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Replacing rear differential fluid in a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a pretty straightforward process that requires only a couple of tools. MOPAR SAE 75W-140 GL-5 Synthetic oil is the recommended choice to meet Jeep’s rear gear housing lubrication and cooling needs.

Jeep has become synonymous with getting dirty and taking the road less traveled—even if that means creating your own path. To keep your Jeep in tip-top shape and equipped to handle all elements, replacing the rear differential fluid is essential, although often overlooked.

If you are unfamiliar with rear differential fluid and the process of how to change it, look no further. Jerry is the

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The best 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee rear differential fluid

The top choice of rear differential fluid for a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the original equipment manufacturer MOPAR SAE 75W-140 GL-5 Synthetic. You can

purchase it online here

But what if this OEM is unavailable or you want a cheaper alternative? There are other options, you just have to know what to look for. You want a synthetic fluid listed as 75W-140 so you know you have the proper velocity level, while GL-5 denotes the correct amount of sulfur-based additives. These are the best alternative fluid options:

Mobil 1 Limited Slip

Red Line Gear Oil

ACDelco Original Equipment

MORE:

Jeep resale value

What is rear differential fluid—and why does your Jeep need it?

Maybe this is your first time hearing about

rear differential fluid

and you're wondering why you need to replace it.

The primary function of rear differential fluid is to lubricate and cool the clutches, gears, and bearings in the rear of a vehicle to keep all these parts running smoothly. All of the metal-on-metal contact in this area leaves it susceptible to overheating and corrosion. This fluid is even more important for

off-road vehicles

because it provides variable torque to the back wheels and helps handle uneven ground and slippery terrain.

How often to change 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee rear differential fluid

Differential fluid doesn’t work nearly as hard or need to be changed nearly as often as the motor oil that lubricates your Grand Cherokee’s engine, which is why it can be so easily forgotten about. If you are unsure of the last time it was changed, these clues can give you a good indication that a change could be needed:

Burning odor coming from the rear gearbox

Unusual or straining noises

New rough vibrations

Keeping a well-documented

maintenance schedule

can make your life easier when determining when the differential fluid needs to be changed. Jeep recommends changing this fluid every 100,000 to 120,000 miles if you use your Grand Cherokee regularly. This should be changed more frequently if you do a lot of off-roading or service work such as towing with your truck.

MORE:

Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited towing capacity

How to change your Jeep’s differential fluid

Before diving underneath your Jeep, you should refer to your owner’s manual to confirm any specifications for your Grand Cherokee. Once you’re ready, gather the following tools:

Carjack

Screwdriver

Socket wrenches

Fluid transfer pumps

Drain pan

Step 1: Use the jack to raise your Grand Cherokee for easier access to the rear differential. Your Jeep may be already high enough off the ground that you can skip to Step 2.

Step 2: Remove the fill plug by either popping it off or unscrewing it.

Step 3: Insert the transfer pump’s hose into the open fill plug hole and pump out all of the oil. If your transfer pump does not have an oil-catching mechanism on it, let the pump empty into a drain pan.

Step 4: Grab a fresh fluid pump and insert it into the new bottle of fluid. Set this hose into the plug hole and pump away. If oil starts overflowing and spilling out of the plug, you’ve pumped in too much fluid.

Step 5: Put the fill plug back into place, and you’re all set!

MORE: How to do summer car maintenance

How to find affordable Jeep insurance

Replacing your rear differential fluid is essential to keeping your Grand Cherokee on the road for many years and even more miles. Another way is by protecting it with reliable and affordable car insurance with

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