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JerryM
Dodge Dakota
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9/17/2007
13:30:17
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 Subject: transfer case fluid change
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Message:
Hello,
I see in my service manual the transfer case fluid should be changed at 37000 miles. I called the local dealer and they say to change the front and rear differential fluid and transfer case all at the same time. The cost sounds a little high, 260.00 bucks.
The transfer case fill and drain plugs look pretty easy to get to, and I may try that myself. Not sure if the differentials need to be changed because there is no mention in the service manual.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
2000 4.7 liter 4X4 48000 miles.
Thanks!
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Monroe
Dodge Dakota
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9/18/2007
02:02:58
| RE: transfer case fluid change
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Message:
Front and rear differential fluid should be replaced regularly. Usually every 30,000 miles. No drain plug on the diffs. The cover is removed to drain the fluid. The front is tight because of the steering rack kinda in the way. Rear is easy. No gaskets on either cover. Use silicone sealant.
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JerryM
Dodge Dakota
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9/18/2007
05:09:16
| RE: transfer case fluid change
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Message:
I was looking at the differentials and do see what you are talking about with the front one, a little tight. I may try replacing fluid myself.
Not sure if a synthetic fluid could be used and would permit longer time between changes, and also maybe help with mpg.
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GRETCH
Dodge Dakota
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9/18/2007
05:17:42
| RE: transfer case fluid change
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Message:
transfer case fluid change is easy. First undo hex nut, then extract fluid, fill with new fluid up to bottom of hole the hex nut screws in. I had a Firestone shop do the front and rear diff. for 160.00. Again like Monroe said, every 30,000 miles for diffs. and transfer.
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Monroe
Dodge Dakota
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9/18/2007
19:47:42
| RE: transfer case fluid change
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Message:
A little trick for the front diff. Take the nut off the left steering rack bolt and slide the bolt forward. That gets it out of the way enough to put the cover back on without messing up the fresh sealant. The nut is REAL TIGHT (about 200 lb/ft), and if you decide remove the nut for clearance, don't forget to put it back on and make it REAL TIGHT again. A steering rack is an important thing to have stay on your truck.
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JerryM
Dodge Dakota
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9/18/2007
21:37:07
| RE: transfer case fluid change
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Message:
I am considering pulling the fill plug on the differentials and using a small drill powered gear pump and small hose to try and suck the fluid out. Not sure if it will get all the fluid but hopefully most. A little easier than pulling the covers.
Just an idea?
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shadetree
Dodge Dakota
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9/19/2007
07:30:37
| RE: transfer case fluid change
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Message:
You are better off just removing the cover for 2 reasons. The first being that its very difiicult to fish a hose in the fill plug far enough to get fluid because of the ring gear and carrier getting in the way. Secondly by just pulling the fluid out you still have the metal shaving left from normal gear wear. Its these shavings that if left in the housing can ruin the bearings and throw the set up of the ring and pinion off. Its really not difficult to remove the covers just go get the gaskets or use rtv sealant and torque the bolts evenly.
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Monroe
Dodge Dakota
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9/19/2007
19:12:17
| RE: transfer case fluid change
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Message:
Unless you run it on the road first to heat things up, that diff fluid is gonna too thick to suck out a hose. Shadetree is right for the reasons stated. Removing the covers is best.
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JerryM
Dodge Dakota
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9/19/2007
20:55:09
| RE: transfer case fluid change
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Message:
ok, thanks guys!
oh, one more thing. Has anyone used synthetic fluid in their differentials/xfer cases?
not sure if it is worth the cost but I do remember a post a while back about an owner who did use syn. fluid
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GRETCH
Dodge Dakota
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9/20/2007
06:25:33
| RE: transfer case fluid change
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Message:
Firestone used synthetic on the front and rear diffs. I used transmission fluid for transfer case.
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Shatto
Dodge Dakota
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9/26/2007
20:05:47
| RE: transfer case fluid change
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Message:
all the info you need for your truck is right here:
http://www.dakota-durango.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=105
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