Differential Oil Change 04 Tahoe

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JonnyTahoe

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Your old fluid looks like it was recently changed. The info about the fluid level is news to me and probably many others on here. I use to just fill to the hole and call it good. I have seen many clean trucks on here and they are all from southern and western states. I was more impressed with your clean garage floor, research, and pictures. I think you did a great job of showing the right way to change the fluid.
 

1beershortofsixer

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2004 Chevy Tahoe 2WD Differential Maintenance

I purchased this vehicle in September 2013, when I took it in for a multi-point inspection at the dealer, they suggested a differential service.

This is something I can do and I would believe most here at the forum could too, since I didn’t see a write up on the subject, decided to do one.


Identify your differential and fluid capacity so you can buy the right parts.

Start with your owners’ manual to get the basic information about your specific rear end. There’s limited information in the manual, but it’s still useful. These two pages are from my 04 Tahoe manual.

It shows where your filler plug is located as well as the proper fill level. My fill level is 5/8” to 1 5/8” below the bottom of the plug hole.

axle1.jpg


Under the title “What to Use” for the oil, my manual specifies SAE 75W90 Synthetic axle lubricant GM part # 12378261, meeting the GM spec 9986115.


axle2.jpg


You will also want to identify if you have a limited slip differential or not. If you do have a limited slip, you need a “friction modifier” to add to the oil for proper operation.

According to my internet research, there may be information on a sticker in your glove box that tells you the model of your differential. If it lists a G80, it is a limited slip differential.

When I was at the dealer, the service manager took my VIN and ran the build sheet for my Tahoe (I suggest you get a build sheet for your vehicle). I was given the print out on my build, nowhere in the codes does it mention a limited slip differential, so it doesn’t have one – I don’t need to add friction modifier.


joes_Page_1.jpg

joes_Page_2.jpg



So now let’s talk about what parts you’ll need. A gasket and oil.

To get the right gasket, you’ll need to know what rear end was put in your vehicle.

When I went to http://www.ringpinion.com/DiffWizard.aspx and plugged in my information, I came up with two different differential possibilities – either an 8.6” or a 9.5”.

axle3.jpg

Since the results listed two different potential rear ends, with a different amount of cover bolts, I got under my Tahoe and counted cover bolts – I have 10. The 8.6” has 10 bolts and the 9.5” has 14 bolts, so mine is the 8.6” rear end.

Once you know your differential type, you can get the right gasket for your application.

I have used differential gaskets in the past (on my old Jeep) called a “Lube Locker” gaskets and they worked GREAT! No silicone to mess with and the gasket is re-usable. I found the gasket and ordered it online. It’s a little more expensive than a single use gasket, but re-usability and no messy silicone makes it worth it to me.

axle4.jpg

Now you have your gasket and know what differential you have, so you can buy your oil. MORE CHOICES!

NOTE: If you have a limited slip unit, make sure to get the right oil and friction modifier.

The oil GM recommends is big bucks. My owners’ manual lists part # 12378261, it is at least $22.00 per quart and you’re going to need 3 quarts (the differential takes less than 3, but more than 2).

Do your own internet searches and draw your own conclusions regarding what oil you want to run.

Many are using products other than the genuine GM oil such as Royal Purple Max Gear, Amsoil Severe Gear, Mobil 1 or other GL-5 synthetic. I chose Amsoil Severe Gear and purchased 3 quarts.

IMGP0694.jpg


I blocked my front wheels, jacket up the rear end so I could access the differential cover and removed it:


IMGP0695.jpg


This is a photo before I started cleaning. I sprayed it down with diesel and wiped, then simple green and wiped before I removed the cover to have a cleaner job site to work with.


IMGP0704.jpg


Take the cover off and let it drain. Once I had all of my bolts off, I used a stiff putty knife to break the silicone seal for the oil to drain. Clean up your gasket surfaces with a razor blade, utility knife blade, and/or scraper. Be careful to shield your internals with a rag so you don’t get debris inside.


IMGP0709.jpg


Clean up the cover – I used diesel fuel and a razor blade to get most of the RTV off, and a wire brush to get the rest of the RTV off, simple green and then brake cleaner for final cleaning.


IMGP0708.jpg


After the oil has drained and your cover and all gasket mating surfaces are clean, put your cover back on using the star pattern for a tightening sequence and torque to specs.


sequenceandtorque.jpg


I got my cover back on and tightened and using a transfer pump, I pumped a little more than 2 quarts of the oil into the differential, did a wipe down, and then lowered her to the ground (check oil on a level surface) for a final top off before I sealed her up to finish.


IMGP0714.jpg


Referring back to my owners’ manual for filling requirements (5/8” to 1 5/8” below the bottom of the filler), I used a couple different methods I read about from other threads.

I used an allen wrench, poking the small end in my filler hole for oil level, then I verified using a pipe cleaner I bent with a 5/8” length to create a “dipstick”, pumped in the right amount of the oil and buttoned her up.

I know this is a pretty simple procedure, but I hope this proves to be helpful to some!

:drunk:
Thank you...Just what I needed. Have 04 Tahoe 2x2. 185 miles. Never changed rear end fluid. How come GM did not install drain plug? Is there a logical reason? Also, how often should my dad have been changing rear fluid?
Also would you advise flushing trans? I have read yes and no. Some say if you flush high mileage trans fluid it will just begin slipping...
Thanks. Man you did a class write up here. Will be doing for sure.
 

BeenChevy

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Changed and replaced the trans fluid & filter at @ 200k in the Yukon no slip at 240k. Will do the same with the Tahoe at this interval.

Change the rear diff fluid at 150k+ and you should be okay. No need for the drain plug with this kind of interval. I bought $20 AutoZone covers with a plug in case i needed to add friction mod..

The 'lubelocker' gaskets are the way to go
 
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95escahoe

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Thank you...Just what I needed. Have 04 Tahoe 2x2. 185 miles. Never changed rear end fluid. How come GM did not install drain plug? Is there a logical reason? Also, how often should my dad have been changing rear fluid?
Also would you advise flushing trans? I have read yes and no. Some say if you flush high mileage trans fluid it will just begin slipping...
Thanks. Man you did a class write up here. Will be doing for sure.

When was the trans last done? If the fluid is in good shape I'd say just drop the pan do the filter & gasket and top it off


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

JonnyTahoe

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I love this write up. it's more involved than one would think. Your fluid looks new, if you look close at the one pic you can see it still draining. I did my '95 and it was a much darker color.
 

brasil

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great write up ! I will change my oil too. For the rear end I bought Amsoil severe Duty 75w110 hope this oil also works . The LS fuild is also from Amsoil.


But there is one thing... my rear end has a drain plug.. Looks like a 3/ 8 or 1/2 socket. Perhaps it is because of the European Specification ??

Greetings Juergen
 

2006Tahoe2WD

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Excellent write up. Good tip on the no-RTV gasket. Question/comment - in certain years the G80 code refers to the gov-lock type "limited" slip. I think the gov-lock type LS doesn't require a modifier since there are no clutches, the mechanism is all mechanical. Anyone please correct if I am wrong on this. Thanks.
 

NGAneer

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It's supposed to be good without it. My G80 works a lot better now that I changed to Mobil 1 with LS additive already in the oil. Doesn't make the bunch of noise it made previously.
 

BeenChevy

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Went with the Amsoil severe duty in mine with ambient temps -30F through 105F pulling loads (300+ miles at a time) with larger tires on & off road - Never needed the friction mod in either vehicle. I'll let you know how the fluid held up at 300k when I change it again. No noises and activate the lockers daily 7-8 months out of the year here in MN - works great.
 

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