UhDabbler
New member
Hello,
I was putting together my parts list for todays round of store runs and I needed to verify what rear diff gasket bolt pattern I needed (I believe this is the Dana55 8.8 inch) and I noticed a dark patch at the bottom of my cover (picture here). I haven't checked to see if its coming from my pinion seal or any other location on the diff yet.
I was wondering if anyone had recommendation on replacing all of the seals? Should I just replace the cover gasket if its only coming from there or should I replace all of them at one time and just top up for now? Also I have seen a few different things on identifying differential gear damage, any tips on things to look out for? Any oil weights in particular outside of the OEM manual recommendation?
To provide a bit more backstory on the truck as a whole:
176k miles
Previous 2 owners (my buddy had it before me and his uncle had it before him) didn't keep up on maintenance so I'm finding lots of neglect such as -
7 years between oil changes (I change that and the filter already)
U joints need replaced (still running factory)
mickey mouse wiring jobs everywhere
IAC valve has never been removed or cleaned (cleaned it yesterday, before picture here)
Last spark plug change was in 2012 (I have the new plugs and wires and will install after I solve the rear diff leak)
Potential Coolant leak (or just low, filled the reservoir and after 1 drive the tank had emptied but no moisture or signs of leaks anywhere, but regulates good consistent temp)
The K&N air filter they added has slight melting on the bottom and shows visible damage (new filter in transit)
The list continues but these are the primary functional issues I know of so far. All these issues I'm sure have gotten worse with me buying it (for $800 running) and then letting it sit for 4 years.
Thanks in advance for any and all perspectives and pieces of advice.
I was putting together my parts list for todays round of store runs and I needed to verify what rear diff gasket bolt pattern I needed (I believe this is the Dana55 8.8 inch) and I noticed a dark patch at the bottom of my cover (picture here). I haven't checked to see if its coming from my pinion seal or any other location on the diff yet.
I was wondering if anyone had recommendation on replacing all of the seals? Should I just replace the cover gasket if its only coming from there or should I replace all of them at one time and just top up for now? Also I have seen a few different things on identifying differential gear damage, any tips on things to look out for? Any oil weights in particular outside of the OEM manual recommendation?
To provide a bit more backstory on the truck as a whole:
176k miles
Previous 2 owners (my buddy had it before me and his uncle had it before him) didn't keep up on maintenance so I'm finding lots of neglect such as -
7 years between oil changes (I change that and the filter already)
U joints need replaced (still running factory)
mickey mouse wiring jobs everywhere
IAC valve has never been removed or cleaned (cleaned it yesterday, before picture here)
Last spark plug change was in 2012 (I have the new plugs and wires and will install after I solve the rear diff leak)
Potential Coolant leak (or just low, filled the reservoir and after 1 drive the tank had emptied but no moisture or signs of leaks anywhere, but regulates good consistent temp)
The K&N air filter they added has slight melting on the bottom and shows visible damage (new filter in transit)
The list continues but these are the primary functional issues I know of so far. All these issues I'm sure have gotten worse with me buying it (for $800 running) and then letting it sit for 4 years.
Thanks in advance for any and all perspectives and pieces of advice.