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Old Oct 26, 2022 | 09:17 AM
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Fluid changes

How often are you all changing your front and rear axle and transfer case fluids? Are you going by the standard or are you using the recommended for trailer and camper? Our truck does more setting than hauling and the miles the camper is on the truck is just a few thousand each year so on our 2012, we only have 89,000 miles total. I don't mind doing the work, but hate to waste money and time doing something that is not really necessary.
 
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Old Oct 26, 2022 | 11:51 AM
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First thing I do when I buy a new to me truck is change all the fluids, I usually sell the truck before I change the diff fluids again with my low mileage use per year.
 
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Old Oct 26, 2022 | 02:17 PM
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Should you decide to change fluids, I like to check whatever axle vent system you have to make sure it's not clogged or ****-eyed in a way that catches dirt/water.
 
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Old Oct 26, 2022 | 03:19 PM
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Originally Posted by RV_Tech
How often are you all changing your front and rear axle and transfer case fluids? Are you going by the standard or are you using the recommended for trailer and camper? Our truck does more setting than hauling and the miles the camper is on the truck is just a few thousand each year so on our 2012, we only have 89,000 miles total. I don't mind doing the work, but hate to waste money and time doing something that is not really necessary.
Manufacturers recommendation has served me well for decades. There are severe duty recommendations as well. I always check fluid levels however on all vehicles.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2022 | 10:09 AM
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I go by the severe duty schedule because my truck is 90% used for towing. I've already changed the rear differential and the transfer case. I have a new Lube Locker reusable gasket ready to go for the front differential. If I get bored this winter, I'll do the front differential. The rear differential cover is leaking. Not enough to actually leak on the ground, just enough to wet the gasket and cover. I'm not happy about that, but it's such a minor leak I'm just keeping an eye on it. If I do the front differential I'll probably replace the rear differential gasket at the same time.

I have about 38,000 miles on my F-350. I do use 4Hi and 4Lo when towing my toy hauler into interesting places. I've had to chain up all four tires twice, once was while towing.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2022 | 10:16 AM
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You are towing way way heavier than we are. We are never in 4x4 except backing up our driveway. You're not putting on lot of mileae per year though, about equal to us.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2022 | 10:25 AM
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Whether you're using 4x4 or not, the transfer case is still in use for 4x2 and it may be appropriate to change the fluid. There's no filter in the transfer case, so I like to get that first change done kind of early. Not 1,000 miles early, but well before the first scheduled change.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2022 | 11:21 AM
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Agree, I will probably do my transfer case and rear axle. I don't think I will do my front until the normal time. I hate the mess,
 
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Old Oct 27, 2022 | 11:34 AM
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I lucked out that the Dana M275 rear axle has a drain plug. It's not obvious that it's a drain plug though. It looks just like one of the differential cover bolts. But it works.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2022 | 11:35 AM
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I think I saw online that was a change in 2017 on, but am not sure. I know I don't have one in my 2012.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2022 | 11:45 AM
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Originally Posted by RV_Tech
I think I saw online that was a change in 2017 on, but am not sure. I know I don't have one in my 2012.
Right. The Dana M275 has that feature. Not sure about the Dana M300 in the DRW.
 
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Old Oct 28, 2022 | 08:19 AM
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The harbor freight brake bleeder for air compressors also works great as a suction device, I use it to suck out the fluids and replace if the gasket looks ok and nothing is on the magnetic drain plug.
 
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