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All done. Buttoned back up.... only thing left is to wait until trans filter gets here... then do trans fluid. If you don't have one of these air driven dispensers..... get one! All 3 5 gal buckets are gone.... and the dispenser is about 3/4 full... after refilling 3x...

Front axle similar to center axle. Other darker tinted gray fluid, nothing out of the ordinary. I think I picked up at least 20 new mosquito bites, though.

transfer case next instead of front diff.... it was closer... 🤣 Dark Grey almost black... not a lot of sludge on drain magnet but enough that I needed to wipe it off. I think it's safe to say this truck had nearly no maintenance by the FD that owned it. No wonder they got rid of it...

Center axle more of the same but definitely darker fluid, and more material on plug. Also different style drain plug. These things sure do take a while to drain. I hope I'll have enough time to tackle the transfer case...

Tackling the diffs today. Rear was mostly amber with a hint of Grey, indicates water intrusion, and given the fact it was a brush/rescue truck for a beach, that's entirely expected. It did appear slightly underfilled. Very minor sludge on the magnet, almost imperceptible... which... for 30k...

Took it out for a road test. Brakes seemed to be binding for the first couple hundred feet or so then released. I braked when approaching a gate, let off the brakes, and it released, but then seemed like it wanted to grab and I had to hit the throttle otherwise I would be coming to a stop...

Rain came and washed everything away. Got oil back in it, super easy now that the oil change is exactly 5 gallons. Started it up, no hesitation, seemed quieter. Full synthetic 15w40. Next step will be a grab handle, and investigate some 395s to replace the aging 1400s.

Oh boy, today has been fun. Ordered the 'long' oil filter, because extra filtration is better, right? Not when it's too long to fit where it needs to go. There's $60 down the drain ( I ordered 2, non-returnable)....and on top of that, while I can order the right filter for $35, it won't be here...

That's why you use 4300, not Marquee

Yes, and no. A lot has changed, even in the last 5 years. LiFePo4 is actually more cost effective (and lighter) than SLA.. It used to be ~$1K for 100AH of Li battery.. That number is now lower than $300 (for the basic, no frills batteries). A Lithium battery can be discharged 100%, whereas...

If the lines are that bad, it's easier/cheaper to replace them. Motor oil and ATF have a TON of detergents. It will get a lot of stuff, but won't really touch 60+ years of varnish, gunk, and rust, that is in the tank of most deuces these days. Keep in mind that you can dislodge stuff that can...

Any drivability issues or things to note?

Personally, I'd use seafoam, 2 stroke oil, MMO, PowerService Diesel KLEEN and diesel...but that's just me... Keep in mind that any unused fuel just gets sent back to the tank. If you really want to clean things out you can do a closed cycle purge, that I've posted about in other threads. Start...

Why do you keep assuming I'm running SLA? Yes, 1200W is generally enough to more than keep up with usage. The larger battery bank is to offset days with poor solar. A 1200W solar array on an average day (5 hours, more in summer, less in winter, and that's only peak solar) would generate...

I know the math. :D These batteries can accept more than 100A EA, and there will be at least 4 of them. I just want them to recharge as quickly as possible in the event that there's clouds for a week and my 1200W+ planned solar array is only putting out 100W and isn't keeping up with the loads...

You can also get a DC->DC charger which regulates both incoming and outgoing voltage/amperage. So, for example, you get a 50A charger, and it'll only draw 50A, not max out 200A and trickle down. I plan on getting the biggest alternator I can find, as I plan on at least 20kwh @ 24V, and want to...

I'll be upgrading wiring to feed a 20kwh+ battery bank in the rear.

Seems like there are 2 prevalent models. A 75A and 140A. Anything higher than that?

Just as an update to this thread..... There's a larger body version available from another manufacturer for big trucks (ours) that greatly increases drain speed. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0776366W4

The only restriction with LiFePo is you can't charge them below freezing. They normally generate some heat in use so they tend to self-regulate. Worse case is they make battery heaters specifically for that purpose.