Stu46

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

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.

Stu46

Hi

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

Stuart

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.

Unlimited

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.

djb383

Book says 75W90, both diffs, normal driving conditions. 75W150 may be a little thick for the OPs area.

bassackwards

this might help
http://coloradok5.com/axleguide.shtml

99xj2.5

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.

aircruiser

FWIW call a dealer and give them your VIN. they can tell you if you have LSD in the back.

dyte2004

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

4jeepers

Put 2 ounces of additive in if you have an open differential it will not hurt anything!

Diesel

Everyone stop, this isnt opinionated on what to do, there is a right way, and a bunch of wrong ways. Listen to djb383.

Stu46

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

DmC

Yes the only way to drain the diffs is too take the cover off. Be sure to get new diff seals also.

Stu46

Hi DMC

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

Stuart