I'm planning on putting my '82 Trans Am up on blocks to undercoat the new underbody, so I figured I'd do a little rearend maintenance.

First things first, I would need to change the differential oil. What brand/weight oil do you guys recommend. I heard not to use synthetic because of possible leaking, but other than that I have no idea.

Also, I'd like to check all the bearings, teeth, bushings, and other crap that might be known to fail, along with (trying to) align the driveshaft.

I got a Chilton Firebird shop manual in the garage, but it's too cold to go dig around for it, and I doubt it would be much help anyways.

I can't really afford a new rearend or a rebuild. I can only replace cheaper parts and scrounge around in the local yard for whatever else I might need (in 10 degrees and 2 ft. of snow).

Anyone out there experienced enough with this kind of work to help me out?

 

So... I'm guessing the topic name isn't drawing many views.

 

unfortunately not too many people do their own rearend and trans work.....

i have yet to do my rearend, i know whats involved but been putting it off.
trans is also on the to-do list..

anyway, look around at some other post, just read one about do a rearend... you need an indicator and some marking compound to see if everything is within specs, check the pinion, the backlash and the mesh of the gears with marking compound. shim if needed.

as for lube i use the royal purple synthetic. but my pinion has been leaking, that sucks, cuz it is expensive but not nearly as much as doing new gears!