SSG Technician

Figured I'd give a quick post on how I changed my fluids for those looking for how easy and beneficial it is.
I have an engine code "M" 5.3 L. 4x4. Quad Cab 1500 LT. 143,000 miles.

Changed front diff (drain and fill bolts both located on drivers side) Had to use an impact to remove fill bolt. Put about 1 3/4 QT of 75W90 Mobil 1 Synthetic

Changed rear diff. Parts store wanted $43 for the rear 10 bolt pattern gasket. NOT GOIN TO HAPPEN. Cracked fill plug first then took bolts out to pull cover off. RTV'd cover back on. Added 2 QT of Royal Purple 75W90 Synthetic and topped it off with the other 1/4 QT of Mobil 1 I had left over from the front.

Transfer was easy. Cracked Fill Bolt first then removed drain bolt. Added GM Dextron VI.

Transmission has deep pan.(Advance didn't show shallow pan on their computer) Removed all bolts. Took Passenger side heat plate off (two screws), removed shift cable from bracket and used a pry bar to move bracket back a few millimeters to allow pan to drop. (the allen screws holding bracket on were too much of a headache to deal with, moving with a pry bar far easier) Replaced filter, left upper seal in as the new filter fit snug in the existing one. Tightened bolts to 10 ft lbs. Filled with 4QT of Dextron VI.

Coolant was retarded. I removed splash guard under body. Removed lower radiator hose. Seemed like nothing came out! After letting it seep for an hour. I reconnected hose and added 1 Gallon of Concentrate and 1 Gallon of water.

Coolant claims to be 15 Qts.
Transmission claims to be 5 Qts.
Transfer claims to be 1.7 Qts.
Front Diff claims to be 1.4 Qts
Rear Diff claims to be 2.3 Qts.

Fluid Exchange is important for your powertrain, don't neglect it.
I have a rear main to replace that I won't be doing anytime soon because I lack the motivation. If I do this I'll be sure to post a quick how to.
If anyone has questions for me I have Chilton and ARRC manuals I will reference and post verbatim book instructions or specs.

SSG Technician

If a complete engine block drain is required, remove the left and right engine block coolant drain plugs.

f5fstop

Only thing I would say is for the trans, a backflush is better, since all the fluid gets changed. With a drain and fill, about 60 percent of the fluid is still in the trans, cooling hoses, cooler (in radiator and external air, if so equipped) and torque converter. Just make sure backflush machine uses same fluid as the fill (example Dex VI). NEVER backflush with a flushing fluid!

I've had my other vehicle backflushed by the dealer. A bit more expensive but I'm assured of having fresh fluid in the trans. And that's important since it is off-roaded considerably in UT, and pulls a trailer off-road at times.

Can also flush radiator and engine; some find it easier than pulling plugs.

andre2643

on a 2008 chevy silverado 1500 2wd ex-cab rear differential fluids do i need any additional fluids other then the synthetic 75-90w oil? i would hate to not put what is needed for a correct change. thanks

f5fstop

From the 2008 electronic service manual....
Rear Drive Axle Lubricant
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant 89021677 (Canadian P/N 89021678) or equivalent meeting GM Specification 9986115