Diff questions
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2009
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Diff questions
hey all,
so i have ammased a sleugh of posts telling me not to delay any repair to a leaking front Diff. so i parked my truck untill i have the abilities to do so. what i need to know are few and hopefully simple.
First off what i saw leaking from the diff looked black like old motor oil (its almost time to change mine), not pink like tranny fluid. does this mean its oil leaking from somewhere else and just dripping off the lowest point? or do i have a bigger problem with oil leaking into places it shouldnt be...
should i just wash the underside of the diff and grab a beer and wait for something to happen?
does this leaking diff merely require a new seal and new fluid?
as always any help is appriciated greatly...
so i have ammased a sleugh of posts telling me not to delay any repair to a leaking front Diff. so i parked my truck untill i have the abilities to do so. what i need to know are few and hopefully simple.
First off what i saw leaking from the diff looked black like old motor oil (its almost time to change mine), not pink like tranny fluid. does this mean its oil leaking from somewhere else and just dripping off the lowest point? or do i have a bigger problem with oil leaking into places it shouldnt be...
should i just wash the underside of the diff and grab a beer and wait for something to happen?
does this leaking diff merely require a new seal and new fluid?
as always any help is appriciated greatly...
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 834
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The differentials don't use ATF. They use a heavy gear oil. This is dark and sticky and smells rank Maybe you should pull the differential fill plug, and top off the gear oil. Then drive it for a couple of days and see how much it takes to refill it again. Unless it is pouring out, you should be able to keep it full until you have time to work on it. If you have cracked the differential housing, once you fill it, the leak should become apparent.
Good Luck Frank
Good Luck Frank
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 348
Likes: 1
From: Lutz, FL
I agree with fmr9. Check the level, and run it.
Also, like you said, clean the diff off with brake parts cleaner, or another good parts cleaner, then run it, so you can better see where the leak is originating. The front diff can catch alot of other leaks that, once mixed with dirt and other crap, plus the wind of driving, will make it difficult to track the source.
I've ended up with 'leaks' around my diff, to find it was runaway oil from a filter change.
Also, like you said, clean the diff off with brake parts cleaner, or another good parts cleaner, then run it, so you can better see where the leak is originating. The front diff can catch alot of other leaks that, once mixed with dirt and other crap, plus the wind of driving, will make it difficult to track the source.
I've ended up with 'leaks' around my diff, to find it was runaway oil from a filter change.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,639
Likes: 2
have fun pulling out the ttb 3rd member it's a real pain in the *** you have to take off the drivers side spindle, i feel bad for you bud you'll probably go through a 30 pack and have a few busted knuckles by the time your done
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 26,898
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From: southern md
I'm not sure of his year but some manufacturers did use ATF in standards trans/transfer cases and differentials-he can as you guys said pull the fill plug and check to see waht it's got -some are actually marked ATF only?
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
It should be pretty easy to determine where the leak is here, if the top of the diff is wet then it's probably not the diff, more likely the engine or power steering is dripping on it from above.
New User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Carvel, AB
I believe he asked about power steering in another post, so Conanski's theory should definitely be checked. My power steering gear box is leaking out the pitman shaft seal and getting fluid EVERYWHERE....
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Elder User
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Can someone confirm that some years used ATF in the differential?
I know my transfer case uses ATF, but I've never heard of it used in a differential. I want to be sure so I'm not giving bad advice eh?
Thanks Frank
I know my transfer case uses ATF, but I've never heard of it used in a differential. I want to be sure so I'm not giving bad advice eh?
Thanks Frank
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,639
Likes: 2
personally i would not do it, atf isn't thick enough to provide enough cushon between the gears imho, i've done a bunch of diffs and not one has used atf, 9in, d44 ttb, 8.8in, 10 bolt, 12 bolt, d60, d44 solid, and rockwell top loaders
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