Tips for fellow newbies on diff fluid exchange.
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Spring Lake, NC
Tips for fellow newbies on diff fluid exchange.
After my first differential fluid exchange I have some tips for my fellow first timers.
1st an easy way to make a standard 1/2 inch torque wrench work for the plus is a 1/2 to 3/4 converter.
2nd the fluid pump is handy but the only thing I ended up using was the clear plastic tube. I hooked it up to the bottle and just squeezed the fluid in much faster.
3rd if you take out the top plug first be prepared when you remove the bottom plug. the fluid comes out with pressure and I completely missed the oil drain pan on my first attempt. this can be handled by holding a shop towel in front of it to redirect the initial surge of fluid.
4th. 3qts of fluid is just right. I bought four and had to return one.
5th. I don't off-road as much as I would like so I hardly ever put it in 4wd so the fluid I just changed out of the front diff looked brand new. If you are like me I would say you can wait twice as long for the front diff.
1st an easy way to make a standard 1/2 inch torque wrench work for the plus is a 1/2 to 3/4 converter.
2nd the fluid pump is handy but the only thing I ended up using was the clear plastic tube. I hooked it up to the bottle and just squeezed the fluid in much faster.
3rd if you take out the top plug first be prepared when you remove the bottom plug. the fluid comes out with pressure and I completely missed the oil drain pan on my first attempt. this can be handled by holding a shop towel in front of it to redirect the initial surge of fluid.
4th. 3qts of fluid is just right. I bought four and had to return one.
5th. I don't off-road as much as I would like so I hardly ever put it in 4wd so the fluid I just changed out of the front diff looked brand new. If you are like me I would say you can wait twice as long for the front diff.
JK Freak
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 580
Likes: 1
From: Allentown, NJ
How much fluid per diff did u use? I have tow package so manual recommends diff weight for front and rear. Im hoping I can get away with 2qts for the rear.
BTW, I know the total capacity of each diff but I can't remember how much it really takes when changing the fluid using just drainplug.(its been a while since I changed it on a jk)
BTW, I know the total capacity of each diff but I can't remember how much it really takes when changing the fluid using just drainplug.(its been a while since I changed it on a jk)
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Spring Lake, NC
i used the full synthetic 140 weight on front and read because it was more convenient 
it takes just under 1 and 3/4 quarts for the rear and 1 1/4 for the front.. more or less
I used the go until it oozes out of the fill hole method.
it takes just under 1 and 3/4 quarts for the rear and 1 1/4 for the front.. more or less
I used the go until it oozes out of the fill hole method.
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Spring Lake, NC
Torque wrenches aren't designed to loosen plugs 
The clear tubing works but it is a tedious process. And IIRC my diffs took a little less than WOL's write-up. I removed my covers and cleaned the insides up when I changed my fluid though. It's a chance to inspect the gears and make sure everything is working as it should.
The clear tubing works but it is a tedious process. And IIRC my diffs took a little less than WOL's write-up. I removed my covers and cleaned the insides up when I changed my fluid though. It's a chance to inspect the gears and make sure everything is working as it should.I take the safe approach and just have my mechanic do the diff change about every 60,000 then i do the quick version inbetween.
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JK Newbie
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Woodbridge, VA
According to http://project-jk.com every 15k miles. There is also a write up on how to do the fluid change.
