[01BEE]

Any tricks/concerns? What did you use to suck up the old fluid? Thanks!

Eric

 

[95Viper]

Easy. Large autoparts store has a pump that looks like a small bicycle tire pump. Has two tubes no ends. Only $15.
Easier with two people. One to put the tube into the hole and move it all around while the other pumps like a maniac. All comes out.

Refill with factory fill and make sure they give you the 4oz additive bottle too.

 

[95Viper]

I could have explained more about the refill. Put the 4 oz bottle in first. Then add the fluid until it is just below the threads on the side. Insert finger for level.
It's easier if you have a tube to squeeze on the top of the bottle and in the hole to get the fluid in the hole.

 

[01BEE]

Thanks 95Viper!!

 

[slaughterj]

95Viper made it sound much easier than it is. First of all, you will need something to suck out the old fluid, I got some pump thing for about $25 from Autozone, and it had a reservoir that repeatedly filled up, which was a pain in the ass, given the angle to pump out the stuff, then pour that into another container and repeat. Then you need to put the 4oz bottle in, followed by the main fluid. The 4oz bottle should be provided with a top piece that you can trim and then squeeze to get it in, but be aware that the entry to the differential is thick, so it is hard to get your fluid in properly. Regardless, you will need to pump the last half or so of the 4oz with the same thing you get to pump in the main fluid - again, a pain in the ass process.

Overall, what I'm going to do in the future and recommend to do is to get a differential drain plug installed (http://www.viperclub.org/menus/index_how_illup.htm) so at least only half the job is a pain in the ass.

 

[01BEE]

Thanks all, I decided to go ahead and let a Vipertech do the drain/refill I am too paranoid about not getting all the old fluid out, or enough new fluid in. Did the oil change and changed the spark plugs myself and the car drives great now.

 

[Mister Bone]

Why not just drill a drain hole and tap it for a plug?

The instructions to do this are even on the net. :nod:

Anybody want them?

 

[01BEE]

I saw the instructions over at VCA, was not feeling that adventurous, the fluid only needs to be changed every 18 months so it is not like I am going to be doing this often

 

[Mister Bone]

Ok ok

I was not sure if you saw them or not. Real easy job to do it you ever want to try it.

 

[01BEE]

I'll stick with plugs/oil/brakes for now, but thanks for the tip.

Eric

 

[slaughterj]

I understand that Archer racing will do the plug install fairly cheap at ViperDays, ViperJoe had them do it and would know. That's what I'm going to have done when I need it next.

 

[01BEE]

When and where is next Viper Day?

 

[REDSLED]

January at Willow Springs. www.viperdays.com I had Unitrax in Anaheim put the drain plug in the bottom of my differential. Cost was under $50 and makes changing the fluid a snap.

 

[Bill Pemberton]

Do a plug for sure, and don't get caught in the idea that the fluid needs to be changed every 18 months. Under normal driving , maybe, but with track use it often needs to be drained after two events. I used to change mine after almost every event, as I hammered the heck out of the car, and I always felt fluids were cheap maintenance. When it comes out horrid black, and has an odor that will stop a Mack Truck, it needs to be changed more frequently.

 

[01BEE]

Just called Unitrax, they want $325 for the drain plug install, if diff is still in car, I don't track often, so I don't think I will be changing fluid that often.

 

[Bill Pemberton]

Holy Cow!! Well heck that is almost high enough to drive clear out here , have us install and do for $130, and drive home. Okay, I am exaggerating, but this is not rocket science, and the price must include a couple glasses of an innocent Cabernet, foot massage, and a colon cleansing. If you want to pay $125 for a fluid change, friction modifier, and a plug install, call DC Performance ( Dan Cragin ) and talk to Tony. He is right there in the S.Cal area, and Dan is still considered one of the best Viper Techs in da World.

310-841-6996 in LA.

I really believe in doing this more often, so check them out and get it done right the first time.

Good Luck !!

 

[01BEE]

I will give Dan a call in the morning and let you what he say it will cost.

 

[Viperjoe]

Like Slaughter said I had Archer Racing do mine at the Viper Days Event at VIR.
The changed the diff lube (along with the drill, tap and plug), tranny drain and refill, clutch and brake systems flush and refill. makes draining a piece of cake. Parts and labor was around $300. Thats what the dealer wanted for just brake and clutch flushes, so I didn't hesitate paying up. Clean work and great techs. Now I am trying to see what I want to buy and have them install in 2004!

 

[Snake Bitten]

Now I am trying to see what I want to buy and have them install in 2004!

Don't you own a wrench? Or are you simply too dainty to work on your own car???

 

[01BEE]

Own many wrenches, and will do many tasks myself, sorry but not up to drilling a hole in my diff.