Estrada

My '11 is pushing 90k so Im going through and swapping fluids. Next one up is the front differential. I have all the supplies and attempted to do this last night and failed. Specifically the top left bolt on the diff seems impossible to remove with dropping out the whole axle.

I also tried siphoning out the gear oil, but you cant get a tube into the full plug

Does anyone have advice on how to do this?

Thanks for any help.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

Did you try jacking the front a tad..

Estrada

Yep. The differential is mounted to the frame so lifting the truck doesnt help unless you drop the entire axle assembly

techrep

iTrader: (1)

Pic's

Estrada

I didnt take any pics as its pretty tight in there.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

mine looks tight also but, I can still get a ratchet wrench in there.

Estrada

I was able to get all bolts bit the top left. Tried every wrench I had, rachet, extensions, etc. Just didnt have the room to get at it.

Have you changed your fluid and pulled the cover off?

techrep

iTrader: (1)

I have an 08 so yours may be a tad different.

SALEEN961

iTrader: (1)

I often just suck the old fluid out of front diffs through the fill hole rather than pulling the cover as they often times just can't be easily serviced in the vehicle This might be an option worth looking into, you won't get all the fluid out, but you will be able to get the majority out with a vacuum brake bleeder or similar suction tool.

crazydubc

Just had mine regeared. Drop the diff and when you do tap a drain plug into it. My fluid at 40K looked like pea soup.