Need some help...wanting to remove and repaint my diff cover...do I just unbolt it? Or is there some pre cautions I need to be aware of?

 

Have a container of some sort under it. When unbolt it and pull it off the gear oil inside the diff will pour out.

 

X2.....unless you can get your jeep like this

 

^ would leak alot like that. might want to flip the jeep so its nose down.

also make sure you get some mr. gasket stuff.

 

^^Unless he's doing the front diff.

OP, you don't have a D35 front, by the way. At least, I hope not.

 

Have a WIDE container under it in case. Remove the bolts and use a flat screwdriver (or something similar) and go at the BOTTOM of it right in the middle REALLY EASY and be ready for the fluid to come pouring out. SLOWLY pry from there. When you get the cover free just clean it up really good, paint it and replace. Dont forget to fill up the fluid or you will have serious problems.

 

Take out the bottom bolts, losen the top bolts 1/2 way. Use a screw driver to pry at the bottom, when the bottom cracks open, let the oil drain out, then take off the top bolts and remove the cover. If you take them ALL out and just go prying on it. You'll probably take an oil bath.
You'll need liquid gasket for putting it back on..

 

RTV silicon.

 

Not to hijack.. But the red high temp stuff is ok to use isnt it? Never used it before but it was on sale..

 

Yes.

 

thats whats on the front of mine right now

 

That makes two.

I think its on the rear, as well.

 

Would it be easier to tape up some **** and paint it while still bolted in?

 

No, definitely not. Pulling it will take 2 minutes and then its in your hand and you can clean it, prep it and paint it MUCH easier.

 

that and the added benefit of putting in new fluid which will probably make the diff happy