Anyone here a shade-tree/Hobbyist Mechanic?

[Byte Stryke]

So I drive up to the greasy lube whatever and have the engine oil changed.
These yokels tell me that I have to have both Diffs, the transfer and Transmission fluids changed.
OK, I can buy some of that...
Then the guy tells me it will be about $450.

So, having not been born yesterday, I declined.
Push comes to shove I will fumble through most of it myself.
The only thing I wouldn't be Warm and fuzzy with is the 4L60E.
Only because I haven't done one of those.

If anyone has a nice warm Garage and the tools and or experience I would be willing to front the Pizza and or beer

[zteknik]

damn Byte
too bad i wasnt living in Co yet!
id do it for ya in a heartbeat! ice tea instead of beer though
what kind of vehicle is it?
bigest cost would be the fluids depending on what it takes
some diffs take 75w140 synthetic gear oil with fricton modifier
stuff gets expensive if you got a big diff like a f550 dump
good luck pal!

[StagLefty]

Hell Byte they tell me that crap everytime I get my oil changed at Omeara

[Byte Stryke]

damn Byte
too bad i wasnt living in Co yet!
id do it for ya in a heartbeat! ice tea instead of beer though
what kind of vehicle is it?
bigest cost would be the fluids depending on what it takes
some diffs take 75w140 synthetic gear oil with fricton modifier
stuff gets expensive if you got a big diff like a f550 dump
good luck pal!

2004 Chevy Blazer 4x4

Hell Byte they tell me that crap everytime I get my oil changed at Omeara

Yeah but I Figure if I get someone else to look it over and it does get done then I don't wind up pulling an OPIE

[zteknik]

[quote=Byte Stryke;287260]2004 Chevy Blazer 4x4

should be cheap enuff-front diff takes 2-3 pints of 90 weight and the rear takes up to 4 could be either synth or regular and if its a limited slip youl need the friction modifier or youll burn the clutch pacs out-yea i tried to bypass that once and the thing chattered like a mo fo!!
but if its runnin fine and not leaking i wouldnt get overly concerned till the nice wheather and after tax returns

[68Charger]

The only thing I wouldn't be Warm and fuzzy with is the 4L60E.

depending on the year, the newer ones call for Dextron VI (don't recall the year they started), it's a 100k+ mi fluid synthetic, and pricey... check your owner's manual for change intervals!

I've done the 4L60E... it's not too hard, but with no drain plug, it's common to splash ATF all over when the pan comes loose

[trlcavscout]

I dont have a place and I am kinda far or I would help out. It is pretty easy getting the fluids out of the diffs, the front can be a challenge to get fluid back in depending on what you have to use. The transmission service should be easy, some you had to lift the trans up a little off the cross member to get the pan off though. I wouldnt have the trans flushed if you have a lot of miles on it and havent kept it serviced though. I was a GM automatic transmission tech for 9 years so I have done a few.

The 4L60-E is my favorite money making transmission

[zteknik]

depending on the year, the newer ones call for Dextron VI (don't recall the year they started), it's a 100k+ mi fluid synthetic, and pricey... check your owner's manual for change intervals!

I've done the 4L60E... it's not too hard, but with no drain plug, it's common to splash ATF all over when the pan comes loose

they told me in tech school that it was SOP to wear the fluid while draining the pan

[SideShow Bob]

Park on level ground or in a garage, put a drain pan under diff. Remove the fill plug. Then remove the drain plug, ( if no drain plug, loosen but don't remove diff. cover bolts and give bottom of cover a firm thump with a plastic mallet to break the seal ) let fluid drain and reinstall drain plug ( or now remove cover bolts clean surfaces, replace gasket reinstall cover and bolts and torque to specs ), fill with proper fluid or gear lube reinstall fill plug, done.
Oh yeah, think green, take old lube to recycling center.

Edit: for the transfer case you would need to drop the skid plate then remove the fill plug and drain plug unless you want fluid dripping from it for a couple of weeks.
I take my truck to have the tranny done properly, too much hassle and it can get flushed out.

[jmg8550]

As far as the differentials go, I would personally use synthetic gear oil in them. I have seen far too many differential failures at the dealership from using conventional oils. Especially the front diff. The transmission should be power flushed. Dropping the trans pan and changing the fluid and filter only gets about 1/3 of the old stuff out. The transfer case may need a special fluid from the dealer if it is auto 4X4. Synthetic is not necessary in the trans or transfer case. You will spend a little more for the gear oil, but it is well worth it. Less wear and tear on the bearings, as those are the weak parts. Just my opinion and advise. I worked at a GMC dealership from 2003 to 2005 and saw alot of the problems in those years.