I am in the middle of changing all the fluids in my truck. its an 01 with the 8.8 up front. I drained the front diff fluid by removing the drain plug, but should I go ahead and drop the cover too?

 

i guess if you want to? i dont see why you would need to tho.

 

yes, you should remove the cover..... it is good engineering practice.

this way, you can not only ensure that all fluid is changed, but also get a good inspection of the gears while its open. there isnt a gasket, just use some good RTV, allow it to set up a bit, and refill with the new fluid.

 

Definitely remove the cover. Doesn't take much longer and like stated above, you can check out your gears in the process.

 

It is a total waste of time to remove the cover. The service interval for the front differential is never unless you went in water over the hubs. To remove the cover you not only have the cover bolts but a mounting point to disassemble.

 

Well that makes me feel better, I just drained it and topped it off with new amsoil. So far so good

 

Agreed! Complete waste of time. Nothing to see/inspect in there unless you suspect a problem or are having one. You don't even get that much additional fluid out to justify the *** pain.

Adding the Amsoil, you'll never have to change that fluid again!

 

I agree with the Don't remove the cover opinion. There is always a chance you'll have a gasket leak and I don't think you will accomplish anything by looking inside. I just changed my fluid. Used regular Valvoline lube.

 

Another point...there is no gasket on the cover. Getting the cover back on in the truck without jacking up your sealant/RTV bead would be next to impossible. Leak city if it's not perfect.