Hey guys, long time no post. I have a fluid question for y'all. I'm almost overdue for a differential fluid change. Thinking about doing it myself this time. My question is... how much fluid should I expect to need? I have a '97 XLT, manual tranny. Of course I'm also new to this sort of work, so I'm open to any suggestions as to what brand I should put in there. I think I have the procedure down-pat... pop open the cover, catch the fluid, magnet out any shavings, reseal and refill from the top. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

Do you have your owners manual? It should list capacities in the back. I can't remember but the rear I think takes 2-3 quarts. The front only takes about a quart maybe a little more depending on how much you can get out.

 

x2 and use some RTV to seal it back.

 

if your taking the diff cover off i would go ahead and spray a whole can of brake/parts cleaner on it. if im not mistaken an 8.8 rear end will take approx. 2.75 qts. i would use royal purple also.

 

Wait, my truck has an owners manual? Sorry, you're right... should've checked that first... thanks guys!

 

I think I used 2.5 bottles of Valvoliene

 

x2 its about 2.5-2.75 qts any 80w-90 will be fine, if it is lsd and friction additive.

 

i did my 7.5 recently and it was about 2.5-2.75 ish

 

I used Mobil 1 Gear oil with the L/S. And like stated above spray the inside part of the lid with brake cleaner, and wipe clean. then use RTV to seal the lid back up.

 

You may need to pump in new.

 

a 7.5 should take about 2.75 and an 8.8 about 3.5

 

Ok, stupid question... would the diff be considered "axle; rear"? Manual says 5.0 pts for that.... I don't see anything else that would be the diff (wouldn't be transfer case, I think).

 

Yes. Axle is the whole assembly and differential is the center section. People just use diff for the whole thing and pumpkin for the center section.

 

Alright, cool. I'm going to try doing this sometime later this week. Been crazy busy between work and fixing up the place while the weather cooperates. Thanks for all the help, guys!

 

Keep in mind they sell this in quarts not pints.

So its 2 pints per quart so you need 2 1/2 quarts aka 3 bottles.