Help...rear axle

[jrb71c20]

What kinda rear is this?... ...I was doing some routine fluid changes and judging by the gunk I barely got off with a scraper, I thought I should change it in the axle too but, I never payed a whole of attention to that until I got the truckamuck.

[53burb]

It's called an Eaton rear. They are usually found in 3/4 ton and larger trucks.

[jrb71c20]

Thanks 53...I tried doing some digging last night cause I felt like a dummy and that it was something I should know and this http://www.coloradok5.com/axleguide.shtml was all I could really find at the time. I spent a couple hours looking through here and knowing my luck, I probably just didn't look in the right place.

[53burb]

I only know general stuff abut them. There are guys on here that know alot about them. I do know that they are Full Floating rears and have a ratio of 4.10 & 4.57. I believe you can order a 3.90 gearset thru the aftermarket. I have one in my Suburban, but eventually, I am going to swap it out.

[jrb71c20]

Ok, after 2 days of waiting I got the right gasket for it and replaced the fluid. I didn't have anything at the time to get the remaining oil outta the bottom(talk about some ripe stuff) but, i plan to do it again a few hundred miles down the road and i'll get it all out then. I do have a question though...I put a quarts worth in it...do I add more until its starts to seep out the plug or is there a specific amount I need to have in it? Being as that drain plug is so low, I don't know if more would need to be added? Anyone know?

[Chris H]

Originally Posted by jrb71c20

Ok, after 2 days of waiting I got the right gasket for it and replaced the fluid. I didn't have anything at the time to get the remaining oil outta the bottom(talk about some ripe stuff) but, i plan to do it again a few hundred miles down the road and i'll get it all out then. I do have a question though...I put a quarts worth in it...do I add more until its starts to seep out the plug or is there a specific amount I need to have in it? Being as that drain plug is so low, I don't know if more would need to be added? Anyone know?

Fill that baby till it runs out the drain plug!! I think the capacity is something like 6.5 pints. When I change oil in an Eaton (or other full-floating rear), I fill until it runs out the drain hole. Then I go drive across a side-hill so oil runs out to the outer wheel bearings (I "tip" the truck each way, just to make sure). Then I park on my driveway (or any other gentle slope), with the rear end slightly higher than the front. Top off the fluid again, and you should be done for a good long time.
Dont forget that the cover bolts need to have thread sealant applied as they go through the housing into the oil.

[jrb71c20]

Thank you Chris, i added another quart and just it got almost to the plug...when I pick up some more, I'll try what you said about driving. I didn't know about using any thread sealant (DOHHH) so I'll watch close for any leaking until I change it again after a bit