I want my front and rear differential fluid changed and my transmission fluid changed. I was quoted about 450 dollars for all three at the dealership. Now if my front end had a drain plug, I'd do it myself. I've looked at the front diff....no way jose. As far as the transmission fluid, I've had it changed once before and they don't recommend dropping the pan and changing the filter, rather they recommend sucking out the old fluid and putting new. Any thoughts? I do most of my light mechanic work (brakes, belts, etc) myself but this is a rare occasion where I'm pretty sure I'd rather have it done at a shop.

 

What kind / year truck do you have?

 

I would never do the trans fluid and not the filter. Its easy. I plan on doing my trans and transfer case at 30K then every 50K after that. The rear I am gonna do every 50K

 

Unless you're just not able to get under your truck, this is pretty light maintence.

Nothing really hard or technical, plenty of online videos.

 

Profile states 2011, 5.0, xlt, 4x4.

 

If you are comfortable with doing the trans and rear, then I would get a quote from the dealer/shop to just do the front, and price out the materials for you to do the rear and trans. The cost difference may or may not be worth your time to do the other 2.

I haven't done it myself, but I think the issue is with the front diff. From what I've read, there isn't enough room to simply remove the diff cover. I can't remember what has to be done, but it's a lot more involved than the rear.

 

The rear differential is easy. The worst thing about doing the job is smelling the used 80W140.


On the front cover I'm not sure. It is tight, but I think it would have to be do-able. When we put the LS into the front, there wasn't enough room to take the carrier out without dropping it down, but the cover is pretty skinny.


Since I have to change mine every 30-40k miles I made sure and put covers with drain plugs on both 'punkins.


As far as the tranny goes, FOMOCO says to leave it alone, unless you're doing severe towing.