has been my experience when the ring gears are whining or chattering is heard it is time for a full rebuild or rear end replacement! Not a cheap fix at all. When you do this or pay to have it done use a good quality synthetic gear lube differential oil. My GMC 1/2 ton Pick up is currently having loud gear chattering and the rebuilt rear end being put in tomorrow will cost me about $650.00 with the install labor. I just had new brakes and rotors on all four wheels done for $450.00. Lucky the shop will move the new rear brake assemblies to the rebuilt axle. Ed

Why are you replacing your housing ? your diff can be rebuilt without changing the housing,just remove and replace...

[CRH]

One of my two rear end replacements required a new center housing. The original one had expanded from heat from when the pinion bearing burned up.

[Bob4x4]

Originally Posted by mayco

Thanks for all the information fellas. The few times Ive changed rear end oil in the past there has always been a drain plug in the cover. I was pretty surprised to find that there wasn't one in this cover. I get it, it forces you to inspect the innards. The oil looks and smells ok but I'm just not sure when it was changed last. I think it has been serviced at least once though because I can see some black gasket material that oozed out around the edges. I don't suppose that would be an OEM install.

Mike

Dodge/ram has always used a silicone sealer on its trucks with Dana diffs,it is formulated specificly for use with diff fluids

[Keyair]

I used to get this whine on one side or the other quite regularly.
It would change side if I was driving in the UK or Europe.
Finally I figured it out.
After I divorced, it never happened again.

[rmkrum]

SFX: Rimshot!!!

[mayco]

Too funny !!!!!!!!! bada-boom!

[81 MexCella]

I'm in the process of chainring my rear differential oil as well. Does the stock rear end in a 1981 Excella come with posi traction? I ask because if it does I know I need to include the additive in with the gear oil.
Thanks,
Erny

[Smartstream]

No it's a Dana 70 HD non posi.

[81 MexCella]

Originally Posted by Smartstream

No it's a Dana 70 HD non posi.

Thanks!
-Erny

[Smartstream]

I may have misspoke. If you have rear disc brakes you have the Dana 70 HD. If you have rear drum brakes I believe it is a Dana 70. It still should be non posi.

[mayco]

I ended up using just the gasket, torqued to spec and have done a few hundred miles..no leaks. Synthetic.

[81 MexCella]

Originally Posted by Smartstream

I may have misspoke. If you have rear disc brakes you have the Dana 70 HD. If you have rear drum brakes I believe it is a Dana 70. It still should be non posi.

I have Disc Brakes in the Rear 👍🏽
-Erny