As we all can appreciate always check & maintain proper Vehicle Fluid Levels

May I Suggest adding following to your particular Preventative Maint. Steps
1. While changing Oil / Filter plus other activities
2. Add another Step = Check Transfer Case Fluid level via Fill Hole
Confirm fluid rolls out, If not add as needed until same occurs
3. Add Step = Check BOTH Front & Rear Differentials
Again confirm fluid rolls out Fill Hole, Add as required

Slow leak over extended period of time can drain Transfer Case or Diff
-Damage to either = Big Bucks to repair
-Safe than Sorry in my humble viewpoint
-Reason: Have Qty 3 ZJ 1993, 1995, 1997 and over time have noticed slow
Leaks, maintaining Full Fluid Levels in ALL is time well spent

Hope this helps any who may view this Post / thread
-Saving repair Dollars, Breakdown etc..

 

I don't know if this is still in effect, but at one time Jeep recommended the drive axles and transfer case fluids should be changed if the vehicle was subjected to water emergence for an extended period of time. Like what? Parking in a lake?

Good vehicle maintenance will extend the life of any vehicle and save $$ in the long run. When was the last time you saw someone checking their engine oil when buying gas? I love doing when the station is crowded!

Did you know the proper fluid level for both diffs and TCs is 1/2 inch below the plug? That I believe is OEM specs.

 

Thanks for you comments / inputs
-Your TC comment on being 1/2 inch below Fill Plug
-What is JEEP procedure to confirm proper Fluid Level on your TC ?
-Jeep must have moved the Fill Plug UP so as to get more fluid in Diffs
-Main Reason I started this Thread
ZJ over the years developed a SLOW Leak of Transfer Case
Luckily for me I had check level (TC and both Diffs) as part of my Engine
oil / Filter etc.. change procedures
-TC was LOW big time and would have continued the slow leak
until drained, then TC running dry without LUBE -- failure of TC soon to follow.
-Takes no more than 5 Minutes to get under Jeep and check TC, Diffs per
Fill Plug confirm Fluid is per Manf. Specs ( SAFE than Sorry applies here )
-In my mind 5 Minutes saves BIG dollars on TC & Diffs Rebuild not to mention
potential breakdown in a remote area --- MY TWO Cents worth
-Currently replacing Driver Side Rear OUTER Wheel bearing that in my model
year requires removing Diff Cover, etc then sliding out the Axles
PS: Nice writeup with Photos suggest performing Google Search if needed
-It becomes very clear after removal of Axles looking down inside Diff Tube
Gear oil flows from Diff Pumpkin ball down Tubes to Outer Wheel Bearing for
Lubrication -- I Noted that the Fill Plug is just about Level with Axle tubes
so its Critical to maintain Highest Fill Level otherwise Your JEEP Bearings
will be running DRY and failure to bearings or Wear to Axle will occur.
-Hope the above helps all who may view this Thread / Post
John from Colfax NC

 

Sorry guys! when I posted the bit about levels 1/2 inch below the plugs, I failed to mention I didn't agree with that. As you say, the axle lubes will not keep the bearings wet except by centrifical force on turns if it's below the plug.

Your point about checking levels often is an excellent one and I didn't mean to critisize you for it.

Sometimes I get carried away with my enthusiasm.

 

I just checked mine today while doing an oil change..............got done and seen your thread.......kinda weird.

Sound advice though.

 

Great info, thanks for posting.