CHEVY Pickup Help

[OLDFED]

I have a 2002 1500 and asked my local mechanic to change the differential lube along with an oil change. He did the oil change but said only a dealer could do the differential fluid because of a "special" formula only available via GM. True or false? Thank you!

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR ANSWERS! THIS IS WHY I LOVE THIS FORUM!

 

[Pop's2]

SAE 75w90 synthetic gear oil.

There are you tube videos showing how to do it yourself.

 

[EugeneNine]

There are some vehicles with limited slip /posi differentials which take special fluids and many people mistake the g80 delayed locker for a limited slip and assume it takes special fluid.
Check the page in the owners manual to be sure, but I haven't seen any chevy trucks yet that do.

 

[chief38]

Look at the spec's in the owners manual and see what it has to say. More than likely it will give you spec's on fluid that any Mechanic can get.

 

[amazingflapjack]

You may want also to add a small drain plug in the bottom so draining/cleaning is simplified.

 

[don5]

I bought a bottle of limited slip/ posi lube back in 1998 from GM dealer for use in the front diff of my fulltime 4wd 4wheeler. It helped the 4 wheeler clutchpacks during turns. I was told by the counter guy that it was whale oil. It was in a small bottle, like 8 oz.

 

[65kaiser]

I would be very leary of a so called mechanic that could not handle such a simple task!!

 

[EugeneNine]

Another reason why i do my own. I bet the mechanic can't name all 11 grease fittings either.

 

[mr.jbk79]

I would be very leary of a so called mechanic that could not handle such a simple task!!

I agree here. This is not rocket science. If you can't find the specs, your GM dealer parts dept. should be able to help you out. Your mechanic sounds abit lazy or uninformed.

 

[jaykellogg]

I suggest you post this question on flatratetech.com. You can register and ask questions of professional technicians.

GENERAL MOTORS - FlatRateTech

 

[kudzu3]

I believe the mechanic was correct but is there a reason that he couldn't get the "special" formula? Seems he should be able to get it from a good auto parts place or from the dealer. I believe I'd go ahead and let the dealer do it. They're usually very good and the prices are competitive.

 

[Ilike9mm]

One side of the coin: at least he knew his limitations.

 

[novalty]

Hmm changing oil in rear differential, don't think I've ever owned a vehicle long enough to consider doing that in.

 

[jaykellogg]

Hmm changing oil in rear differential, don't think I've ever owned a vehicle long enough to consider doing that in.

Probably not necessary in an "open" differential, but it is recommended for a locking differential. You have to use the correct grease and the correct additives.

 

[Rintimtin]

I'm not the most mechanical guy in the world, but that mechanic just sounded LAZY. Sounds like some excuses I've heard from other mechanics I know.

 

[wheelgun28]

I have an 05 2500, the front diff uses special oil. Its an odd viscosity and synthetic. The local Car Quest auto parts does not stock it but the warehouse does, had it in an hour or so.

Wasnt a big deal to change.

 

[kozmic]

I would take him at his word and use that knowledge as an excuse to buy a new truck oooorrrrr, find a new mechanic.

 

[foxeye]

It does not take any oil/fluid that is not readily available at any good auto parts store. SInce it does not have a drain plug, you may be well advised to pick up a differential cover gasket. Your going to need a squeeze bottle and length of hose to refill the carrier. On some the sway bar may be really close to the carrier cover but it will still allow it to come off. Its as easy as changing oil, but there is about 12 bolts to remove and not one drain plug. My GM dealer charges 90-$110 to do this. I can buy the gasket at advance auto and the fluid for under $15 and do it in about 30 minutes of my time.

 

[Horsehaulin]

Only the Auto-Trac transfer case takes a specific fluid.

Buy a synthetic 80w90 and enjoy the truck for the next five years.