Rear Diff Milkshake

[Lakemeadan]

Took a friend fishing a few months ago and when the day was over he offered to get the tow vehicle and back the trailer in. He drives construction equipment and has a CDL but I was still hesitant. Ok, back the trailer in until you see only about 4 inchs of wheel fender above the water. My fault I didn't say boat wheel fender, he thought I meant the truck. Oh well it was due anyway to change diff fluid, it was milkshake.

 

[mommicked]

Re: Rear Diff Milkshake

I learned about milkshakes the hard way.I had a 72 toyo landcruiser in 84,i was 18.got it stuck in a flooded ditch,only the left side.a friend tried to pull me out w his chevy 4x4 trailer pkg. 400/400 .he got great traction on the gravel road and bang went his transfer case ,uh o.cruiser sat in ditch several hours but I (18) assumed it was ok because i had recently replaced the brakes and axle seals on the rear.several weeks later another bang and i skidded to a stop partly blocking traffic rush hour at a busy spot,the trooper was not happy that my rear was locked up!could not move.after being towed home I go to pull the filler plug on back of housing(a friend said "remove it first and the oil will drain faster" , and I got a sweet smelling suprise as the milkshake ,under great pressure,shot all over me as I frantically crawled out from under,It lasted about a minute!there were other buddies assisting me and some knew my fate and when they stopped laughing until they cried they informed me of it!!the ring/pinion/carrier were shredded fantastically!I think the water came in the housing vent but it seemed to hold internal pressure very well!!

 

[PGFISHER]

Re: Rear Diff Milkshake

'58 ford f100 same problem. Vent went below waterline and cold water caused partial vacuume in pumpkin; milkshake. Ran a hose from vent to back of pickup bed and up inside the corner post. No more problems.

 

[vegasphotoman]

Re: Rear Diff Milkshake

hey this is a great thread....I never thought much about my TRUCK getting milkshake...duh, all that deep water backing in.....I need to check mine...THANKS FELLAS...ps that vent idea is a good one (high vent)

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Rear Diff Milkshake

i always tell the girlfriend to keep backing down and i say stop just before the diff. hits the water. my truck is lifted though so its easy to see. If you do change it, put in synthetic and be done with it for a long, long time. its worth it.