Change the Diff Cover

I don't change my diff fluid as often as I probably shoot, but luckily I don't do extreme off roading, mostly just stuff during hunting season. The biggest reason is because you have to pull the whole cover off, scrape the gasket, etc...

My other cars have a lower drain plug on the diff and I was thinking that when I do change the diff fluid in my XJ I'd just install some cover with a drain plug. Is there an advantage to pulling the cover off each time? Why doesn't everyone do this mod?

I might know the answer to that last one. The only cover for my D30 and D35 I could find with a lower drain plug was $90! Anyone know where I can get cheap?

Pulling the cover isn't all that bad. I see the main reason why is to get all the fluid and even any metal particles out of the housing. The D30 has a lip on the inside that even with a lower drain plug you would not be able to get the fluid out of. Most particles will drop into this and without pulling the cover you'll never get them out.

a lot of people also spray out the inside of their diff with brake cleaner, or something like that....

if you hate all the scraping, get yourself a Lube Locker gasket and you'll never mess with RTV again...

AlabamaDan said:

Why doesn't everyone do this mod?

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Rocks.

AlabamaDan said:

Anyone know where I can get cheap?

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A few places I know that sell covers with drain plugs (unless you modify someone elses).
http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/differential-protection-c-5.html?osCsid=39650590aecbc2627fb37c774cf0a18d
http://www.greatlakeoffroad.com/diff.html
http://bluetorchfab.com/store/index.php?cPath=19 (you'll have to ask for it)
http://www.metalfusionfab.com/diff_covers.htm

JNickel101 said:

if you hate all the scraping, get yourself a Lube Locker gasket and you'll never mess with RTV again...

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Or get a good putty knife... short work. Yet another option for the lazy is to get one of those "oil suction pumps" and draw it out through the fill plug.

It really isn't that bad pulling the cover (I always do), it allows you to clean with some brake cleaner and check for wear/damage.

Loosen all bolts but leave one loose in the top before you pry stuff open to drain it. The bolt will keep it from landing in the drainpan you are using and splashing oil all over. Brake or electronic type spray cleaner will get all the crud out.