Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

Axle oil change

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 17, 2010 | 02:58 PM
  #1  
Stu46's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Worcestershire
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default Axle oil change

I need to change the axle oil front & rear and have seen you may need an additive but how do I know I need it?

My Jeep is a Limited 4.0L 1995 Auto.

Please help me identify my axles so I get the correct fluids.

Stuart
Reply
Old Aug 17, 2010 | 03:20 PM
  #2  
djb383's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 8,172
Likes: 17
From: The Republic of TEXAS
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
Default

U may need the additive if you have a clutch-type limited slip diff AND the LSD makes noise/chatters in a turn. No noise, no additive. Open diff, no additive.
Reply
Old Aug 17, 2010 | 03:23 PM
  #3  
Stu46's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Worcestershire
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

Originally Posted by djb383
U may need the additive if you have a clutch-type limited slip diff AND the LSD makes noise/chatters in a turn. No noise, no additive. Open diff, no additive.
Hi

By looking at the diffs is there any identifyling marks/letters to see if it is LSD?

Stuart
Reply
Old Aug 17, 2010 | 03:29 PM
  #4  
djb383's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 8,172
Likes: 17
From: The Republic of TEXAS
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
Default

There may/may not be a tag under one of the cover bolts but I don't know what the Jeep LSD tag says. After doing the gear oil change, do some tight figure 8 turns, if it's quiet, no noise/chatter, no additive needed. If it chatters, pop the rubber plug in the diff cover and squirt in the additive.

Here's a pic of an "open" diff (Chrysler 8.25"). If yours looks different, u may have an LSD but I suggest u do the noise test 1st LSD. Again, the additive is not nesessary if the diff is quiet. The additive simply makes the diff "slip" more.
Attached Images  

Last edited by djb383; Aug 17, 2010 at 03:39 PM.
Reply
Old Aug 17, 2010 | 03:32 PM
  #5  
Unlimited's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

I jurst did my 96 cherokee with a Dana 30 in the front, Chrysler 8.25 rear. I would suggest synthetic (you choice of brand) 75-150 in the rear, and 75-90 in the front. The rear, even if is posi, the correct oil is above. I would do the transfer case at the same time with ATF-4, your choice of brand. Looking a mine at 135K it has never been done.
Reply
Old Aug 17, 2010 | 03:46 PM
  #6  
djb383's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 8,172
Likes: 17
From: The Republic of TEXAS
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
Default

Book says 75W90, both diffs, normal driving conditions. 75W150 may be a little thick for the OPs area.
Reply
Old Aug 17, 2010 | 03:53 PM
  #7  
bassackwards's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
From: hampton va
Year: 87
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

this might help
http://coloradok5.com/axleguide.shtml
Reply
Old Aug 17, 2010 | 11:59 PM
  #8  
99xj2.5's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.5L MPI (Throttle Body Spacer, Intake)
Default

You might want to use royal purple. If you have a limited slip it dosn't require you to add anything else. And even if you have an open diff it's still a great synthetic oil and will last along time.
Reply
Old Aug 18, 2010 | 12:46 AM
  #9  
aircruiser's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

FWIW call a dealer and give them your VIN. they can tell you if you have LSD in the back.
Reply
Old Aug 18, 2010 | 04:35 AM
  #10  
dyte2004's Avatar
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4000cc
Default

jack it up at the back spin the wheels if they both go the same way when you spin one you have lsd i think
Reply
Old Aug 18, 2010 | 08:55 AM
  #11  
4jeepers's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 224
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Put 2 ounces of additive in if you have an open differential it will not hurt anything!
Reply
Old Aug 18, 2010 | 09:23 AM
  #12  
Diesel's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,112
Likes: 4
From: Wantage, NJ
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default

Originally Posted by djb383
There may/may not be a tag under one of the cover bolts but I don't know what the Jeep LSD tag says. After doing the gear oil change, do some tight figure 8 turns, if it's quiet, no noise/chatter, no additive needed. If it chatters, pop the rubber plug in the diff cover and squirt in the additive.

Here's a pic of an "open" diff (Chrysler 8.25"). If yours looks different, u may have an LSD but I suggest u do the noise test 1st LSD. Again, the additive is not nesessary if the diff is quiet. The additive simply makes the diff "slip" more.
Everyone stop, this isnt opinionated on what to do, there is a right way, and a bunch of wrong ways. Listen to djb383.
Reply
Old Aug 18, 2010 | 09:57 AM
  #13  
Stu46's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Worcestershire
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

OK Guys thanks for the responses so far I have now identified the diffs as Dana 30 & 35 visually.

As this is my first Jeep/4x4 ever please bear with me, do I have to remove the covers to drain the axles as I can not see a drain plug just a level/refill plug?

Note

I tried the 8 turns and no noise except for RH turns from the front on investigation the OSF/RH lower control arm is damaged and is rubbing on the tyre on full lock! Looks like someone has tried jacking/supporting the car on this point!!!!

Part ordered today along with new filters and drive belt for service.

Stuart
Reply
Old Aug 18, 2010 | 10:05 AM
  #14  
DmC's Avatar
DmC
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Stockbridge, GA
Year: 1998 XJ
Model: Cherokee
Default

Yes the only way to drain the diffs is too take the cover off. Be sure to get new diff seals also.
Reply
Old Aug 18, 2010 | 10:08 AM
  #15  
Stu46's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Worcestershire
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

Originally Posted by DmC
Yes the only way to drain the diffs is too take the cover off. Be sure to get new diff seals also.
Hi DMC

By diff seals do you mean gaskets for the cover plates?

Stuart
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:12 AM.