Rear Differential Service Question

[LTJGWorth]

What are all the steps that I need to take to change the lube in my 1997 Dodge Ram 1500's rear diff?

[BleedDodge]

I don't have my truck here so I can't look, but I think that there must be a drain plug that fits a 1/2 inch drive socket on the bottom of the diff.

You put new oil in the diff through that plug that's on the back of the diff, about half way up. You should probably take the truck for a ride first to get the oil warm enough that it will run out quicker. If it's cold it will go so slow...

[LTJGWorth]

Thanks. Do I need any special pumps or anything to pump the oil into the case?

[BleedDodge]

I use either a handheld pump similar to an oil can, or a pail of oil with a pump on it. If you're good with a skinny funnel, you could try that too. Either way, the oil has to get inside the diff somehow...

[LTJGWorth]

Yea I figured that it would require some sort of pump as I have seen this work done before on other vehicles.

[rajjhauf]

There is no dran plug on the diff. cover, only a fill hole. You have to place a pan under the diff. and remove the bolts all the way around the diff. cover. You need to replace it with 90 weight gear oil. A new diff. gasket may be needed.

[SwampNut]

You can also buy a diff oil drain pump at any auto parts store, which whill let you pump out the old oil instead of removing the cover. Then you reverse the pump and use it to pump in the new oil.

Not sure if Dodge limited-slip diffs need a friction modifier (I've always been a Ford guy until now), but if you have limited slip, check on that.