Changing Your Jeep's Differential Fluid

Complete guide to changing the fluid in your Jeep's differentials.

[@jsmith5252]

I agree with some of these other posts -- good to see a well done video without all the profanity and acting stupid. 17 minute video with every second used very well. No wasted time and showed just what I was looking for. Good job.

[@FreedivejeepHD]

Thank you very much!

[@bryancatano6681]

finally someone who posts a very detailed, informative how-to video. instead of someome cursing throughout the whole thing and being very unclear. keep up the good work. very nice clean jeep.

[@Wood31001]

Very well documented. Covered all the small stuff. One of the best walk throughs I've seen. Thanks

[@pbody0808]

Your videos on Jeep maintenance are the best! Keep them coming and thank you!

[@ethran]

Your videos are amazing! So thorough and professional, I'm really enjoying your work, thank you!

[@H.pylori]

Absolutely the best and most detailed video on how to deal with the differentials. I just love the step by step approach and warnings of the pitfalls. With you there guiding me through the process I have the confidence to do the job myself, and I am such a klutz that I can barely peel a banana. Thank you so much for doing this video. I have a feeling that your technique is far superior to what they do at the dealership. Thumbs up!

[@arcadian7496]

I am almost 3 years late, but very happy to stumble on to your video .. :-) .. It really helps me a lot as I am going to attempt to change my JKU's differential fluid. I have also subscribed to you channel. Thank you!

[@Sacamocounpoco]

Thank you so much for even making this video!!! Absolutely the best video that takes you step by step!

[@huachinango]

this was the best video from all the differential's fluid change I found

[@brucemadden1626]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video; very well explained-easy to understand

[@youandiryan]

this is very handy. thank you. I used sand paper on the cover to clean off the old gasket really well and brake cleaned the surfaces. it made both the surfaces that mate together with the new gasket maker very shiny metal again and very clean.

[@shawnsheehan2596]

love that you added torque specs!

[@luisochoa6177]

I hope you keep posting videos on your Jeep LJ. I love them!

[@shawnsheehan2596]

man, this is an amazing video - this is full pro version! thanks for your efforts

[@josephhoward4010]

This was AWESOME! Thank you very much! Going to fix my rear differential for the first time this Friday after work. Definitely got a subscribe from this vid

[@2tallB]

Didn't know about the 24hr wait before refilling, thanks!

[@leftystrat62]

Excellent job teaching! Thank you for all your effort. cheers

[@adorablyadorable5665]

Thank you for a very nice presentation....articulate and thorough.

[@etc-and-more]

Finally someone who knows how to use a torque wrench. Best diff oil change video.

[@andrewgreenawalt3755]

I've had success using Lubelocker gaskets instead of the RTV. Much easier if you are doing water crossings and want to change fluid more often. They are reusable and no scraping gasket material/mess and no wait time for refilling. Worth the extra money to me for the time saved alone.

[@beboboymann3823]

Great video. Very professional in approach and execution. I like that you took the time to explain the difference in Dana 30/35 versus Dana 44. I've done mine in my pickup and used the red RTV by Permatex and I did it in the evening and let it sit overnight and refilled with fluid the next morning. Never have had a leak by not waiting 24 hours before filling but I attribute that to making sure there is not a spec of old gasket or fluid on any mating surface. Again, well done thank you for your effort.

[@daverhoades1011]

Kv

[@johnbarzee7806]

Awesome video. Very informative and detailed. Thanks for the information!

[@koryyyy]

Incredible detailed video my friend! THANKS

[@cmlegend]

Very good detailed video! Thanks for taking the time to do this!

[@7940home]

Finally someone who films an instructional video without cursing and taking BS. Great job. Keep those videos coming.

[@rsdouglass4]

Concise and very helpful. Got yourself another sub.

[@tamiyadriverGp]

Thank you for these great how to videos! :)

[@calebd259]

you are the chris fix of jeeps. keep up the great work.👌

[@logowatchman]

Great video. Very clear. Thanks

[@Patriotalliance]

Excellent video tutorial, thanks for posting.

[@josheom]

Good Job! it was so helpful man!

[@anthonyornelas9921]

Well done demo! Thanks much!!!

[@MrItsthething]

Here are some tips that I like when changing diff oil: 1) Put paper towels/clean newspaper over the gears and use a Scotch-Brite pad to clean up the gasket surface after using a razor blade. Then wipe several times with brake cleaner to get a mirror-clean gasket surface. Do the same on the diff cover. 2) Use gasoline/kerosene/diesel as an initial rinse, maybe for cleaning off the diff cover. Soak the cover bolts in gas to soften any old RTV, then brake clean. 3) If I spray it out with brake cleaner, I like to gently heat the inside of the diff with a heat gun, especially on a humid day; the evaporation of the brake cleaner will cool off the parts it was on, which could lead to condensation. Best not to let this happen. 4) Before installing the diff cover, place a paper towel in the bottom of the diff to absorb any oil that runs out of the case while you're cleaning the gasket surface. This keeps oil from running onto the surface and preventing the RTV from sticking properly. 5) After using brake cleaner and refilling, I like to jack up the axle and spin the wheels and driveshaft, just to make sure that any area that was supposed to have oil on it before brake cleaner is re-lubricated before putting it under load. 3 and 5 might be overkill, but at least I feel confident that everything's right. Great videos, you've earned another subscriber.

[@mcplutt]

Or just get a LubeLocker gasket.

[@kiwionarope]

Great video, very informative.

[@chestrockwell7023]

I use dex 4 transmission fluid in my differential on a 2000 grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0 ....works great 👍

[@alschafer4292]

Great Video and Procedure !

[@pomarem]

Awesome dude best videos out there

[@bearmadinger4473]

I appreciate your help sir.

[@pinarellospeedracer]

Great job thanks for the vid now I can do my own Jeep

[@jackd7402]

Sweet Rolex Submariner! Also recommend a star pattern when torquing down that cover! Excellent video and detail.

[@842qwery]

7:21 I was hoping it was an Invicta. It is a rolex, or a nice replica. If it's the real thing dude better be one smooth operator with them wrenches. I second star pattern.

[@jcleonardo538]

Amazing video

[@caballolocomccloud]

Saved my life

[@scraptech3152]

thx for this video. ur awesome!!!

[@canonphoto]

For anyone doing regular or early maintenance, especially if you never beat on your rig, all you need to do is take out fill plug then drain plug, let it drain then replace drain plug and fill with new fluid. Only time you really need to take cover off is if you are finding chunks of metal/hearing obvious noises, upgrading your diff cover or changing gears/adding lockers etc. Takes less than an hr to do both and cheap insurance doing it often especially if you run in deep water often.

[@jordantavares8521]

Jeep TJ's don't have drain plugs, removing the cover is necessary.

[@FreedivejeepHD]

@@jordantavares8521 Jeep TJ's with Dana 44 axles have drain plugs: D35's and most D30's do not.

[@Tinglesworth]

@@FreedivejeepHD Thanks for the video. Wondering if I can just suck out the old gear oil with a little transfer pump, and refill with the pump also? Especially with limited off road use?

[@FreedivejeepHD]

@@Tinglesworth You could do that and it would be substantially better than not doing it at all, though not quite as good as pulling the cover.

[@Tinglesworth]

@@FreedivejeepHD thanks 👍🏼

[@TheAvi8tor]

This is a very good video as I never knew this is how its done. I had the fluids changed on my front and rear diffs at a drive through shop and I would be curious if they took the covers off and did it this way or just changed the fluid only without taking the covers off and cleaning too.

[@jeeptjxwrangler1088]

Great video very informative! should have painted cover when it was off!

[@darienchiba5060]

Welp, know where to watch Jeep videos when I tackle my next project.

[@dopeman420]

Good video bud.

[@Dnixlv]

Thank you for telling us what size things are and other useful information. Anyone else that post's info doesn't tell you shit.

[@snickerdoodle1361]

Wait a minute! Aren't you supposed to drink beer, curse, and say uhhhhh 50 times? Great job. Thanks.

[@zachb5508]

This really made me laugh out loud. So true with other automotive videos. I applaud you sir.

[@WillysOverland]

to get the cover off, I put the fill plug back in and use the leverage of the ratchet to rock the cover until the seal breaks. I have seen people gouge the seal surface prying it.

[@killer3lit3]

In my opinion I would never hammer with a putty because you can gouge the cover but overall this was an excellent video.

[@pauljackman5574]

Another great video! I’m working my way through all the fluids on my LJ Rubi, and you have saved me hours. Thanks man, dirty/oily gloves fist bump. Also, I gotta ask ... What is with the Rolex watch but an Ace Hardware ratchet?

[@FreedivejeepHD]

I never replace something reliable, and that old Ace Hardware ratchet still ticks like a swiss watch. Thanks for watching!

[@gperisteriotis]

That is a great video!! The book writes 80w 90 or if you towing 75w 140. Do you recomend 75w 140 at all times? thank you!

[@marsoelflaco5722]

Nice!!!✌🏽

[@SLHfernie]

Great video, but you should really use Permatex Gear Oil RTV Gasket Maker. From the Permatex website - "Specially formulated to withstand the harsh gear oil environment found in differentials and transfer cases. Because gear oil has friction modifiers that break down normal RTV and cause leaking, this specialty silicone has been tested to OEM specifications to ensure complete sealing."

[@FreedivejeepHD]

That would certainly be a good option, although as I'm sure you picked up when listening to the video, I do not use gear oil with any friction modifiers in it, so what I use is perfectly acceptable.

[@pleal1]

FreedivejeepHD what do you use to keep your undercarriage and chassis clean??? Thank You for your videos!!!!!

[@lilfella8955]

Is brake cleaner bad on the housing unit because I was told it’s bad to use it juss wondering thanks

[@robertpc100]

can you tell me how much back lash you have on diff gears? mine has or had never been apart and had some wear on gears.had good set pinion to ring gears but seems like it might be little tight.but i watched video that said backlash on these type lockers is close tolerance.It has recently been put into my 98 wrangler but never apart.just want this to be right.i had to put in left axle seal and bearing and pulled pan.has about 125 thousand on axles.just wanted to check it before i throw it back together.thanks for any help Robertgood informative video too.

[@7940home]

I have a 2006 Golden Eagle Edition with a rear Dana 44. Do these came with the clutch packs?

[@ralphserls1332]

I would have set the torque wrench to 35 ft lbs since you was using a extension

[@adamthorstad8872]

Does painting the cover once reinstalled case any issues with removing the drain plug later? Nice video, thanks!

[@FreedivejeepHD]

No, the amount of torque required to loosen the drain plug will easily overcome the strength of the paint film.

[@sjmorongell]

how can i find out what fluid i need to put in my differential for a 2013 jeep unlimited sahara? thanks in advance!

[@DZetti_Collection]

What kind of fluid should I use on a Dana 30 and 35 differential?

[@stevensmith1911]

Great, helpful video. Maybe take off that beautiful watch first?

[@brandsthecollective]

👍😊

[@lokifei]

sice it has drain and fill plug . whats the point to take cover off?

[@tommagnum6302]

Wow, you wearing a Rolex working on a car? That is cool.

[@Ohaelise]

Can you please come drain and fill my front & rear diff as well as my transfer case. After watching this meticulous video, I don’t think I would trust anyone else to do it. 06 Jeep Commander 4x4 w/ Quadra Drive II - 5.7 hemi. Getting a front shudder when turning left and right. Drained and refilled with the MoPar & limited slip additive. Went away for a month (until temps dropped outside) thinking it needs a full work over.

[@FreedivejeepHD]

Where do you live? If you're close to Ft Collins, CO then heck ya I would: I'm always down to help a fellow Jeeper!

[@nevadaboy9769]

You werent consistent putting the silicone on the diff cover, sometimes you went around the bolt holes clockwise others counter clockwise which is it? lol 👍

[@rickss69]

Always the mark of an expert mechanic...using a claw hammer lol.

[@full_metal2452]

Why break the diff cover seal at all? Couldn't you just drain and then refill with fresh? Yes you get all the fine shavings out doing the other way but there will be more in the future correct?

[@FreedivejeepHD]

Not all differentials have drain plugs, so in this tutorial I wanted to show how anybody with any axle can change their diff fluid. Unless you have a reason to suspect internal damage, I would generally just drain and refill. But, say you have an old Cherokee with a Chrysler 8.25...you have to pull the cover. Absolutely- there will be more fine metallic particulate in the future :) Cheers and thanks for watching!

[@tobym333]

What , and how much additive do you put in for the rear diff with track lock?

[@FreedivejeepHD]

If you have a clutch-pack based limited slip, i.e. trac-lok, you will have a metal tag attached to the differential cover with 2 of the cover bolts. It will list the type and quantity to be used.

[@vegasdavetv]

does the front require limited slip additive

[@jeepza889]

vegasdavetv I believe only the rear was equipped with Trac Lock for certain years.

[@jesusrperezd]

Great Video Freed, how often should this be done?

[@FreedivejeepHD]

It depends heavily on how and under what conditions you drive it. If you try to hit the trails most weekends or do a lot of driving in the mountains, with a trailer or in 4wd for snowy roads, I would do the rear differential every year. If you drive your Jeep mostly around town and on long trips, every 2 or 3 years is more than enough for the rear differential. The front differential would be the same frequency under severe service, but could probably be done every 3 or 4 years under light use.

[@jesusrperezd]

@@FreedivejeepHD Thank you man, I will do it asap.

[@bluethunder1951]

Not to Net pick, but did you suck the oil out before taking the cover off, usually the oil runs out 🧐

[@FreedivejeepHD]

The correct level for differential fluid on Dana Axles is up to the bottom of the fill plug. If you get more than a couple cc's of fluid out when you remove the fill plug, your differential is overfilled.

[@zukesrubicon1130]

24 hour wait before adding fluid? That can be tough, if the Jeep is your daily driver... Any alternatives (i.e.: gaskets) that would allow re-fill any sooner? Pull cover and clean inside every fluid change or is there some required/specified interval?

[@FreedivejeepHD]

I've tried just letting the silicon skim over for about an hour before I refilled it and no leaks, so I wouldn't sweat it if you're pressed for time. Unless you feel the need to inspect the internals of the diff (never a bad idea), then there is nothing wrong with just draining and refilling.

[@barricadegarage5361]

FreedivejeepHD use right stuff gasket maker. you can refill immediately.

[@mcplutt]

Just get a LubeLocker gasket.

[@mcplutt]

@@FreedivejeepHD The Dana 44HD on the WJ doesn't have a drain plug. But luckily LubeLocker now has a gasket for that as well.

[@kingsoulsurfer41]

Is the torque specifications the same thing for a 87 Jeep Wrangler

[@FreedivejeepHD]

Yes.

[@Eugenvector]

Why did'nt you use a gaskit? The Diff fluid shout be change all 40.000 km.

[@TheNewGranada]

why do I think the dealership is never this thorough when they do a 4x4 service???

[@H.pylori]

Because you know something that we don't. I agree with you. They probably just open the cover and add a gasket and reapply the cover. Hope they don't for get to add the proper amount and type of replacement fluid.

[@TheNewGranada]

the only time I ever had an issue was one shop forgot to add the additive to my transfer case that jeep calls for. it sounded horrible taking slow turns . once they added it the noise went away

[@ashleymasters165]

In your opion what does this sound like ive changed outter tyrods sway bar links and bushings serpent belt new. Is it my diferenyival dry we had all 4s up and front to in air and only 3 was moving 4wd all time drive shaft help please!!! The wheel feels like it binded up fighting i have checked roated tires so maybe power steering if i satnd at the back driver tire and shake it my father say he can see the play in or feel it?? HELP oh thenn it started the idel maybe alternator and my lights go dim if they're on and i roll a window up or down so at a loss wit this thing it literally jus happend one day and been sinking money in ever since 153 3.7 v6 08

[@TheNewGranada]

wow that's a mouthful. I can't explain the noise I had...but taking slow sharp turns it was almost a grinding sound I guess and it felt different. as soon as the additive was put in it went away

[@canonphoto]

TheNewGranada I had what sounded like metal making binding noises when turning slowly in and out of parking spots ets, I figured I had screwed my from diff (Dana 30) from wheeling hard with lift and 35’s on it, I tore diff cover off to check for metal and realized the diff was perfect. We then turned the wheel while feeling each front end part to find the noise. Turned out is was a warn out heim joint on the front track bar. Just binding up on itself, that was a happy day, but wanted to change diff fluid anyway, but had I known I wouldn’t of had to take the cover off to do it.

[@davegold9086]

hi maybe a stupid question but this is the same method for front and rear?

[@FreedivejeepHD]

Not a stupid question at all. Yes, the method is the same for both the front and the rear differentials.

[@ZephyrRandD]

@FreedivejeepHD What if you use a fluid that already contains a friction modifier? I'm not accepting of many commercial fluids, and after taking the API tech course, and the product I prefer already contains the modifier?

[@FreedivejeepHD]

Using a friction modifier when it isn't necessary will not hurt any of the internal components. Not using one when one is called for will prevent the clutch packs in a Trak-loc from transferring power via friction from one side of the axle to the other. Short version: you're good.

[@ZephyrRandD]

FreedivejeepHD What's your suspension setup? And thanks for the help!

[@canonphoto]

Zephyr R&D I use Royal Purple which contains it

[@horsedood13]

TJ Dana 44 rear axles DO NOT have a drain plug......ONLY rubicon tj's have the drain plug..........so ya know. I always swap out diff covers on all my rides that do not have a drain plug for after market ones that do.

[@tcalcut]

What about thread sealant ?

[@FreedivejeepHD]

Since you put a ring of RTV around each bolt hole, no thread sealant is necessary.

[@zerodamonsta942]

Never use a metal putty knife and a razor blades to clean RTV off a mating surface. I've seen many diff covers and diff housings gets gouged up. Use a plastic putty knife and a Scotch-Brite pad.

[@FreedivejeepHD]

Excellent advice!

[@CaptTurbo]

I just finished changing the rear diff oil on my 2010 JKU Sport. I thank God I picked up two quarts of Valvoline 75w - 140 Synthetic because it seems that I just barely made the full level using all of both quarts. I've never done the front diff so I'm wondering if it also needs two quarts? Any idea? I might just go with less expensive regular 80w - 90w gear oil for the front but would hate to drain it and come up short since it's my only set of wheels after Hurricane Ian's storm surge wiped out my other cars.

[@vigilantemotors]

Dana 30 2.5 pints Gear lube GL-5 80W-90 or 75W-140 synthetic Hope that helps

[@CaptTurbo]

@@vigilantemotors Thanks. I went back to the store right after I posted above and got two more quarts of the synthetic 75w-140 and came home to do the front. You're right, the front diff was full with just one quart. Next I need to move on to do the transmission, torque converter, and engine oil.

[@vigilantemotors]

@@CaptTurbo NICE! Hope it went well. If you have other questions let me know as this is the stuff I teach.

[@CaptTurbo]

@@vigilantemotors You are very kind. Yes, changing the diff fluids couldn't be more simple so it went well. This old heap was purchased in dire need since there was nothing available to buy for months after the storm surge wiped out 100s of thousands of cars in my area. I had nothing to drive from Sept 28th '22 until New Year's Day of this year. The wealthy people were able to arrange for brand new expensive cars to replace theirs but I lost my living (charter boat) in the storm so I had to find something I could afford. I bought the JKU for $9000.00 but of course have been putting money into it since. Right off the bat the battery went bad as well as the gas cap. This thing is no cherry. It came out of the salty NE. The first thing I had to do was replace the fuel tank skid plate which was rotted into three pieces. Boy, that was a treat doing it on the ground with hand tools and an ATV jack! I went with a Doorman plate. Until recently I was concerned about a very lumpy idle but a can of Sea Foam added to the tank has improved that a lot. I'm shocked actually that it helped so much. The rig has almost 138,000 miles on it and I have no idea of it's previous life history so I want to get to all the fluids. This has to be my only transportation so I'm trying to do whatever I can do to make it as trustworthy as a high miles 2010 JKU Sport can be. I will say I love driving it but the 14.7 mpg is really hard to swallow after the storm destroying my daily driver which was a TDI Jett Sportwagen. That thing gave amazing fuel mileage almost nudging 40 mpg in the summers. Thanks for your input!

[@vigilantemotors]

@@CaptTurbo Those TDI's are a great car but I think you will love the Jeep as well. I lived in New England for over 20 years so I am well aware of the rust that vehicles have. Take some time to go over your frame both the side that faces the outside and the inside of the frame rail that faces the inner part of the vehicle. Scrape away any rust and then paint it with a primer than a frame paint.

[@9929kingfish]

Around the outside, around the outside

[@mariodilorenzo7473]

2016 grand Cherokee AWD. Do I need the additive? How much fluid? Aftermarket fluid?

[@FreedivejeepHD]

Which engine do you have: 3.6 or 5.7? Whgich 4wd system: Quadratrac I, II or Quadradrive II? If you're not sure on the 4wd system I can run the last 8 of your VIN to find out, so I can recommend the correct fluids.

[@mariodilorenzo7473]

@@FreedivejeepHD Gc334263 thank you in advance

[@FreedivejeepHD]

@@mariodilorenzo7473 It looks like you have the conventional rear axle differential (no electronic limited slip), so you'll need 1 quart of GL-5 Synthetic Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-85. No additives are needed. The front differential uses the same fluid, but just under a quart.

[@brianlee7148]

Do I need to seal the fill and the drain bolts?

[@FreedivejeepHD]

No, you do not need to seal the fill and drain plugs.

[@brianlee7148]

Thank you for your reply and all your best video!!!

[@adinhoperez]

Hi what kind of fluid I will need if I change the gears to 5:13 on my 2011 jeep sport? Thanks.....

[@FreedivejeepHD]

As long as you're still running the same kind of differential (open vs limited slip, etc...), your fluid needs will not change, or at least won't change much. Bumping up one viscosity level thicker might be a good idea, as the 5.13's will generate a little more heat.

[@adinhoperez]

Thanks for the info bro.

[@adinhoperez]

Hi can you please tell me why I use almost 6 bottles of gear oil. I know I change the gears to 5:13 and I have Dana 44 on the rear gear. Is this ok ? I’m very confused. Can you please help me with this question?

[@FreedivejeepHD]

@@adinhoperez Unless you have an axle seal out, which would allow the fluid to fill the axle tube on that side, I have no idea how you would fit 6 bottles of gear oil inside a Dana 44 differential...

[@jasonturnage2]

I know I've said it before, but man your video's are so great. I'm officially a KZbin Certified Mechanic now :) I thought I'd run something by you. I have a 2006 TJ 2.4L 6 Speed Manual with the 30/35 setup. I purchased some chrome covers on Ebay so that I can do a quick change while I strip all of the nasty Krylon cheap spray paint off of the factory covers that the previous owner thought looked good. I'll save them for future use, especially if these newly purchase covers turn out to be bad quality. So here are my questions: Should I use the factory bolts or the included bolt/washer setup? Should I use the included gaskets or go with the Permatex? What would you recommend to get off all the caked on spray paint? I don't have a blaster, so would paint thinner be okay? Thanks again for the awesome videos, I'll attach the Ebay link below. Jason www.ebay.com/itm/Chrome-Steel-Differential-Cover-Kit-For-Jeep-Wrangler-TJ-97-06-Fits-Dana-30-35/132267733083?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

[@FreedivejeepHD]

I see no reason why you couldn't use either. The bright metal fasteners that come with that kit would probably look better, though.

[@dispensechristian1602]

1

[@williamcrowder2226]

Ido it the same way but w. out a Rolex on.

[@kkp9068]

takes 1qt in front

[@gravis00]

Shouldn't you drive around then check fill home again? Gear lube will drop.

[@FreedivejeepHD]

You shouldn't have to recheck after a short drive (though you could also jack up the rear end and spin each tire forwards and backward with the same result), but that certainly wouldn't hurt anything...and better safe than sorry!

[@pragmaticapproach1590]

Great video ... but replacing diff oil when they are in excel condition is just ... a wasting money & time! Donkey!

[@baublitzkrieg]

Great video! Clear, concise, applicable to many TJs. Best guide and only one I will use. T in ft*lbs :)

[@tobym333]

What , and how much additive do you put in for the rear diff with track lock?

[@mcplutt]

The diff tag says it all. Mopar friction modifier, 4 oz