How to Change Front Differential Fluid 2014 - 2018 Silverado 1500 Sierra Tahoe Yukon Escalade

[@conorreavey5960]

I did the front, rear, and transfer case in my 2014 Silverado at 114k. Bought it at 109k and was definitely never done before. Tiny bit of sludge came out of the front diff. Cleaned it all up then put amsoil. Oh my god my truck drives amazing now, I thought it was fine before but changing all those fluids made such a big difference. Thanks!

[@AndrewKellman]

Did you use the amsoil

[@mikespool6650]

night time, snow on the ground, on the cold concrete, but changing fluid .. savage!

[@TheSundaeDrive]

😂😂 gotta do what ya gotta do

[@davidweum]

Try 2 feet of snow. It cannot be done!

[@MrRGiller]

I did this about a month ago on both differentials and your videos were a big help. Thanks, again.

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Awesome! Glad they helped 👍👍

[@arubanjames]

Thanks for posting this!

[@MrRGiller]

The front differential sure seems a lot easier to change the fluid out versus the rear differential. At least you don't have to worry about pulling the cover off the front differential like you have to on the rear.

[@TheSundaeDrive]

It is. I believe the 2500 models also have a drain plug on the rear differential

[@MrRGiller]

@@TheSundaeDrive It sure would be nice if GM had a drain plug on the rear differential of the 1500 series trucks that's for sure.

[@vikkleo]

Not sure if this is a good idea but why can't just suck out the old and then add new through the fill plug on the rear diff

[@TheSundaeDrive]

You definitely could. The only downside is you can't clean off the magnets and really get the diff cleaned but it definitely would be less messy.

[@vikkleo]

Isn't the magnet only on the drain plug and you still get the majority of the oil out right

[@andymitchell2725]

Thanks for the tutorial, big help! Just changed this at 82k and I’m not sure if it has ever been done since I bought the truck at 40k but my fluid came out about the same consistency but was gray in color

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Probably never done 👍👍

[@malcolmandthebends2914]

Cool thanks, big help

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Glad it helped!

[@dmtycn]

Just spent $300 for front / rear and something done by dealer, next time will do by myself.

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Definitely not a hard job. Good option for saving some $$

[@dmtycn]

The Sundae Drive they suggest brake fluid change and engine carbon treatment, I only asked them go with differential fluid change . Should reject all and do all @ home . :(

[@anthonymacneil2279]

Like I mentioned my 17 High Country 6.2L did all fluids, diffs, transfer case, trans and engine shortly after I bought might of been 3000 miles. The dealer done it for free and even paid for fluids of my choice Amsoil and under warranty cant be that 😊

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Oh nice! How did you manage to get it done under warranty?

[@anthonymacneil2279]

@@TheSundaeDrive Service manager said there was a service bulletin on the 8 speed so he slipped the rest of fluids under warranty dont ask me how probably not above board lol

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Ahh, Nice lol. You were lucky 😉

[@anthonymacneil2279]

@@TheSundaeDrive As I mentioned the bulletin covered a flush of transmission fluids of my choice. The oil changes were complimentary for two years of fluids of my choice and the rest he worked some magic lol

[@blake102989]

Are you sure they actually used amsoil?

[@mrthunderbird5]

Thank you 🙏 for that 👏 👍

[@TheSundaeDrive]

No problem! Glad it helped!

[@edwardbreen7823]

Nice job I did mine last year I do use gloves and a table cloth on the cement floor just in case.Just saying however fine job.

[@davidweum]

I never saw Amisol on the shelves. Not once, though I believe it is great oil. I'm changing transaxle fluids of 3 front wheel drives after is dries up. David Alberta

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Only available through dealers or direct. If you sign up for a membership it is like $10/yr and drastically cuts the cost of the oil and they deliver very fast. Free shipping on most orders over a certain amount I believe too

[@davidweum]

Thank for the info

[@TheSundaeDrive]

No problem!

[@bcar1ify]

Is it correctly filled when it start to begin flowing out of fill hole?

[@educatedredneck3342]

Yes

[@waynetibak1828]

I’m confused by the instructions you posted from GM about the cold/warm levels. So am I filling it to bottom of drain plug, running it, then when it’s warm adding more oil to the bottom of the plug if it needs it?

[@HateTheIRS]

Where did you get the differential gaskets from?

[@Mikey-g4g]

If you used the pump for the diff fluid, how did you clean it before using it for trans fluid

[@charlesstpierre8]

If my truck was lifted on ramp at the front, doesn't that ensure I have plenty of oil in there since the fill plug is at the front?

[@llegacy1870]

Great vid and two questions, do you need to any additives and can you overfill the diff housing?

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Amsoil said no additives were needed for my setup. Depending on your specific truck you may need some. I would recommend checking with amsoil and your dealer to be sure. I am not sure if overfilling is ok or not. With good fluid, overfilling isn't necessary.

[@tranwrx]

Don't front differential fluid uesd 80w90?

[@younglifeex9950]

thought so too but dealership gave me 75w-90

[@TheSundaeDrive]

You are correct but amsoil said the weight I used was also compatible

[@ripansingh4739]

Hi, I have 2017 GMC Sierra , I am thinking of changing transfer fluid, differential fluid and front differential fluid too but it has only 30000 kms on it. My question is by changing all fluid with AMSOIL , does it gonna make shifting smooth or ride better.... thanks

[@TheSundaeDrive]

A lot of user have said it does. I didn't notice a big difference but I have peace of mind knowing it is much better than the OE fluid. Honestly, I would change the OE fluid every 30K miles. Now that I have amsoil in there, I plan to change it every 50-60K. Almost due again actually lol

[@ripansingh4739]

The Sundae Drive thanks a lot..

[@TheSundaeDrive]

@@ripansingh4739 no problem! Best of luck

[@Mr8L8X]

Thank you for your effort brother, but why the color and shape of the front and rear differentials fluid are differ ?

[@TheSundaeDrive]

What are you referring to exactly? They both use the same fluid.

[@Mr8L8X]

I know it is the same, I noticed that the front differential fluid is a way thicker than the rear differential.

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Gotcha gotcha. Not a fluids expert but here goes some reasons why that might be. If you aren't the original owner, it is possible the previous owner changed the rear diff fluid but never changed the front diff fluid. GM actually recommends two different weights (as I outlined in the description of the video): 80w-90 for the front and 75w-85 for the rear on the 1500; however, I spoke with amsoil and they recommended using the same viscosity for both. Those are a couple of reasons I can think or that could attribute to what you are seeing. Also, if the rear diff was warm from being driven then front diff would probably still be somewhat cold. This would make the front fluid seem thicker than the rear.

[@Mr8L8X]

The Sundae Drive Thank you sir for the information.. 👍🏻

[@unitedwestand5602]

The Sundae Drive the stock front differential fluid is definitely different then the rear. Fronts more of that green color just like in your video and smells worse. Now that I changed both with amsoil they are now the same. Very informative videos you post sir. Thank you

[@patrickarrigo6288]

Where did you get the pump

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Should be a link to it in the description! :)

[@laxingpiper23]

Hey man. Just watched your video on replacing the rear diff fluid as well. It seems like you filled both with the same fluid, correct? If so, why was the front diff fluid green looking?

[@tofertallman2512]

He must have had 4wd auto (the auto trak transfer case) and he was supposed to use the smurf oil (auto track 2 transfer case fluid. It's blue.). Shame on him! Asking for tranny trouble imo..

[@chevyon37s]

tofer tallman uhh he’s talking about the diffs. So using gear oil is correct. The auto track fluid goes in the transfer case. And anymore GM does not use the blue fluid. Check your manual. My 2012 manual make no mention of auto track fluid, and specs ATF for the transfercase.

[@unitedwestand5602]

@@tofertallman2512 do your research before spewing complete bs.

[@Phil-D83]

Use amsoil 75w110 for heavier use. 75w140 is overkill

[@TheSundaeDrive]

You might be right 👍👍

[@eliasfajr2010]

Where can I buy a pump like that?

[@TheSundaeDrive]

I don't remember if it's the exact one we used but this is a similar one amzn.to/3jKY4M1

[@somethingisweird0]

Hey I don’t know much about trucks I just got my used 2014 Z71 and it is grinding when I use the 4x4 in the front would changing the oil in the differential help ?

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Are you making sure you are engaging 4x4 correctly? The manual has a good write up. There should be no grinding. I definitely would change the differential and transfer case fluid and verify you are engaging 4x4 correctly and using it in the right conditions

[@somethingisweird0]

The Sundae Drive yes I was stuck in the mud a couple of times so switched it to auto and when it would pull with the front it would make a loud grinding noise. Appreciate the help

[@manny5848]

When you drive up the ramps do you put it in Drive or L ? I always freak out about almost going over xc

[@TheSundaeDrive]

I did it in drive. Definitely a lil sketchy lol

[@charlesstpierre8]

Do you have to be in drive or can it be done in park?

[@TheSundaeDrive]

I believe it is fine doing it in park.

[@david_gloria4_pb]

Great video man I have a 2018 Silverado lt z71 is 75w90 amsoil recommended for all all 3 front and rear differential and transfer case?

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Thanks! If you plug your vehicle into the amsoil website, they will provide you with the recommended oils for your particular setup. They are also very helpful if you reach out to them with technical questions.

[@manny5848]

For your transfer case its recommended using ACDelco dexron VI ATF

[@bcar1ify]

Just did mine. Amsoil 75w-90 for the differentials and amsoil ATF for the transfer case.

[@david_gloria4_pb]

@@bcar1ify thanks brotha how's it running.

[@bcar1ify]

John Gloria no issues and amsoil is good for 100k miles. Really like the squeeze packs to fill the differentials. Soo easy

[@nicholdas]

Hey bro love your videos. just changed myhe fluid in my front diff and kept pumping in the fluid til started to leak out? did i overfill it? it’s probably my fault because i don’t measure how much came out. Getting lower mpg’s now all of the sudden

[@TheSundaeDrive]

As long as you were parked level and stopped once it started to drop out you should be good but not having done the job myself hard to say for sure. Just make sure you used the correct fluid.

[@TheSundaeDrive]

And thank you! Do our best with the vids :)

[@kadenwatt2033]

Does the front diff require any specific fluids for limited slip? Novice here

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Not on my truck when using amsoil. That may vary in other makes and models. And no worries! Happy to help

[@kadenwatt2033]

@@TheSundaeDrive thanks!

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Owners manual is a good first stop too 👍👍

[@minibikesandmowers]

The front different doesn't even require synthetic fluid. Just conventional 80w-90 in tha 1500 trucks. I used synthetic in mine though, just my personal preference.

[@juanprenteria5077]

Can i use the same oil on the back differential ?

[@TheSundaeDrive]

I did. Always check your owners manual but I reached out to amsoil and they said the same weight gear lube could be used in both front and rear diffs. I have a video on the rear diff as well.

[@juanprenteria5077]

The Sundae Drive cool thank you so much for you help

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Great link. Thanks!

[@CarMaintenanceGuy]

Some differentials require different weight oils. That link above shows what each differential needs and how much for each. I've seen Ford's that require totally different weight from the front to the rear.

[@Samsworthwatching]

I thought you fill it till it runs out the fill hole?

[@codyvance2832]

Why measure it instead of filling it until it comes out?

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Both methods work. But as long as the truck is level, you'll be safe doing to the line method. You just want to make sure you don't significantly underfill

[@steve1998]

They measure it for informational purposes so you the viewer can be informed and know how much to order.

[@BuiltDifferent13]

should I change it hot or cold?

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Slightly warm will drain faster but I do not believe it matters for the fill. Only one that can be affected is the transmission normally.

[@Cocora22]

Why is that fluid so green?

[@geeksquad1476]

Its actually blue when fresh and turns darker over time.

[@andrepandohie582]

Will this take car of the 4x4 service light?

[@TheSundaeDrive]

If you have a service light that isn't good. I doubt changing the fluid will fix that unfortunately :( Probably something more serious going on.

[@mrrmsfucker146]

Change your transfercase fluid that might fix it.

[@paulcondie2520]

More than likely the 4+4 actuator or more serious

[@BEARDED_VATO]

How much you spend on parts brother?

[@TheSundaeDrive]

I'll have to go back and check but shipping is not bad or free. I always sign up for the preferred customer account which saves a significant portion on the orders. It isn't much more than traditional fluid when you sign up for that program.

[@BEARDED_VATO]

@@TheSundaeDrive Mine is a 14 silverado and i have had nothing but problems with it, from condenser to paint bubbles and peeling all around.

[@TheSundaeDrive]

I've gotten lucky with my paint so far but I had the condenser issue as well

[@BEARDED_VATO]

@@TheSundaeDrive 2 of my coworkers one with sierra one silverado had the same issues 14 amd 18 models. I found a lot of people on forums with same problems. Sucks!

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Even the 18 has the condenser problem??

[@Mr8L8X]

Hello again, is it designed for limited slip diff locks ? And what do you think, Im living in hot weather country, should I use the 75-90 or 80-90 ?

[@TheSundaeDrive]

How hot are we talking?

[@Mr8L8X]

The Sundae Drive Most of the year between 100-120 F

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Sorry the slow response. GM recommends 80w-90 fluid while Amsoil recommends 75w-90. We contacted Amsoil and they assured us that 75w-90 was compatible with our differential. As far as temperature, the hotter it is the higher you want the lower number generally. I know with engine oil GM recommends different weights based upon the ambient temperatures but they do not do that for the differentials. Most likely you are safe using either weight

[@Mr8L8X]

The Sundae Drive Thanks man! I will go with the 75-90 and will add the additive and will let you know what will happen. I contacted Amsoil and didn’t receive the answer yet!

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Sounds good. Definitely let us know how you make out! It may be because we emailed them over the weekend. Hopefully we'll hear something back this week

[@seanpinkerton3737]

Do you notice a difference after changing your fluids to a higher grade oil? Trans shifting better or smoother? I have a 14 Sierra and wondered about going away from stock with those fluids? Ams is great but I have been using the purple stuff since first oil change. Both great oils IMO.

[@TheSundaeDrive]

I have heard that royale purple is not as good as it used to be. I have not researched this personally to see if it is true but it seems to be a common narrative. I have not really noticed a difference in shifting with the fluid change. I believe that amsoil is definetely superior to stock and I want to get a lot of miles out of this truck so I used the best available. Hoping to break 500K but we will see how it goes.

[@seanpinkerton3737]

The Sundae Drive gotcha... I would agree ams is the best... not as easy to get. Royal purple, amsoil and redline use the same base stock(API Group IV) after that it is just additives from what I have researched. I'm not biased it's just easier to get. But great videos. Concise and well explained. Keep up the Silverado vids. ... look up "API Group IV oils" you will see what I mean.

[@SirManny4]

500k will be pretty hard on a direct injection engine in terms of carbon build up at some point those heads will have to come off and valves be addressed. I appreciate the video as I will be doing my Sierra front and rear differential before the end of the month

[@TheSundaeDrive]

@@SirManny4 yeah. I will probably have to almond blast to get it that far. Glad the videos are helping you out!

[@BrandogSalas-bi3nl]

No need to measure bro fill untill it full that is all

[@tofertallman2512]

Gotta put smurf oil in that transfer case! Uh oh..

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Not according to amsoil and my owners manual 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@tofertallman2512]

@@TheSundaeDrive Ok. What color came out of that never-before-drained transfer case? Looked blue from here. OEM? If so, look into that..

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Just pulled up my owners manual, transfer case takes DEXRON VI automatic Transmission fluid 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Just rewatched the video and I think it is just a trick of the lighting we were using that has a blue tint and maybe the settings on your display/phone you are watching from, definitely doesn't look blue on my phone 🤷🏼‍♂️ been running it for 60K miles without issue. Doesn't mean the owners manual might not have a mistake. I know some of the other tcases use a different fluid.

[@unitedwestand5602]

Good thing this isn’t the transfer case lol and even if it was the transfer takes dexron 6 ATF OR AMSOIL ATF neither are blue or “smurf oil”

[@stevewhite7649]

Amsoil over rated and way overpriced vavoline just as good or better save you money and go with vavoline at Walmart or and good parts store

[@dedalliance1]

lol, If you can buy it at Walmart it's probably not that good.