Changing rear diff fluid?

Jason Green

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Feb 11, 2002

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Winnipeg, MB

Jun 5, 2004

#1

• Jun 5, 2004

• #1

Can someone tell me how I go about changing the rear diff fluid? How much should be in there? Tips?

Thanks.

 

nitrousED

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Oct 14, 2003

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Jun 5, 2004

#2

• Jun 5, 2004

• #2

i just pull the cover,spray the inside with break cleaner,put the cover back on then fill until it comes out of hole

 

Mike86Stang

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Apr 11, 2000

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Red Lion, PA

Jun 5, 2004

#3

• Jun 5, 2004

• #3

Not sure on the volume I think it's 2-1/2 pints/quarts? But you yank the diff cover to drain it & the fill plug is on the front on the drivers side

 

G

GATOR98GT

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Apr 27, 2002

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BRISTOL

Jun 5, 2004

#4

• Jun 5, 2004

• #4

If you don't have a pump it is hard as hell, I would recommend jacking it up as far as possible then Somehow manuuvering a funnel in there and take your time. I did it and i would recommend buying 3 qrts. If doing it the way i just explained you will spill some. The stuff stinks like hell to. When the car is level you should be able to stick your finger in the plug and feel the fluid.

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

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Nov 29, 1999

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#5

• Jun 5, 2004

• #5

also, remove all the cover bolts, but leave a couple in the top loose. pry the cover away from the pumpkin - but since it is still 'hinged', it will contain some of the spillage.

toss a new gasket on it. the rest has been said. good luck.

 

Look Its Aaron

Your car looks like it came straight from Mexico.

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Nov 18, 2001

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Fontana, Cali

Jun 5, 2004

#6

• Jun 5, 2004

• #6

Damn when I read some of these threads, I am glad I work at a lube shop. Everything is much easier.

 

1

10HoleLX

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Mar 6, 2004

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Southern California

Jun 5, 2004

#7

• Jun 5, 2004

• #7

cover bolts are 1/2" or 13mm
Fill hole bolt is 3/8
Use silicon seal to seal the cover (NO GASKET NEEDED)
Make sure the cover and diff surfaces are clean before you apply the silicon
Fill with 80/90 weight gear oil
Three quarts should fill it (some should be left over)
1 friction modifer is a must for proper clutch operation
Check for leaks and your done.

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

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#8

• Jun 5, 2004

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Look Its Aaron said:

Damn when I read some of these threads, I am glad I work at a lube shop. Everything is much easier.

Click to expand...

i think for us mortals, as long as we keep some tubing from the home store around, none of it is too hard. i like to fish tube up through the top of the wheel well, and fill standing up. gravity takes the fluid south - just make sure the tube does not slip out. if it smells like a skunk is by my foot, i know the tube slipped out (not a problem if you jamb the tube in pretty good and dont move much.
im so lazy, i have a bungee tube from the ceiling that holds the funnel (hooked to the tubing that goes south).

 

Look Its Aaron

Your car looks like it came straight from Mexico.

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Nov 18, 2001

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#9

• Jun 5, 2004

• #9

whatever works!

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

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#10

• Jun 5, 2004

• #10

Look Its Aaron said:

whatever works!

Click to expand...

i hope i did not offend ya, Aaron. we would all love lifts, but most dont have them (or access to them). so i tossed out an alternative. trust me, if i had a lift, i would throw out my tubing.

 

2000xp8

SN Certified Technician

Aug 8, 2003

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NJ

Jun 5, 2004

#11

• Jun 5, 2004

• #11

I bought a mac cover to do mine. I needed to change the pinion seal. And figured i would not be able to refill it, because it is one serious pain in the butt.

113 shipped brand new.
It would of cost me 100 bucks to have it done so i figured i'd buy the cover and do it myself since it has a drain and a fill plug on the cover itself, the way it should of been from the factory.
Also don't forget to stop by the ford dealer and buy a bottle of friction modifier.
Oh, and don't try and use the gasket. (i should of known better, but i was too lazy to goto the store and pick up the silicone).

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

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#12

• Jun 5, 2004

• #12

question for y'all. im confused why you dont use gaskets? i really dont know why (i figure im missing something). i use a gasket and some dressing on each side. what is the advantage of using just silicone?

 

Look Its Aaron

Your car looks like it came straight from Mexico.

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Nov 18, 2001

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Fontana, Cali

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#13

• Jun 5, 2004

• #13

HISSIN50 said:

i hope i did not offend ya, Aaron. we would all love lifts, but most dont have them (or access to them). so i tossed out an alternative. trust me, if i had a lift, i would throw out my tubing.

Click to expand...

No offense at all. I was just stating that I felt lucky to be where all this stuff is easy for me. Before that I had to improvise at home as well. That's what I ment by whatever works.

 

1

10HoleLX

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Mar 6, 2004

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Southern California

Jun 5, 2004

#14

• Jun 5, 2004

• #14

HISSIN50 said:

question for y'all. im confused why you dont use gaskets? i really dont know why (i figure im missing something). i use a gasket and some dressing on each side. what is the advantage of using just silicone?

Click to expand...

No gasket on cover.
The cover is sealed with silicon.

Note: Some auto parts stores they will try to sell you a paper gasket if you ask for it.

I have seen a High Performance reusable rubber style gasket for the 8.8 rear end for those who are constantly removing the cover for inspections etc.
Can't remember who sells it though.

 

89MustangGX

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Jul 3, 2001

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Mill Creek, WA

Jun 5, 2004

#15

• Jun 5, 2004

• #15

I would definitey make sure you can get the fill plug out first!

You can get one of the little hand pumps (looks like a grease gun) at mose any auto store, they're about $10 and you fill find numerous uses for it.

 

G

GATOR98GT

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Apr 27, 2002

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BRISTOL

Jun 7, 2004

#16

• Jun 7, 2004

• #16

Glad to see i wasn't the only one having problems filling mine when I did.

 

A

autumn 2 ashes

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Sep 23, 2003

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Jun 21, 2004

#17

• Jun 21, 2004

• #17

hey guys im about to change my diff. fluid.... but i have a question. Should i get synthetic. i have switched my engine oil to synthetic so should i do the same with the gear oil? thanks for your help. also does anyone know what weight i should buy?

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

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Nov 29, 1999

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Jun 21, 2004

#18

• Jun 21, 2004

• #18

i will toss out my two cents. i would say go for the synthetic. it is nice to have extra protection (in heat and with cold flowing) and since one does not have to change diff fluid often, the extra cost is negligable.
i believe the manual calls for 80/90 weight, and i would probably stick with that viscosity (whatever the factory manual calls for).
good luck.