I went out to try and change my differential fluid today and found that the cover seems to be stuck on. I've tried to smack it with a rubber mallet, pry it off with a flat head, and use a 2x4. Are there any tricks to getting it off? Thanks in advance!

 

when i did mine i used a thin putty knife that i was going to use to strip off the original diff gasket. i just pried it up in between the diff and cover and after i got in between it, there was like some suction and it popped right off. when you go to reseal it, i recommend using some rubber gasket

 

great! i'm going to try that when it stops storming outside. i got a replacement gasket as well as the blue rtv sealant. should i use both or will either suffice? thanks!

 

when i put mine back on i just put the rtv on it. but if you have purchased the gasket....cant hurt to use a little rtv to help it stay on place. best thing in can say is dont over do it with the RTV just get a nice thin coating on it then torque the bolts down and wipe the excess away with a rubber glove or a finger with some spit on it so it doesnt make you stick to everything.

 

awesome! thank you for the help!

 

i did also got mine out using a putty knife. use a wide one, try not to scratch it. i replaced the cover with a new one because it was badly rusted and it came with a very nice rubber gasket. even so, i use some rtv sealant. not leaking, doing very good. if you reseal all today, leave it drying overnight and fill tomorrow morning. just in case you forget that there is no oil there yet, i put one of the oil bottles in the front seat...

 

I usually leave one top bolt and one bottom bolt in, loose ofcourse, but you'll stay a lot cleaner if you do that.