So the previous owners of my Cherokee were real dumb asses when it came to proper vehicle maintenance!

I went ahead an did a complete tune-up and all new fluids.

I have a 99 xj and I dont think anything was ever done to this at all except some oil changes.

It still had the original cap, rotor, plugs and wires with 150k on the odometer! The rear diff apeared to have been changed like once, and the front still have the original from the factory.

My question is when I was changing out the front diff fluid it appeared that there was some sludge build up inside the housing. All of the gearing stuff didnt look to bad after i sprayed it out with break clean, but i tried wiping out the case (before I notice the build-up) and notice gunk was flaking off. I cleaned more with break clean and a brisol brush as best as I could.

Am I going to have any problems with this? Is there anything out there that is better at removing the build-up?

 

What about engine degreaser let it soak and then spray it out a few times

 

change it again after another 500 miles

 

x2 I would get the cheapest oil you could with out hurting anything put back in than after 500 change it again and see what it looks like then.

 

Noobie question: How often should it be changed?

 

books says every 30k but if you are off road in water and mud it could be every week