I know the common wisdom for draining the differential is to siphon the fluid out and replace with a hand pump. After looking at it, this appears to be a poor solution and would not totally drain all the fluid, besides being very tight quarters. Before I "open pandoras box", thought I would get some opinions on the forum. Why couldn’t I take the back plate off the differential, drain completely, replace gasket and reinstall then refill with the hand pump. Any help, suggestions or insights are greatly appreciated. Thanks in Advance.

 

To add to my first question above, is ther a gasket or do you use a silicone gasket sealer. I can't seem to find a gasket listed on several parts sites.

 

KHS, I would need to see a blowup of the differential, but I believe they don't have us remove the back plate due to the internals of the differential using that plate to support the internal structure. maybe someone can provide a little more information on this. I know the JTIS has a pretty good picture of the differential construction and that may provide the answer (I have Windows 7 and JTIS doesn't play well with it).

If you do pull it off, some silicon gasket sealer should be all that you need. But, I would also see what is in there at the moment and attempt to use the same stuff.

 

Still looking for some guidance. Can anyone help me before I open Pandora’s box.
Thanks,
Ken

 

Yes, the correct way is to remove the back cover. I did just that. At the bottom there was a lot of dirt due to missing ventilation. Item 10 and 11 of figure. Then use the silicone gasket sealer.