Ask opinions on this site! So here's the dealio~ I was all ready to replace the oil in the differential of the Colorado rear end I stuck under my truck. 1st, it takes a 3/8 drive and not a 1/2". The next thing is, upon close inspection, it looks like some kind of thread sealant was used when it was put in the last time. Well, I got an extension and a wrench and gave it a go. No go~ Smart me, I remembered Bill and Bill using a floor jack for the extra persuasion needed to loosen something. I did this. It actually started lifting the truck before I heard that wonderful "pop". Actually, that was the sound of the extension being sheered in half. The end of it still in the fill plug. I assume I could tap the extension end, put a screw in it and pull it out, try putting a torch on the plug and do this all again... However~ Why couldn't a fella mark a line across the back of the differential cover that is on the same plane as the fill plug, take the cover off, (which I have to do anyway, to drain whatever fluid is in there) find a spot somewhere along that line that would allow for a smallish self tapping screw to go in (with a rubber washer) and make that my new fill port? There is also that vent tube that comes off the top of the housing that is about 1/2" higher than the fill plug hole. Could I just rig up a plastic dipstick that I could use to check the fluid level with and fill it and check the level using this tube? Thanks for your ideas on this. One of those things that should not be any time (really) to do, and here I am~
Righty tighty, lefty loosey??? If you have to pull the cover to drain it I'd either work on the plug from both sides while I had the cover off or make a trip to your local automotive parts recycler and find another.
Ha Ha!!! Yeah, I think I got the direction down, Bill... The fill plug on this one is forward of the axles, so I doubt I could even see the part that comes into the housing. I only wish the plug was in the friggin' cover where they used to put them. You know, for convenience sake I guess...
Final Drive Oil Fill / Level As you said Paul ; Just be smart (unlike me) and remember to put the new filler plug on the inset side of the cover , not right where it'll foul the ring gear .
How 'bout some blurry pictures? I am no Coach, when it comes to picture quality~ Hopefully you get the idea, however. So what I wanted to show is the broken off tip to the 3/8 drive still secured inside the fill plug. Another, the nice, smooth, cover plate to the gears. (Could this be home to an improvised fill plug installed out of the way of whirring gears, but at the level it needs to be for the proper amount of fluid? Then there is the vent tube that goes up to... (I still have yet to see what the --- is to go on the other end of this tube, but that's for another day. I could get fluid in through this port and then simply replace the tubing that goes over this nipple and on up to . Finally, I found a new use for a black wire tie. It even has increments marked on the tip that are very similar to a dipstick. It fits perfectly in the tube and is flexible enough to go around the axle. How far in it goes can be eyeballed pretty dang close. This is the picture that has a blurry black wire tie with what looks like shiny, black oil on the tip. ...because it is... So with these options, I kind of like using the fill tube and my wire tie. Of course, the first time I do this, I will keep strict count on the amount I am putting in, so next time, I won't need to worry about checking the level, just put in the amount I need. What say you? Thanks! *Note to self~ When saying you are going to show blurry pictures, make sure you attach them.
And as an old clever mechanic told me: Never take out the drain plug until you first take out the fill plug. (If you can't fill it, don't drain it) So logical .... kind of a metaphor of life .... somewhere in that I am sure. Haasman
Amen~ That's why the cover plate is still on it. I know I can get fluid in it through the vent barb at least. This would be the easiest, quickest, most cost friendly solution to my predicament I do believe.
time for the "IF" OK Zig, Since it was ME who got you into all this Colorado rear end stuff, lets see if we can make it easy for you. IF the rear was drained when you got it (likely), then it's EMPTY. That means whatever the capacity of the rear is is how much it'll take. So its just a matter of finding the capacity of the rear, and adding that amount. I'll do some checking at my end... By the way, since you are ALMOST there... just PM me for directions to my house. Dinner is on me! Lodging too, since you'll be tired from the drive.
HA!!! Thanks, Mike! I found somewhere that it was like 3.8 pints, but that just doesn't sound right. In the last picture, the shiny stuff on the end of the black, blurry line is the differential fluid I got on the end on the electrical tie I stuck down the vent tube. I went in about as far as I figured the level would be, (given travel distance around part of the radius of the axle shaft inside the axle tube) and that is what was on it when I removed it. So it still has fluid in it, but I want to start off fresh with everything. If you do find out, please let me know. As far as your invite, I would love that no end! But first, I would like to just go around the block a time or two and find everything is good to go further!
Take off the rear cover and drain the gear oil. Stand the truck on it's nose. Put in the 3.8 pints, put on a new gasket and bolt on the cover. Return the truck to horizontal. Simple.
Banjo Cover Paul ; This seems simple to me so triple check before you do anything ! . See the stamped in GM P/N on the cover ? I'd add a plug right in the middle of it . exactly in line with the centerline of the axle shafts . It appears (here's where it gets tricky) to be a standard 10 bolt stamped tin GM cover , go to some Auto Jumbles or (better IMO) Junk Yards and crawl underneath EVERYTHING that was made by GM until you find a 10 bolt cover with a filler plug in it , buy , clean and repaint to match/suit , you're golden . I'm still puzzling over picture # 1 ~ how in the blue blazes did that happen ?! .
Bill, have I told you you are my rock? I don't know where I would be with this project without you helpful suggestions! HA!!! Nate, that sounds like a plan! First I'll start with the add a plug idea, then the find a cover idea. Actually, we have next to none when it comes to pick a part yards. (Insurance?) But the yard where I got the rear end is great for helping.
"Then there is the vent tube that goes up to... (I still have yet to see what the --- is to go on the other end of this tube, but that's for another day. I could get fluid in through this port and then simply replace the tubing that goes over this nipple and on up to." OK Zig, I can't address the other problems, but I think the vent tube goes to one of these; http://www.classicparts.com/1947-91-Rear-End-Vent-Tube/productinfo/93-245/#.VYy8ERtFDIU. I think a flexible tube goes up to wherever you think the water level will not reach when you drive through water, and secure the tube, then add this breather device. See what you think? Bill B.
Thanks, Bill. That looks about right and makes sense. I know I won't be driving this thing through any high water however.
here's where the math gets thrown out the window Zig, having just (re)read your post(s), you indicate the rear still has lube in it. Using a clean drain pan, remove all the bolts to the rear cover (there's no gasket), drain completely (it'll smell). MEASURE what you have, replace (sneak it in thru the vent). Just found 3.4 pints capacity also. Honestly, I wouldn't worry about a drain/fill plug in the cover. Its likely you'll NEVER need to replace the stuff. If you do, just remove the rear cover again. As far as directions: Take 44 East, to 70 East, to 71 North... OK, for now just drive around the block to make sure everything works, then I'll give you the rest of the directions. Its 23 Hrs, 44 minutes, so I'll have time to make BBQ for you.
Well HECK Steve, it can't be TOO much of a detour for him to pick YOU up in Indiana. BBQ feeds MANY. And since your rig isn't ready, maybe he'll let you drive part of the way.
I'd love to have someone ride shotgun! That way, (if need be) they can push and I can steer. Speaking of steer, will that be on the grill when we get there?
