Differential fluid change method: vacuum vs. cover removal/drain
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,317
Likes: 4,336
From: SW VA
I think with modern synthetics oils the sludge is not an issue anymore. Lots of ‘always done it this way’ but as long as you change it warm/hot I don’t think you’d see much difference. I’m remembering the Banks video with the clear cover, there’s no way anything is building up down there the way that ring gear slings oil.
Who drops their oil pan to check for sludge in the engine, and that is far more critical.
Who drops their oil pan to check for sludge in the engine, and that is far more critical.
Transmission pans are dropped and cleaned out as standard procedure. Most don't have drain plugs.
Engine oil pans WOULD be dropped and cleaned out more if they were easy to get to. 9 times out of 10, there is just way too much stuff in the way to make that possible...crossmembers, axles, trans bellhousing, etc. I've had enough engines out with the oil pan off to know that there is always buildup in the bottom of them (and sometimes other things that will make you scratch your head).
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,805
Likes: 534
From: Florida
Pull the cover and clean. If you want to really get as much fluid out as possible, use a jack to alternately raise each side to drain the axle shaft.
Same experience with my 3rd gen Ram. Excellent reusable gasket which made it a snap to do a fluid change. Using RTV to seal a power train component is ludicrous in this day and age. Drain plugs would be helpful too.
C'mon Ford. Let's get into the 21st Century.
I always pulled the covers, but it is most important that you just get the lube refreshed however you do it.
On my previous RAM, the rear diff had a really great reusable cover gasket, rubber with a metal core, had the cover off and on many times and never had to replace the gasket.
Like I said, do it however works easiest for you.
On my previous RAM, the rear diff had a really great reusable cover gasket, rubber with a metal core, had the cover off and on many times and never had to replace the gasket.
Like I said, do it however works easiest for you.
C'mon Ford. Let's get into the 21st Century.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2017
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From: Southwestern Pa.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
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Is there a story behind this wise advice?
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I do enough water crossings in my Wranglers that I’ve changed diff fluid more often than would otherwise seem normal. Despite raised vent hoses, I just can’t take chances.
I was surprised to find that the Dana 44s on my 2012 JK Wrangler - unlike the Dana 44s on my previous 2004 TJ Wrangler - actually have a second drain valve under the pumpkin. It was hidden well enough that I didn’t see it until the first time I dropped the cover. I’ve drained it through this port since, always looking for evidence of water in the dif.
I bring this up because I find it hard to believe that Ford hasn’t required similar changes on their newer axles. It would make normal changes much easier, and allow more oil and grit to drain than vacuuming.
I was surprised to find that the Dana 44s on my 2012 JK Wrangler - unlike the Dana 44s on my previous 2004 TJ Wrangler - actually have a second drain valve under the pumpkin. It was hidden well enough that I didn’t see it until the first time I dropped the cover. I’ve drained it through this port since, always looking for evidence of water in the dif.
I bring this up because I find it hard to believe that Ford hasn’t required similar changes on their newer axles. It would make normal changes much easier, and allow more oil and grit to drain than vacuuming.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 810
Likes: 494
ETA - if the axle has extended vent tube to a high location (like Tremor does), you’d prob be ok as long as you didn’t “go swimming” in the deep end
Obviously, if water gets higher than the vent tube - yes, change the fluid.
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