That means they have never changed a input or output bearing on either a XK or XJ8? Of course, you don't have to empty the unit for that job, but I would think they'd do that as a matter of principle.

A couple of years back while visiting Coventry West they mentioned installing drain plugs in XK8 diffs. I wonder if they offer that service to outsiders?

As to the half hour, I find that a little hard to believe. For most of us it would take that long to get the car off the ground, find the plug and lower it again.

 

With those four amazing jack points on the XJ8, it's very easy to get it up and even. I have done it enough times for transmission service that I can have it up and ready to go in a few minutes.

BUT, what I really meant in my comment regarding 30 minutes was, from the time I came up with a tool to remove the fill plug, until the time it was setting back on the ground. Don't ask me how long I spent coming up with the tool to remove the fill plug! haha

I honestly believe though that when I do the service again someday, I could probably do the whole thing in about 30 minutes. Most of that time is spent pumping out old fluid and pumping in new.

I am definitely an amateur mechanic, so if my remark about 30 minutes came across as bragging that was not my intention. I just wanted to convey that once you get past the fill bolt issue, the rest of the job is very simple.

 

That's great. I had my XK8 on the lift a couple of days ago and couldn't even see the plug. It may be very different from the XJ8, but tomorrow morning I'll take another look.

 

It can take hours of mumbling to yourself, but its not a hard or complicated job.

The dealer is going to do it the same way as mere mortals. After all their
fingers aren't any smaller than anyone else's, just more experienced.

 

Apparently two (2) different Diffs; X308 not same as X350. 2004 Tech Serv. Bulletin mentions BOTH. BUT, key seems to be GL-5 spec. 75W-90 for X308; 75W-140 for X350. I have NON-limited slip, live in deep South, so likely will go with "new" 75W-110, for NON-limited slip. Perhaps RedLine, perhaps Amsoil. Not always clear LSD and NON-LSD applications. Sometimes ADDITIONAL additive required. Sometimes (RedLine), containers say "NS" and "LS" for Non-Slip and Limited Slip type Diffs. THAT is helpful. Any further advice appreciated. The "new" 75W-110 has a GREAT VI !!! (Viscosity Index=stability over large temp range.)

 

ever hear of line breaks?

 

Did mine yesterday. Had to heat bend a length of narrow hard plastic tubing to get down to the bottom of the differential. After that it was just time consuming sucking the old stuff out and pumping in the new stuff. I used BG Ultra-Guard Heavy Duty Full Synthetic Gear Lubricant 75W-140 API-GL-5. The plug did have a thick cap of fine metal particles in sludge.
I could not get all of the 1.32 quarts out but probably about 1.1 - 1.2 . I spilled some which is why I did not get an accurate reading.

This is at 103,000 miles.

 

OK, one more thing: Shell lubricants in USA are Pennzoil Div. SO, looking up Pennzoil Diff lube and you see...80W-90. NOT 75W-90 of Jag Tech Serv. Bull for X308. Anyone (anyone at all) have an answer for this "box" we find ourselves in???


For me, I am "leaning" toward 75W-110, by Amsoil. I thought there was another product in this range, but now can't find. Amsoil has a good Rep.


Ed Trottier, Aiken, SC
2003 XJR Non-Limited Slip Diff

 

In addition to the good brands that have already been mentioned, Lucas Oil makes some excellent gear oils. In our Jags I've used their (older) conventional 75W-140 and their newer synthetic 75W-90 and 75W-140 with zero problems. I haven't used Redline's gear oils, but I've used their transmission fluids with excellent results.

Cheers,

Don

 

The redline gets my vote. It clings to everything in a way that is hard to describe. In a splash lube situation it is hard to beat.

 

Did you see this thread?

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...er-way-146725/

 

Yes I did, and I intend to do the same. I'll stop by one of the auto supply stores to see what size body plugs are available and use a hole saw to match.

 

Those appear hard to find for me so far. Think I'll just go the cleaning route when doing the rear struts & oil this week.