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Big Ed
Dodge Dakota
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3/14/2005
19:31:59
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 Subject: Differential Fluids
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Message:
OK people, I've changed the rear dif fluids in my 02 Dak 4x4 at 12k miles as per the maint. schedule. Do I need to do the front dif. at the same time or can it go longer since I rarely use 4WD. I do have the limited slip rear also. Just wondering.....
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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3/14/2005
19:41:24
|  RE: Differential Fluids
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Message:
I do them both at the same time.
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ROD
GenIII
3/15/2005
06:17:39
|  RE: Differential Fluids
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Message:
I changed both at the same time. I have AWD so I figured it would be required. I'm not an experienced wrench-turner, so it took me a while to figure out that the easiest way to get to the upper bolts on the front diff cover was with a long extension on my ratchet through the oil filter access hole. Boy, is it a tight fit in there. I had a helluva time getting the cover back on without smearing the RTV all over the place...lol Maybe someone who is more mechanically inclined knows of some shortcuts or better ways to get to the front diff. Good luck!
'02 QC AWD 4.7L 4X4 LSD
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Big Ed
Dodge Dakota
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3/15/2005
06:51:08
| RE: Differential Fluids
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Message:
Thanx Rod, I saw that it was a tight fit, thats why I was putting doing the front off. I hate spending 75 bucks at my dealers to get it done. I'll remember about the extension deal.
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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3/15/2005
07:51:23
| RE: Differential Fluids
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Message:
To get the covers on easily, you take two bolts the same diameter but about 1.5" and cut the heads off. Then put a slot in the end for a screwdriver. Place them in two cover holes by just a fe threads.
Apply silicone to the cover, place it over the two studs, and install the rest of the bolts lightly, like hand tight. Then remove the studs with a screwdriver, and replace with the last two bolts. Now torque to specs.
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Big Ed
Dodge Dakota
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3/15/2005
07:59:48
|  RE: Differential Fluids
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Message:
Sounds like a good idea, thanx
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Lurkin
Dodge Dakota
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3/15/2005
10:01:16
| RE: Differential Fluids
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Message:
You should do the front to, as the diff is still spinning since the Dak doesn't have free-wheeling hubs.
When I did mine, I removed the skid plates and the lower front plastic shroud thing (the one with the oil filter access). You can get the push-clips at Lowes/HomeDepot or auto parts stores since you'll likely destroy the existing ones when removing 'em.
Then a long extension, or a few short ones, to get to the top bolts. When I reassembled it, I put the sealant on the pumpkin instead of the cover since the cover needed to be "convinced" into position.
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Big Ed
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/15/2005
11:51:27
| RE: Differential Fluids
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Message:
Great, sounds like some good advice from all. Thanx
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