two newby questions

what oil are most people running in rear diff. the light or the heavy? I do not tow with liberty however it can get hot in socal and not too much below freezing in winter. I run the heavy in the cummins all year.

Next question is where the heck is the front diff.? I managed to find the rear, but I can only guess that the front diff is between the two front wheels. What do I need to remove to change the gear oil? What weight oil is in favor for the front.

thanks
jim

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Hers 05 kj ehm, egr delete, unplugged fuel heater, exhaust improvements
His 96 12 valve 5/12's, 62/65/14, built pump, Hamilton head and cam, fluidampner, high speed floormats
His 91 12 valve stock

I tow a trailer and have switched to the heavier synthetic oil recommended in the rear diff. To get to the front dif you need to take off the belly pan. I also put synthetic oil of the lighter recommended weight oil there also. At 10k miles and no off roading I found some grit or whatever in the oil for the front diff

The front has drain and fill plugs but on the rear you have to remove the cover to drain it. Then RTV is called for to seal the cover. Gaskets are available both online and one of the large chains. Autozone (could be advanced auto??) has a cheaper one and the one online is a reusable one. I've had problems with RTV on previous XJ's leaking so the $3 or whatever it was was for a one use gasket was a bargin for me

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Atlantic Blue 06 CRD Limited (his)
Joined by a 2000 XJ Classic (hers)

I have been using synthetics throughout. I have been using 75w90 in the front and 75w140 in the rear since I tow. If you are not towing, a 75w90 in the back would be ok. Might even give you a little better mpg.

Amsoil has a 75w110 that they came out with this year that kinda splits the difference. That would be a great all around oil if any towing you did was on the light side.

www.lubelocker.com makes a real good gasket for the 8.25 rear end. Totally eliminates the need for RTV or any gasket sealer. It goes on dry and it works great. I even reused it on my last diff oil change. Messing with RTV is, how they say.... so 20th century. Get a gasket. Your jeep and you will appreciate it.

I assume you have skid plate on front and that is why you can't locate front diff. You drop the skid plate and the diff will be looking at you. Drain and fill plugs on it, so the job is easy.

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Environmentalist Green + Socialist Red = Facist Brown

2006 Liberty CRD, Frankenlift II, Al's A Arms, Moog LBJ's, GDE tune, Etechno GX3123 Glow plugs, Fumoto drain valve, Elephant hose CCV mod.

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2005 Unlimited (LJ) Rubicon w/ 5.5" of total lift
Flat Fenders made by http://www.jpfaboffroad.com/

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch.
Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin, 1759

Ok, I found the front diff.
thanks to all
schaeffer 80/90 syn. all around
Jim

_________________
Hers 05 kj ehm, egr delete, unplugged fuel heater, exhaust improvements
His 96 12 valve 5/12's, 62/65/14, built pump, Hamilton head and cam, fluidampner, high speed floormats
His 91 12 valve stock