Couple of questions

[zeisshensoldt]

I'm currently in the process of changing the front axle boots and I'm wondering where the fill port is on the axle to re-top it off with 85w90 gear oil? For the 2nd question, does the airpack need to be completely removed to get to the vent line? Is the vent line behind the airpack?

 

[Flyingvan911]

It will be on the front or back of the differential. The steering knuckles are grease packed.

 

[zeisshensoldt]

It will be on the front or back of the differential. The steering knuckles are grease packed.

Does fluid need to be pumped in?

 

[steelandcanvas]

It's not the plug on the bottom of the diff, that's the drain. The plug you want is midway up the rear of the diff, right behind the tie-rod. This LO is something you should have, I found this in less than a minute. As stated by Flyingvan911, the knuckles are grease packed, the boots keep the grease in.

http://test.steelsoldiers.com/upload/M35/LO9-2320-209-12-1.pdf

 

[zeisshensoldt]

I looked at the LO prior to posting this, but figured I should ask anyways. Is fluid not filled up to the fill plug?

 

[Capt.Marion]

According to the LO, the capacity for the differential is 6 quarts. According to Note 6 (page 31 of the pdf) in the LO, you should "Check level to within 1/2" of level plug opening."

Therefore, yes, you fill it up to the level of the fill plug. This should be about 6 quarts.

 

[zeisshensoldt]

Thanks. Circled in the picture below, is that the vent line? I assume the airpack will need removal to undo it?

 

[Flyingvan911]

I used a small funnel with a rubber hose on it. One quart of Lucas and five quarts of 80W90 GL-5. I use an empty 5 quart jug to measure out the lube. I pumped it out of the 5 gallon jug into the 5 quart jug with a hand pump.

 

[Capt.Marion]

Here's a pretty decent how-too on the axle boot job that might come in handy, too. Had to dig it up on another hard drive since the How-To section is long gone...

 

[clinto]

Here's a pretty decent how-too on the axle boot job that might come in handy, too. Had to dig it up on another hard drive since the How-To section is long gone...

In the future, that's available here:

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/deuce/8460-front-axle-seals-boots-stepxstep.html

 

[Dukeman]

No one actually answered his question about the vent line...... Is he correct in his picture showing the vent line?

 

[steelandcanvas]

I thought the vent line was on the top of the master cylinder fill cap. Accessable through the little door in the cab floor.

 

[Capt.Marion]

What's up with the vent line that you're trying to disconnect it/remove it?

Steelandcanvas is correct--it attaches on one end to the top of the master cylinder, and the other end is in the airpack. I haven't looked at it under the truck myself, but I feel like there must be some way to disconnect it from the airpack (if you actually do need to pull the whole vent line off) without having to pull the airpack first.

 

[zeisshensoldt]

Yes, I know where the master cylinders vent line is, but not the airpacks. From what I'm guessing it's the one I've posted in the picture a few posts back. If that's the case then the entire airpack would need removing?

 

[DHennon]

Great thread. I just finished redoing my front axle boots, seals, wheel bearings I had zero difficulty after reading this thread. Cudos to the author!

I also used the funnel/rubber hose method pouring from a 5 gallon bucket to a 5 quart (already added 1 qt of Lucas) jug , then into the funnel.

 

[Bcurtman]

Yes, that is the vent line you have circled. It goes to a junction block on the crossmember where the master cylinder vent is also connected. From there it runs up a open end line that is just folded over near the air filter. No need to remove the airpak to remove that line. I took all the lines off of my airpak under the truck before removing it for its rebuild. I do suggest you use a line wrench though.

 

[zeisshensoldt]

No need to remove the airpak to remove that line.

I can't possibly see how anyone could get a wrench in there to tighten or loosen that line without removing the airpack.

 

[doghead]

Well, once you've done it a few times, you'll know for sure.