Change front differential fluid???

[cwilkie]

Good evening guys. I noticed I have a slow leak on the front the pan on the front differential of my 1972 4x4 3/4 ton. I need to change he fluid any way. My questions are below. Any help is greatly appreciated.

1. What type of differential fluid do I use?

2. How much fluid does it take?

3. Do I need any sealant on the new gasket?

4. What are the torque settings on the cover bolts?

5. Any other information is helpful I also noticed there appears to be a seal leak where the front drive shaft connects to the front differential. Very slow but fluid is present...

[landy]

The factory front diff was a Dana 44. Capacity is 1.5 to 2 qts of 90 wt gear oil, or a similar multi-viscosity gear oil. Buy a gallon container with the hand pump to make it easier. Some folks just use silicon sealer instead of a gasket. I've haven't had any leaks from the cover on my Dana 44 using sealer. I don't know the torque settings for the bolt covers, but snugging them up tightly should do the trick.

A leaking seal at that location is common. Likely not worth the effort to replace it if it's just weeping a little oil.

[cwilkie]

Will the same fluid work in the back as well?

[landy]

Yes. However, if yours has a limited slip, you may need to add an additive.

[cwilkie]

Pretty new to this. My truck is stock at the differentials. Thank you for the tips. I will let you know how it works out.

[Stocker]

You could also use 75W-90 full synthetic, such as Mobil-1 or Redline, and of course there are others. For gasket sealer, try Permatex gear oil rtv gasket maker. It's made specifically for use with gear oils (silicon isn't) and you can either use it to form a gasket, or put a thin film of it on regular gaskets (my preference).