Front Drive Axle question

[hickcox]

I plan on changing out the fluid in the front drive axle this weekend so I looked in the service manual for the correct fluid to use and it shows there are two different front axles for the 4x4 trucks.

How do I know which one I have?

It lists: Front Drive Axle (S4WD) using a SAE 80W-90 GL5 (GM P/N 1052271) and also Front Drive Axle (F4WD) using GM's grape juice (GM P/N 12378261)

Anyone know what the S4WD and F4WD represent?

[GMC-2002-Dmax]

hickcox,

Just changed mine out last week. I ran Valvoline 80W-90 Dino in the Front and Valvoline 75W-90 GL5 Synthetic in the Rear.

Front took just under 2 quarts. Filled 1/2" below the upper fill flug when the axle is cold.

The Front looked like it had yellow crap in it, others have posted PICS about it.

Rear took just about 3.75 quarts but I topped it off because the case was warm from running it before I drained it out.

I do not beleive the front needs synthetic fluid, your choice, I ran Dino.

GMC
;)

[hickcox]

Thanks GMC-2002-Dmax but it still doesn't answer my questions.

I see now that the S4WD is 8.25 inch and the F4WD is a 9.25 inch.

Anyone know how to find out which one I have?
There's nothing noted from the original window sticker. I did get the towing pkg. & it's the LS pkg.

[ 10-22-2002: Message edited by: hickcox ]</p>

[hoot]

You got the big one.

[hickcox]

Thanks Hoot, now I know what fluid to use but what determines having the smaller or the larger front drive axle?

[GMC-2002-Dmax]

If I was to guess 1500,1500HD,and 2500's got the smaller axles,

2500HD's and the 3500's get the larger.

Just a guess,

OH......Buy a hand pump for the gear lube, squeezing that bottle gets old fast.

I have a old GO-JO gallon container with a hand pump, I spent a LONG TIME Cleaning it!!! It works awesome. I use a piece of clear hose attatched to it with a clamp to keep it on and a piece if soft copper tubing bent in a "L" so it fits in fill plug.

Takes about 30 second to fill up the diff's.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!!!

GMC :D

[hoot]

I believe this is the axle......


http://www.aam.com/technology/tech_prod_dl_frontaxle925.html

The site also shows many optional TracRite