Just had driveline fluids changed on my 01 SCAB 4X4. At 43,000 miles I wasn't really due, however, I beat on it pretty hard when towing so figured that I'd go ahead. While it's hotly debated what the tranny service interval should be on the 10 speed, one thing is for sure. If you can feel a significant change with a fluid change then you probably should have done it sooner. I can feel a definite improvement in the smoothness of shifting. Wasn't expecting it but pleasantly surprised. As an FYI, when towing I'm pulling up to 8,000 box trailer at 70-80 mph.

Shops tool wouldn't fit to suck the fluid out of the front diff so I plan on drilling it and installing a npt plug.
Questions:
For those who have done it, were did you locate the hole?
For those who have had the front diff apart, any photos with the cover off?

EDIT: Found a good clear series of photos so disregard the questions.

 

Pinging @[F2C]MaDMaXX
I think he had a thread where somebody posted dimensions of where to drill.

I'm trying hard to ignore you're using a half ton pickup to drag 8,000lbs down the road at 80mph but apparently I failed at ignoring the fact.

 

I put that little nugget in there just for you. Everything including tires rated and in some places a speed limit ride. Amazing how stable things are when properly setup. It's handles way better than my single axle with the baby Kubota on board at about 3,000 total. Wouldn't go over 55-60 with that.

 

Sounds like you no longer need help, and i'm assuming you don't have an '01 SCAB with only 43k and a 10 speed.

 

OOPS! Posted 01 for over 18 years and old habits die hard. It's an 18 5.0 4X4. Yes, found the sweet spot where to drill. There are actually two. One gets slightly better drainage and the other gets more meat. I'm going with more meat.

 

Yeah the front diff moulding style changed in the 13th gen, so mine doesn't have the exterior webbing yours has, but the spot is very similar.

 

Where you are will drain best but with the webbing will be way less meat. For mine to have that much I have to go straight forward of the bolt just past the bolt hole. I'm also going with 1/16 npt to keep away from the edge of the web.

 

I can't comment on that for the 13th gen diff, but you can see how much meat is in the threads made - i think this is a 1/4 NPT.

 

I used my Harbor Freight compressor-driven brake bleeder to evacuate my front differential. It worked really well. I have to move the truck a few times to get the gears in the right spot to make it easier to fish in the hose. I purchased a rear differential plug at the dealership and replaced the non-magnetic one in the front.

 

Does LubeLocker make a gasket for the front differential on a 2018? Not sure what size axle is in the front.