DRAIN & REFILL

1. The axle oil should be hot before it is drained. If the engine is at normal operating temperature, the oil should be hot enough.
2. Raise the van and support it properly on jackstands so that you can safely work underneath. You will probably not have enough room to work if the van is not raised.
3. Remove the filler plug from the back of the gear housing. There will be a gasket underneath this plug. Replace it if damaged.
4. The drain plug is located on the bottom of the gear case. Place a pan under the drain plug and remove it. Keep a slight inward pressure on the plug while unscrewing it, this will keep the oil from pouring out until the plug is removed.

   Fig. 1: First remove the filler plug, then remove the drain plug located in the bottom of the axle

   Fig. 2: Keep inward pressure on the plug . . .

   Fig. 3: . . . then quickly pull the plug away from the axle

   CAUTION
   The oil will be hot. Be careful when you remove the plug so that you don't take a bath in hot gear oil.

5. Allow the oil to drain completely. Clean off the plug and replace it, tightening it to 36 ft. lbs. (49 Nm).
6. Fill the gear housing with gear oil through the filler plug hole as detailed previously.

   Fig. 4: Adding gear oil to the front differential

   Fig. 5: If necessary, use a hose extension to add fluid

   Fig. 6: Adding gear oil to the rear differential

7. The oil level should come right up to the edge of the hole. You can stick your finger in to verify this. Watch out for sharp threads.
8. Install the filler plug and gasket, tighten to 29 ft. lbs. (39 Nm) on front housings and 36 ft. lbs. (49 Nm) on rears. Lower the van, and check for leaks. Dispose of the old oil in the proper manner.