I have a 86 Bronco and need to change he rear diff fluid. I opened the plug today and it was nearly a half a gallon low (been sitting for about 8 years since driving much). I filled it up for now, but there is apparently a leak and I want to change the gasket soon and get out any metal shavings there may be in there. I was not even able to siphon the old oil out because the siphon hose would not go in to the bottom because something was blocking it.

My questions is, what size diff does a 86 Bronco have?

Also, on my other truck the diff had a pumpkin cover on the rear, this truck only has the cover the drive shaft is attached to. How do I remove the cover to be able to change the gasket?

Thanks in advance!

 

that is a ford 9 inch you have. newer broncos got the 8.8 rear.

Disconnect the driveshaft. unbolt the pumpkin (diff cover). the whole gear set will come out. replace gasket. install back on.

 

Thanks, I will try that ASAP and let you know how it goes. Does the driveshaft just disconnect very simply or will it take some sort of special know how?

 

Easy...just some wrenches. Also have a stop behind the tires so the truck doesn't roll back on you. Keep the transmission in gear so the driveshaft doesn't rotate.

 

You are going to have to slide rear axles out enough to get the center section out.

 

Please explain. That sounds intimidating.

 

you have to remove rear tires, remove brake drums. There is a hole in the axle flange you stick a socket through to remove 4 bolts that hold axle retainer on. Slide axles out about a foot. Then you can remove the center section. Just be careful because it is HEAVY. Not really that difficult a job if you have any mechanical inclination. Also you want to use some rtv sealant on the "chunk" whether you use a gasket or not.

 

thats right. forgot the axles.

 

Thanks, I will give that a try soon.