Vittorio

What are y'all's opinion about changing front and rear differential fluids every 15K? What about Auto Transmission and Transfer Case? I'm hearing different versions from the Dealers for desert and towing use.

bulabula

The FSM says to change the diffs every 15k; drain/refill the auto tranny every 30k; and drain/refill the Xfer case every 60k. Doesn't mention a thing about manual transmissions. Those are miles, not Km's.

FWIW, I changed everything @ 18k.

Note: it also says to lube the tie-rod ends on 4x4's every 15k, but I like to give'em a squirt every oil change.

Vittorio

Thanks Bula. Ok, I'll do the diffs at 15K and the tranny (flush) and transfer case at 20K intervals.

popeye

I was under the impression that we had synthetic oil in the diffs.(not enough from the factory though!!!!!). Don't you think that 15,000 is both premature and COSTLY?? I would like an old salty dog to reply if possible. Thanks. Popeye. ??? ???




'03 HO,6sp.,QC,4x4,315x70 BFG, Patriot Blue, 33,000 miles.

MikeyB

I'm planning to change both transmission and rear end fluid at 10k miles. Then go to 20k mile intervals.

MikeyB

Lightman

What do people think about changing the trans fluid using a suction device? I have a 12v marine oil changer that empties the sump via the dipstick tube, and also works for transmissions..? I really dont like the idea of taking the whole pan down and making a mess, and don't know how to adjust the bands. How often does the filter need changing? Every time the fluid is changed?

bulabula

Lightman, I use one of those 12V oil pumps for the boat only because there's no other way to drain the engines. I know I don't get all the oil out of them either. I'd use it to pump out the tranny if it was a last resort.

For an auto tranny, I'd seriously look into a new pan with a drain plug in it, or I think you can pick a kit up at NAPA and put your own plug in the existing pan. Either way I think its worth its weight in gold. Hey, save the money from the rear diff cover and purchase a tranny pan from Mag Hytec. They make them single or double deep too. Again, pound for pound I think they're a good deal.

To me, changing fluid in an auto tranny is a Major PIA any way you look at it (other than paying someone else to do it). I've dropped the pans, and have flushed them thru the cooling lines, but anyway you look at it you're also looking at making a mess with ATF. Maybe its just that I'm a slob with ATF.

I don't think you need to change the filter everytime you want to change the fluid - I never did on the Ford Dooley. I know you don't get all the fluid out by only draining the pan, but to me its better than not changing it often enough.

I used to drain the TC too, but don't know about MOPAR auto trannys.

SuperGewl

For the Tranny just take it to a shop and have them do a flush on the tranny. Then every other time drop the pan and do the bands. It only runs about $80 to $150 for the flush.