Rear axle fluid change completed at 23,680 miles

gone_fishing · September 18, 2014

I already had some Amsoil Severe Gear 75W-90 on the shelf. I originally intended to use this on the last pickup but traded it in before I could. Instead of the bottles collecting dust on the shelf, I thought I would change out the rear axle fluid on the 14. I purchased a hand pump from Harbor Freight to get the old fluid out: http://www.harborfreight.com/multi-use-transfer-pump-66418.html After removing the fill hole plug, I stuck the hose in as far as I could and pumped out the old fluid. I estimated I got at least 90% of it out judging by how much new oil I put back in (rated for 5.5 pints). This worked pretty good vs taking the cover off and disturbing the gasket. I already had a hand pump for the Amsoil quarts so that went quickly also. Maybe took a half hour to complete the job.

Fill plug is magnetic and had a good amount of metal on it. No large chunks (just a fine paste). Old fluid was very dark. Plan to do my front axle at the next engine oil change.

newdude · September 18, 2014

75w85 high efficiency gear lube, front and rear.

Scott P · September 20, 2014

If and when I get my new truck, I'll probably switch those fluids to synthetic too. I used Redline on my current car and may do so again.

Kent2500 · September 20, 2014

Old fluid was very dark. Plan to do my front axle at the next engine oil change.

Wouldn't that be expected for the first change? As in, don't they use gear grease in the initial assembly?

sdeeter19555 · September 24, 2014

As in, don't they use gear grease in the initial assembly?

No...its factory filled with gear oil.

Color really means nothing in lubricants (other than if its burnt)...some oils are very light others are dark.

Cowpie · October 27, 2014

I've grown fond of the Amsoil Severe Gear 75w90 myself over the years along with their Signature ATF. I changed out ALL fluids and lubes (except brake lines and coolant) before 3000 miles. My rear diff was almost 2 pints low from the factory! The transfer case ATF looked terrible and there was enough particles on the magnetic drain plug to think my cat had stuck his tail in a hot light socket.