k i tryed a search but it just dont have what i am looking for, everything else but not this. anyway> how do i check the diff fluid level, and how do i change it?

 

There is a filler plug on the upper passenger side of the diff. It can be removed using only a 3/8" extention and rachet. The sq end of the extention will fit right into it. Remove it at stock ride height (angle) and fill until fluid strats to seep back out. DON"T GET OLD FLUID ON YOU- stinks like crap . If its a posi unit, then you need to add some limited slip additive also (Stock V6's don't have posi)

To change it- remove the rear cover (10 bolts) and get a new gasket. It will hold about 2 qts

 

k thanks

 

Stinks? That's an understatement... the stuff makes me dry-heave. I've gotta stuff my nose with cotton.

Torque for those bolts is light; something like 15 or 20 ft/lbs... remember to tighten them down in a "crossing" pattern. Make sure the flange is clean and dry of any fluid before putting the gasket on, otherwise, you'll get leaks.

It usually takes about 1 3/4 bottles of fluid to fill it back up. I used 85w90; I forget when I changed to synthetic what the weight was.

To check the fluid level, remove the plug as AGood said. Put your finger into the hole. (laughs) The diff is full if the fluid level is "just below" the opening of the hole.

To fill the diff, I put an old piece of fuel line over the tip of the bottle. I put the other end into the fill hole. Then I flip the bottle "upside down"- there's room enough under the body of the car- and squeeze the bottle until it's empty. Be careful the fuel hose doesn't slip off the bottle tip or you'll pour that stank fluid all over yourself & the floor.

You can also buy a suction gun to fill the diff, but with the method I just described, there's nothing to clean up; you just throw the bottles (and the scrap of hose) out. I keep the hose, though... wrapped in a paper towel and sealed in a zip-lock bag. It saves me from having to hunt for a hose scrap, or, trying to clean cobwebs out of whatever scrap I find.

 

Funny, I thought that the gear oil smelled pretty good when I changed it. I used some Valvoline synthetic blend that smelled just like oil, perhaps I am weird, I like the smell of oil and combustion

 

Oil and combustion in a rear axle?

 

lol I meant combustion as in the oil that comes from the engine. I never really thought the gear oil smelled bad.

 

How often should you change the gear fluid i changed mine 2 years ago.

 

I try to change mine every year, although I haven't changed it once on this "temporary" junkyard axle I've been using- although temporary has turned into almost-3-years-old... (sigh) Stupid posi.