Gear oil change in the rear differential

Anything related to the stock drivetrain, engine, transmission, axles, wheels...

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barch97
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Post by barch97 »

Thanks for the support.

Next up is the gear oil change in the rear differential. Any pointers? :wink:
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Post by F9K9 »

barch97 wrote:Thanks for the support.

Next up is the gear oil change in the rear differential. Any pointers? :wink:
I am curious if it is acceptable to sunction out the old and then add the new, saving the cost of the gasket or if it is wiser to remove the cover to inspect it.
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Post by HenryJ »

Replace the cover with one that includes a drain.
GM Data wrote:Front and Rear Axle Standard Differential Axle Lubricant (GM P/N 1052271) or SAE 80W-90 GL-5 Gear Lubricant

Rear Axle (Locking, Differential) Axle Lubricant, use only GM Part No. 12345977 (in Canada use Part No. 10953482). Do Not add friction modifier
The owners manual lists: Front and Rear Axle (Standard Differential) SAE 80W-90 Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. 1052271 or equivalent) and Rear Axle (Locking, Differential) Axle Lubricant; use only GM Part No. 1052271 Do Not add friction modifier
Last edited by HenryJ on Fri Feb 03, 2006 5:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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barch97
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Post by barch97 »

I had been planning to replace the cover while I'm at it anyway. This might be a good place to make recommendations in regard to brand/model selection as well.
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Post by killian96ss »

I am using this one from Summit. It is a very nice and strong design and comes with ARP stainless bolts, magnetic drain plug, and bearing cap preload bolts to hold everything together nice and tight. I paid $139.95 and Summits part # is SME-8510400. I also filed a small channel into each side of the cover so the wheel bearings will get adequate oil and not burn up do to the factory flaw of not having these oil channels. You would also want to make some small notches on the gasket as well. At least GM got it right with the ZR2 covers, but not ours. :roll: The plug on the side of the diff. is the correct place to fill to make sure you get it to the right level. I used Redline's heavy shockproof gear oil, which is overkill, but it will protect better than most anything out there, and should last practically forever. :D

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