Front axle and transfer case fluids

[DonnaJaneMontero]

Hey everyone!
Does anyone have any pointers for changing out the fluids on the front diff and transfer case on the 2.5 Gens? What needs to be removed, what I need to watch out for, etc.
I know enough about this stuff to be dangerous but always try to be as knowledgeable as possible before I dig myself in a hole. It looks straight forward but I just want to be sure.
Also open to brand suggestions, as far as the gear oil.

Thanks in advance!

 

[jeep-N-montero]

This is what you need for the transfer case, available at NAPA https://www.crcindustries.com/products/api-gl-4-multi-purpose-gear-oil-85w90-32-fl-oz-SL24229.html It is all easy to do with just a drain (low) and fill plug (high). For the diffs you want standard 85/90 gear oil for axles without a limited-slip.

 

[plh]

Open the fill hole plugs before the drain hole plugs to be sure you can actually get the fill plugs loose before the fluid drain.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Open the fill hole plugs before the drain hole plugs to be sure you can actually get the fill plugs loose before the fluid drain.

Very valid point, learned the hard way before!

 

[DonnaJaneMontero]

For the transfer case: if you still have a red ball shifter and it's all sloppy, replace that first and flush down the top "landing" area below the fulcrum, that way you can change the transfer case oil once and be done for a long, long time. Also be sure to use GL4 and not GL5 (yes it matters, and no GL5 does not directly supercede GL4) . Open the fill plug before opening the drain plug.

For the front diff, a length of tubing and a warm day are going to help fill that diff easier. Synthetic lubricant like Mobil1 has a way less offensive smell than dino oil.

I have no idea what I have. It's a winter package, if that means anything. It doesn't feel sloppy to me, though, but I have nothing to compare it with.

 

[DonnaJaneMontero]

This is what you need for the transfer case, available at NAPA https://www.crcindustries.com/products/api-gl-4-multi-purpose-gear-oil-85w90-32-fl-oz-SL24229.html It is all easy to do with just a drain (low) and fill plug (high). For the diffs you want standard 85/90 gear oil for axles without a limited-slip.

No need to unbolt the case? Just drain and refill would suffice?

 

[jeep-N-montero]

No need to unbolt the case? Just drain and refill would suffice?

Why the heck would you unbolt the case? Or are you confusing the transfer case with the transmission?

 

[DonnaJaneMontero]

Why the heck would you unbolt the case? Or are you confusing the transfer case with the transmission?

I was referring to the front diff housing... My bad, should have watched how I worded that.

 

[SlimPickins]

I used Redline MT90 GL4 75W90 in my transfer case and the factory service manual specifies GL5 or higher 80W for front and rear axles, non limited-slip. I don't see drain or fill bolt torque specs in the manual at first glance.