front diff question

[melmount]

My front differential cover seal is leaking on a 4wd. Since a ford, the front diff does not spin in 2wd, can i remove the cover, drain the fluid, clean and reseal it?Question is, I need to drive it, so can i do this and 24 hours later add the new gear oil? Making sure its totally sealed and dry before the new fluid goes in? Will this hurt anything?

[HOUTX01X]

you can seal it up with silicone and let it dry for an hour or so and fill it up.

I normally don't wait that long maybe 20 min at the most and never have had a leak afterwards.

to clean mine i use break fluid and a rag to get the bottom left over oil.

[melmount]

i usually do over nite, but its getting real cold at nite. would it hurt it to be driven?i dont think i will drive it that way but curious?

[Tony V]

I would not drive it with no fluid up there if thats what you are talking about.

[melmount]

I was, its a dumb thought. Forget i thought it
I was just hoping to reseal it in the morning then mid afternoon fill it.

[Tony V]

You could probably do that. Just do it early it dont take long.

[melmount]

I was hoping to resealit in the early morning. By luch (wifes truck) we will go grocery shopping then the parts store.About 10 miles frommy house. maybe 15 round trip.
Would it hurt anything if i did it with the front diff empty?(in 2wd odviously)

[Tony V]

Well I would think it would be. I say cause the u joints do spin in 2x4 once you get to a certain speed, BUT i do not know if it spins in there. :idk:

[robthebuilder]

Don't try it. Why take the chance of blowing up a $2000 axle for...? Don't be retarded. lol

[Tony V]

lol well thats a harsh way to put it...