I'm new to Jeeps and just bought a 2001. I have been working my way through the vehicle to fix the critical items so the truck is ready for winter. Last night I drained the rear differential and was trying to figure out if it is a Dana 35 or a Chrysler 8.25, I thought I read on here that the Chrysler has the flat bottom on the pumpkin and the cover was round while the Dana 35 is a rounded bottom but have also read that the flat bottom was a Dana on here. Plus I don't see the Dana logo stamped anywhere on the back like I do the front. I have included some pictures and maybe you can help me out. Any idea why there is a big goober of RTV in what looks like the inside of the case on the right side?







Along those lines, I am also considering purchasing an aftermarket diff cover since I'm not a big fan of the rubber fill hole plug and want to have the large screw type plug like the front diff. I was seriously considering the Ruff Stuff based on recommendations on this site plus they are reasonably priced. Would you recommend the drain hole or counter sunk bolts? I figure the extra drain hole is one more thing to leak and if I'm changing the fluid it might be good to just clean out the diff every time in case of dirt, or debris inside.

Finally, I am also thinking of going with a Lubelocker gasket for ease of changing the fluid in case I submerge it on some of the trails I go two tracking and hunting on, I've heard some good reviews of those gaskets. JeepinOutfitters has these, I've never bought from them, are they reputable?

Thank you in advance, I'm sorry for the long post, I just want to get this road worthy before the ground gets too cold to lay on.

 

You have a 8.25

 

Awesome, thanks for the fast reply, that's what I figured based on that picture posted on the site of all of the different diff covers. Any info on any of the other questions I had? Thanks again.

 

The gob of goo is just what is it a gob of goo. Too V when they put it on last time. It aint gonna hurt nothing to remove it or leave it.

Ruff stuff's diff covers are nice i Like Solid due to looks though.

Not to familiar with lube lockers stuff yet sorry I can't be more help.

 

Is there a way to tell by looking at the diff if I have limited slip? I'm just wondering because I heard if you have it you need to use a special additive?

Also, would anyone recommend a drain plug? In my opinion it's one more thing to leak and if it loosens all of your oil could drain out quickly and really cause some issues. Besides, removing the cover is not very hard or time consuming, do you guys use anti-seize on the diff bolts?

Thanks again, I'm new to this offroad stuff, just sold my old 5 Liter Mustang to get into offroading, both are fun, but you can definitely do a lot more in a Jeep.

 

I am looking for a lube answere as well for my 8.25 additive or no additive, that is the question???

 

LubeLockers.. good gaskets... Jeepin Outfitters... VERY reputable. They have been a long time.

If you turn your carrier 90 degrees we could tell from the pics on whether you have a LSD or not. If you do there will a clutch pack behind the side gears. If you don't there will just be the carrier side.
If you have an LSD then you need LSD additive. If you don't have an LSD then NO additives in your diffs.

 

I found out that I have a open diff so I don't need any additive but if you have a clutch pack in your carrier you need some type of friction modifier.

 

Congratulations on finding that you have an 8.25" Chryco rear.

 

Gees! Must be nice. I think I might have to do something dirty and unmentionable to get my dang 8.25 sent to me...

 

woo hoo, pretty glad its not a 35, from my reading the 35 is bad and 8.25 good, I read some where that if u jack the rear up and spin a tire - if the other tire goes the oposite direction it is open and no LS, is this correct?

 

Open diff. will make other wheel spin opposite. LSD will spin same way I believe.

 

That is correct.

 

Sweet. Look ya'll. Yuins learned me somethin.