I have a 1990 jeep cherokee with the 4.0 and 168k and the rear diff has been like this for a little while, but it operates normally. It doesn't drop but looks like there is a slow leak. Is it easy to fix? How much will it cost?

 

Replace the rubber fill hole plug. Parts store/dealership has 'em. It just pries out/pops in.

 

Thanks!

 

This wasn't one the better ideas on Jeeps...

 

There used to be diff covers with the screw in fill plugs that can be a better option if they are still out there.

 

thanks for the info. Some people I asked made it sound like an expensive fix but glad it's simple because I'm in high school so money is definitely tight

 

interesting. I'll have to go look around to see if I can find some

 

Maybe it was a pre-90 thing? My '88 had a screwed in fill plug on the d35.

 

could be... I'm going to see if I can replace the leaning one with a screw in plug so it doesn't happen again

 

*leaking

 

And fill your dif when u have the plug off.

 

will do

 

With the vehicle on level ground, gear oil level should be at the bottom of the hole when the plug is removed. Check oil level with your finger.

 

Mine does this when I park on an incline after a long drive (heated up fluid expands slightly, then tilts back and leaks) I consider it rust protector

 

Since your rubber plug leaks as well, make sure u frequently check the level of the rust protector.....wouldn't want the level of rust protection to get low.