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D44 axle vent

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by leecj5, Sep 19, 2009.

  1. leecj5

    leecj5 Lurker

    I have a 1965 CJ5 with the two piece rear D44 axel, I believe is original. It had a small amount of differential fluid leaking from the bottom of the pumpkin only after driving. I decided to check for a plugged vent.

    Checking the top of the entire differential I could not find any sign of a vent or a place for one.

    Did some differentials come without a vent?
    Should one be added?
    From what I've read not having a vent can blow the axel seals.
     
    leecj5, Sep 19, 2009
    #1
  2. grannyscj

    grannyscj Headed to the Yukon

    Re: D44 axel vent

    OK I'm not totally familiar w/ the D41 or the Early D44s but I believe there is a small orifice type hole about mid axle on each side. Do a quick look for those on the top side of each axle tube, if not there I'm probably wrong. I'm sure someone else will verify or debunk my claims.:v6:
     
    grannyscj, Sep 19, 2009
    #2
  3. Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    Re: D44 axel vent

    Driver side, near the spring pad, on the back of the tube, there is a small hole, which is the vent.
     
    Patrick, Sep 19, 2009
    #3
  4. nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Which are generally plugged with crud.
     
    nickmil, Sep 20, 2009
    #4
  5. Walt Couch

    Walt Couch sidehill Cordele, Ga. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    And painted over..
     
    Walt Couch, Sep 20, 2009
    #5
  6. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    [​IMG]

    H.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Sep 20, 2009
    #6
  7. Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    Yes, if they haven't been tended to..
     
    Patrick, Sep 20, 2009
    #7
  8. alex211

    alex211 Member

    So, if you went into a deep puddle wouldn't the water just rush into the differential housing? Seems like a stupid design.
     
    alex211, Sep 20, 2009
    #8
  9. leecj5

    leecj5 Lurker

    Thanks for the help, at least now I know where to look for the vent.
    Then clean it out.
    The picture made made it very clear.
     
    leecj5, Sep 20, 2009
    #9
  10. Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    Well, in theory, the axle housing would be warmer than the temp. of the water, causing a positive pressure inside it, not allowing water to enter.

    That's my theory anyway....
     
    Patrick, Sep 20, 2009
    #10
  11. mike starck

    mike starck Member

    the hole for the vent is a 1/8 NPT and has a vent screwed into it.they are available from most axle shops. some like to have a remote mounted vent.pics of the rear vent on my cj5.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    most any type hose will work,just make it long enough for full suspension drop.

    mike s.
     
    mike starck, Sep 21, 2009
    #11