I have a 2013 wrangler Rubicon and i need to change the diff fluid, trans needs service.

I bought lube lockers for the diff covers, i want to change to synthetic was thinking or royal purple. When i pull the diff cover to check out my gears do i need to full make sure all old fluid is out before i refill with royal purple? Also how much fluid is needed to change both diffs?

What fluid is recommended for the transmission?


Thanks

 

MAINTENANCE : Jeep JK Wrangler Differential Fluid Change Write-Up

 

And just to throw it out there but you don't "need" to pull the covers. There are drain and full plugs on the axles. Usually only reason to pull covers is if you see pieces or excessive shavings on the magnetic plug

 

He does if he wants to use the lube lockers.

If there is no reason to inspect the ring and pinion, I'd leave the cover on and drain normally.

As for gear oil, I don't get too hung up on expensive brands. You're not running a 500hp LS on 40s or towing a 15k lb trailer. Regardless, most important thing in my view is to make sure the bottle shows it meets the Chrysler standard (many don't, and while it is probably BS, it's not worth the potential warranty issue should something go wrong).

For a manual trans, the synchrmesh works well. For an auto, I'd have a dealer do it. It can be tricky to get the fluid level right. That said, you shouldn't need to change the trans fluid in an auto on a JK that new. For a manual, I'd change after the first 1000 as Jeep is notorious for significantly under filling the manual trans and the fluid they use is garbage.

 

^^^As a quick follow up on the lube lockers. They are one time use. People seem to think you can reuse them. You can try and it may work, but don't be shocked if you are leaking diff fluid after reusing them.

 

I'm well aware if he wants to use lube lockers.. that's kinda a duh statement. Just informing him he doesn't need to if he doesn't want too. Alot of ppl don't realize we have drain plugs

 

Yeah i have seen the drain plugs, but i figured would be easiest way to swap fluids is to have diff cover off and clean out all the old oil.

My Jeep is at 60k already....we drive it a lot...so that is why the trans needs done too

 

Really no need to pull the covers unless you suspect something is up. Just pull the plug and let it drain. I'd make sure you unscrew the fill plug first just in case for some reason you can't get it off after you drain the fluid. Lubelockers are garbage by the way. Use RTV its cheap and just as good. As for filling it if you are using stock cover just fill it up until it is about to leak out the fill hole. For D44 the front is a little over a quart and the rear is a little more than 2 quarts.

 

Care to shed some light on why your opinion towards lubelockers is so negative? I helped a friend put some on his tj's d30/35, and they don't leak, even without the bolt he broke off while reinstalling the diff cover.