This is probably going to seem a stupid question to some, but any tips or tricks for doing this easy and or efficiently? I mean, I know it's just removing one simple plug on the pumpkin, but the correct level should be even with the bottom of the plug, so does that mean you are expected to jack the back up to drain out as much as possible and then measure what you remove and replace that same amount with new, or again to the bottom of the plug when level? That is the only common sense approach I see shy of using a syphon. Also, what's the best replacement diff fluid to use? If the age and brand of exisiting is unknown and fully draining and flushing is not possible, then is brand mixing an issue, like say with antifreeze or brake fluid etc....? I'd like to tackle this in the fal, so any insight would be greatly appreciated. The stupid repair manuals basically only say remove plug, drain and replace. Gee, thanks alot oh great and insightfull sensei.

 

My advice on this is you should spend a few bucks on a suction gun. Get a piece of semi rigid plastic that you can push thru the fill hole to the bottom of the housing. Use the gun to remove as much fluid as possible, take your time, if the car is jacked up, make sure it is level left to right, as fluid will run down the low side axle tube.

I like the Pennzoil gear oils, they come with the additive for limited slip rears already in the fluid. Carefully clean the suction gun, and use it to fill the rear back up. Jack up the car as little as required, remember level left to right is very important. Fill till the fluid comes back out the fill hole. Take the car off the jack stands, then recheck the level.

There is no real easy way to flush a rear out when it is in the car, short of pulling an axle or the third member. You could repeat the fluid change several times over several days after driving the car.

Good luck, one more thought, this fluid smells terrible, where clothes that you don't care about just in case you have an accident.

 

Ok, good idea, basically a syphon then. So where do I pick up a suction gun then? Is that what they are actually called? Harbour freight maybe or my neighborhood parts store? When you say semi rigid plastic, you mean tubing I assume? Is that particular penzoil fluid OK without a limited slip unit? I would think so, but sometimes you just don't know.

 

It's really easy on my car. Just wait 'til the oil leaks out, then fill'er up.

 

You should be able to find the suction gun at your local store. It comes with a 12" piece of soft plastic tubing, which will work, but using it alone may require three hands.

If you can add a piece, maybe copper tubing would be best that was formed to fit to the bottom of the housing, you would not have to hold the tubing in that manner. One hand holds the gun, the other pulls the plunger out, and the other hand......Get the idea.

I thought I said in my previous reply the the Pennzoil 80w-90 gear oil is safe for the limited slip, it contains the additive already.

 

Well, you did say that previously, yes, but I thought I asked if it was still OK without a limited slip, which I do not have.

Thanks for all the tips, I'll stop by the AZ tonite and see if they gots or not.

 

Hmmm, well I could do that Blake, but somehow I think I should be treating this a little differently than I do lesser essential parts, like say my brakes and power steering. B)