changing differental fluid

How hard is this?

not hard ... just takes some patience ...

highly recommended though ... if your diff is NOT leaking, use the following method ...

for REAR DIFF ..

you'll need a cheap fluid pump ($10 from Walmart or Autozone) ... a home-made "turkey-baster' with hose can also be used ...

find the drain plug (usually on top of the diff) (sometimes finding it is the hardest part !! haha!) - use a socket extension to fit in the square plug a loosen the plug.

try to keep dirt and junk from getting inside ...

pump out old fluid into an old 2-liter bottle - then - pump in new fluid (check your service manual for what type fluid) until it begins to overflow

simple - re-tighten the plug - good to go !!!


for FRONT DIFF ...

basically same as above although you may have two plugs ... a drain plug and an "add-fluid" plug. Anyhow, drain fluid, cap drain, then replentish until overflowing out top plug.

good luck!


How hard is this?

Actually, there is a drain and fill plug as well on the rear differential. the fill plug is located on the right (passengers) side of the differential and the drain plug is underneath the differential. Use a 3/8" socket (and maybe a breaker bar) and unscrew the fill plug first!!! Then, put your pan under the drain plug and let it all drain out. Put it back in and refill with new fluid, put fill plug in, and you're done.

P.S. If you want the procedure I described in a clearer fashion, you might want to spend $15 at an autoparts store for a Haynes or Chilton manual. It has helped me out many times, and has probably paid for itself 5 times over.

Good luck,