Disco 3 Differential & Transfer Case

**Journeytower** · 24th July 2016, 07:36 AM

Could someone clarify where the front diff filler plug is. I suspect it is the inhex plug on the near side jut near the drive shaft but don't want to undo it & hear thunk from inside the diff. Clarification on the rear diff & transfer wouldn't go astray while we're here.
Are these your basic hypoid crown wheel & pinion with no special metals or seals etc. & what type of lubes should be used. I'm having trouble finding the correct specs.
I have found over the years that the addition of Nulon gear additive has been beneficial in helping protect & quieten diffs & transfer cases. Is this o/k to use in these vehicles. Thanks for any advice.

**justinc** · 24th July 2016, 07:41 AM

Yes 8mm hex key plug is thr level plug. Located drivers side of rear diff too. Transfer case has same size allen key but different looking plug/ drain. Use a high quality 75w90 full synthetic oil in diffs and ONLY the genuine landrover transfer case fluid. 1.2litres required.

Don't forget to service the autobox and convert to serviceable steel pan.

Don't use additives.

Jc

**Journeytower** · 24th July 2016, 04:22 PM

Thanks Justinc. Auto has the modded pan & I'm just about to service that also.

Ean Austral · 24th July 2016, 05:25 PM

Make sure the air con is off for a bit of time before you do the oil change on the box and make sure it's not on when you start the car as the drain is right beside the box and you get a bloody shock when you think the box sump gasket is ****ing out , only to find it's the air con drain.

Might not need it down south so not a issue but just giving you the heads up.

Cheers Ean

**vee8auto** · 26th July 2016, 07:06 PM

As for the transfer case oil, Ravenol TF0870 appears to be an accepted substitute in the UK and Europe for the Land Rover product ( LR part No IYK500010 @ $90 per 1 litre bottle )

Royal Purple also do a product that people have endorsed after reverse engineering the landrover and Magna Steyr specifications.

Its your call.

**PerthDisco** · 1st April 2019, 11:42 AM

Just bought genuine oils to service diffs and transfer box.

Just checking please;

All 8mm Allen sockets?

Also, got two copper washers for transfer box plugs from LR but nothing on the diff plugs? Correct or do you reapply Teflon tape or similar?

**twr7cx** · 2nd April 2019, 07:58 AM

Originally Posted by PerthDisco

Just bought genuine oils to service diffs and transfer box.

I don't know what the genuine diff oil is priced like but for future reference there's aftermarket alternatives available that are not badly priced.
For the transfer box genuine only is my recommendation though.

Originally Posted by PerthDisco

All 8mm Allen sockets?

Think so, but if you watch one of these tutorial videos it should confirm for you:
Differential And Transfer Case Service On LR3

Originally Posted by PerthDisco

Also, got two copper washers for transfer box plugs from LR

I just reused the old copper washers on my transfer box - nil issues or leaks.

Originally Posted by PerthDisco

nothing on the diff plugs? Correct or do you reapply Teflon tape or similar?

Nothing on the diff plugs. They should have a taper to them so eventually get tight themselves. In saying that my rear diff filler plug didn't, wanted to keep winding in < D4 rear diff fill plug - should it go this far in? > - I've ordered a replacement now.

**PerthDisco** · 2nd April 2019, 07:05 PM

Yep I had the diff 8mm fill plugs and 3/8 drain plug.

Problem is torque wrench only 1/2 inch so had to tighten best guess as had no adapter.

Oils were all filled to specified amount and front diff was close as dammit to coming out the fill.

Oils were just over 50,000km and here’s the plugs I don’t think were too badly coated in a fine metal paste and few filings.

202,000kms on the diffs with regular changes hopefully ok and no unpleasant noises.

Front

660ml about exactly came out

Rear

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