1987 Blazer differential question

[kphx87blazer]

First off, Im not a mechanic.

In fact, it took me just over seven bloody (literally) hours to change the plugs and wireset on my Blazer. And I still dont know if Numer 6 and 8 are tight. Aftermarket exhaust manifold is in the way.

Anyways...

I want to change the fluid in the front and rear differential since I drove through a few flowing rivers/ washes this past week.

A few questions...

What type of diff do i have in the 1987 K5?

Can I use the fluid they sell at walmart in the blue economy size one gallon containers?

Or do i need a speciality fluid?

By reading previous posts, to change the rear fluid, I just need to jack the rear up place a couple jackstands underneath. Remove the bolts. Drain the fluid. Spray out with brake cleaner. Clean area with razor blade. Apply RTV. Reapply cover. Tighten all the bolts. Then fill with fluid.

Seems simple enough. Any other advise/cautions?

Is it the exact same for the front?

Also,

Can I apply the RTV to the diff dover let it dry and THEN put it back on or should I put it back on when its wet?

Many tanks!

 

[stoney126]

Is it a stock diff in the rear? Depending on which diff you have you may need a additive.

 

[kphx87blazer]

im almost all certain all stock... I think. I just bought this off craigslist. dont know much about it.

would I kill anybody if i put in the additive regardless?

 

[Jason4x4]

putting additive in would be fine, it won't hurt nothing if it's not needed. blue stuff from walmart is fine. and when you rtv the covers, i put them on wet, just make sure that the surface on the axle is clean and dry.

 

[resurrected_jimmy]

unless you just want more room to work, no need to jack up the rear end. Otherwise your procedure sounds fine.