So I work overseas in Afghanistan and had some work done on my 2008 Jeep wrangler JKU before I left in March. I had the work done in late January. I was getting some bolt on parts installed and they told me when they got it up on the rack that the front diff plug was missing. They have not taken the cover off to see the damage yet. What kinda cost could I be incurring if there is major damage inside from not being lubed and running. I have prob put 1500-2000 miles on it since i got it back from the shop. I never thought anything of it because there were no oil spots in the driveway and it was running fine. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Only way to know is to pull the diff cover off. If there wasn't a plug you ran gears without oil. I would defiantly advise to pull the diff cover inspect for shaving chunks or anything that looks outa place. In the chance nothing looks wrong replace plug and fill with diff fluid. Replacing depends on what's needed but if you need to replace it would be a good time to re gear

 

is there a roaring in the front end? or any noises at all that don't sound normal? if theres no noises I would just top it off with oil and drive it like normal

 

The fill or drain plug? There are two plugs. If its the drain plug you will likely need gears, bearings and seals. If its the fill plug you probably just need to flush the dirty oil out and refill it.

 

I never noticed anything when I was home. The shop called and told me about it. I wont get back stateside until July. I am hoping for a good outcome:fingerscro ssed:


How much would it cost to regear to say 4.10? Its not that money is a real problem but I hate wasting money for no reason for somthing that could have been prevented. Lesson learned I guess. Thaanks for any help

 

They told me it was the drain plug. Crappers!!!

 

Typical regear is $1000 to $1500.

 

Ok that is manageable. Is that for front and rear or just front?

 

$1500 front and rear, but usually you need to call around. Some places will be north of $2k.

 

Well I think I dodged a bullet. I just heard back from the shop and they told me they took off the cover and did not find any shavings or metal in there. Said they will replace the cover and fluid and run it a bit to see what happens but they expect it to be just fine. I don't know how long the plug was missing but it was about 1500 miles since the shop worked on it. So i am very lucky!!

Thanks alot for all the help guys.