4WD/Differential Care

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Delta Orion - 29 Jun 2004 21:14 GMT

I bought a 2003 Jeep GC, and visited with the local Jeep service department
re an extra key issue. While I really needed that key, the svc mngr spoke
endlessly about the proper care and feeding of a Jeep Drive Train,
emphasizing both differentials, i.e., the need to completely drain and
refill them on a regular basis. Otherwise, I'd be stuck with a huge repair
bill. I need to separate fact from fiction here. Was this guy giving me
the right info?

Further, he said I needed to discard the spark plugs every 13k miles. I
dunno -- thought we were beyond that kind of care with 100k mile tune ups.
Anyone care to comment, please?

Respectully, Gary

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Jerry Bransford - 30 Jun 2004 02:54 GMT

Replacing the differential lubricant regularly is good for the axles but not
at the frequency that service advisor was likely hinting at. I do mine at
maybe every 30,000 miles because my Jeep sees severe service (hardcore
offroading) but most cars never even get their axle lube changed before they
die of old age.

So far as the plugs go, get platinum-tipped plugs and they're good for at
least 70-80,000 miles if not even longer. Mine are now at probably 75,000
miles and still doing well. If your JGC has the 4.7L engine, get
single-tipped (Platinum on one side) plugs. If it has the 4.0L engine, get
the double-tipped platinum type plugs for sure. The current distributorless
4.0L engine can run badly on single-tipped Platinum plugs.

Jerry--
Jerry Bransford
PP-ASEL N6TAY
See the Geezer Jeep at
http://members.cox.net/jerrypb/

> I bought a 2003 Jeep GC, and visited with the local Jeep service department
> re an extra key issue. While I really needed that key, the svc mngr spoke
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> Respectully, Gary

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Dave - 30 Jun 2004 05:46 GMT

How old is this guy? Up until the mid 70's it used to be change the plugs at
12k miles. Then after HEI system it was every 24k miles. That was around 74.
Never heard any good mechanic recommend 13k miles in the past 30 years. As
for the differential, I would change it at least once every 2 years. Or
right away if you drive through a lot of deep water. But I have had cars
with over 250k miles and never changed the lube. Never had a problem.

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