gone 30,000 since last rear oil change.

 

if you race and run your car hard you should probably change it once a yr.

 

I recently had my oil changed at my local jiffy lube, and they said they'd do it (rear differntial)for 20 bucks, i thought that was reasonable, but i asked the "service tech", dont you have to remove the cover , he said no, there is a drain hole, i doubt that(on the stock cover) can someone please verify that for me? i ended up declining, though because he did not have any posi limited slip additive which gm uses to keep the gears quieter, but said if I brought some next time he'd add it for me. this may help the original poster and thanks in advance to any repliers.

 

there is no drain plug on the stock cover
one reason why some people switch to ta covers
and the additive doesn't only quiet it, it helps with lubrication

 

Most quick change places can vacuum it out of the fill hole. If you want them to flush it have them do it twice. Otherwise, you need a jack, (pssst... your car comes with one) and jackstands. or improvise, and put something under the rear tires and block the front ones. You will need a gasket, 2 qt. of fluid, a flat screwdriver and a razorblade, a ratchet, and a 13mm socket. Then go to town! You're lucky. I have a 9" in my car, which is NOT fun to change the fluid in.

 

If your SS has an auburn diff. (SLP option) then yes, you do need the limited slip additive.

If it's got the factory torsen then no, you don't need it. Supossedly, the additive will quiet it down a little though so it doesn't hurt to put a bottle in there.

 

ok.. i cant help with the apartment concept.. but for tools..
for every good tool you invest in (because guess what, its reusable!) you can save $100's in repair costs..
I dont agree with the cheap jack and stands idea.. I went with a few of those when I was younger and thought I was saving $ but they arent worth it.. Sears usually has a sale on their 3 ton unit.. comes with 2 jackstands.. professional series. . its a freaking shop jack.. its heavy and does the job.. cost? I paid $100... also suggest getting a craftsman toolset.. one of thier $50-$100 mechanics tool sets would come in handy for you..
Eventually you can get breaker bars and other fun tools... trust me.. nothing is as good a feeling in no only knowing you can do it yourself, but having the right tool for the job..

Heck, if you need a place to do work on cars, ask a friend... or better yet, look at a storage unit.. many people rent out storage space and use it to build their cars..