rear diff fluid change

[hoorders]

Going to change my rear diff fuid. Ive got a 2000 silverado 1500 Z71. I picked up the fluid and gasket from the dealer and am planning to change it tonight.

 

Any tips I can use?..............even using the gasket, should I apply any silicone or is the gasket alone fine?

 

What size is the fill plug? Is it just a socket or do I need a special tool?

 

Thanks everyone in advance!!..............

[BlueTahoe]

Going to change my rear diff fuid. Ive got a 2000 silverado 1500 Z71. I picked up the fluid and gasket from the dealer and am planning to change it tonight.

 

Any tips I can use?..............even using the gasket, should I apply any silicone or is the gasket alone fine?

 

What size is the fill plug? Is it just a socket or do I need a special tool?

 

Thanks everyone in advance!!..............

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

I didn't use an silicone on mine and didn't have a problem just don't overtighten the bolt and warp the cover.

 

My fill plug just takes a 3/8" rachet. Not socket. The rachet clips right in the fill plug.

 

You might want to look for a drain plug. I believe the Pre-2003 trucks have a drain plug so you may be able to change the fluid without dropping the cover.

 

Just make sure you can get the fill plug out before you do anything. You don't want to start draining before you are sure you can fill it.

[hoorders]

Going to change my rear diff fuid. Ive got a 2000 silverado 1500 Z71. I picked up the fluid and gasket from the dealer and am planning to change it tonight.

 

Any tips I can use?..............even using the gasket, should I apply any silicone or is the gasket alone fine?

 

What size is the fill plug? Is it just a socket or do I need a special tool?

 

Thanks everyone in advance!!..............

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

I didn't use an silicone on mine and didn't have a problem just don't overtighten the bolt and warp the cover.

 

My fill plug just takes a 3/8" rachet. Not socket. The rachet clips right in the fill plug.

 

You might want to look for a drain plug. I believe the Pre-2003 trucks have a drain plug so you may be able to change the fluid without dropping the cover.

 

Just make sure you can get the fill plug out before you do anything. You don't want to start draining before you are sure you can fill it.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

Thaks for the quick reply......................sounds like it should be no problem to change...........good thinking on getting the fill plug out before draining...............Thanks!!

[99silveradoz71]

Yep, it's not bad. The first reply pretty much covered all I had to say. I didn't put anything on my gasket. You may just want to check a Haynes manual or such to get the torque specs for the rear diff cover. I don't see the cover spec in my Haynes, but the drain fill plug(that's how it's written) shows a spec of 24ft-lbs for the rear.

[asepgrad98]

make sure you dont fill it up all the way. supposed to be 5/8 of an inch below the hole. you can use a hex key like a dipstick.

[hoorders]

Yep, it's not bad.  The first reply pretty much covered all I had to say.  I didn't put anything on my gasket.  You may just want to check a Haynes manual or such to get the torque specs for the rear diff cover.  I don't see the cover spec in my Haynes, but the drain fill plug(that's how it's written) shows a spec of 24ft-lbs for the rear.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

Well I just finished draining and refilling my rear dif................went smooth as butter..............I got lucky because my rear end actually has a drain plug and a fill plug..............I didnt have to remove the cover.

 

Thanks everyone.............your advise is always appreciated....................far more than the retard who sold me the wrong tail stock seal at the dealership today..............now my truck is immobilized till I can get to another dealer to get the right one.