Which torque wrench?

[RalphA]

I plan to change the oil in my differentials, '97 TJ, four cylinder and will need to torque the bolts. Autozone needs to know which kind of torque wrench I will need, foot pounds or inch pounds. I bought Permatex for the cover, but will I need to go to Chrysler for a gasket? Thanks. :confused:

[KennethS]

Foot-pounds. I just did my front and used a bead of silicone around the cover. Three weeks and a trip to Crown King and no leaks.

[RalphA]

Thanks Kenneth. I'll have a go at it.

[KennethS]

I replied to your message in a hurry before I went to a meeting, and I realized right afterwards that you are just doing an oil change. I just got out of the meeting and came back to my computer to clarify my response. Sorry I didnt't get back sooner, though.

Foot-pound torque wrench would be used for ring gear and carrier bearing cap bolts. Since I installed a locker I took the carrier out, I needed the foot-pound wrench, which for some reason is what I thought you were doing.

Inch-pound torque wrench would be used for diff cover bolts, if you actually torque them. I say this because it is not mandatory to torque the cover bolts. I typically snug them down by feel - turn all the bolts until they contact the cover and loosely pull it against the housing, then go around in a cross pattern tightening them until they are snug. I usually go over them twice, once with light pressure and then again with greater pressure, not so much that I actually "lean" on the wrench, but just an open-handed moderate pressure.

Again, sorry about the confusion.

[RalphA]

Thank you for the clairification, I appreciate you taking the time. I knew I could snug the cover bolts in but I thought a torque wrench would come in handy for other work on the Jeep if I am successful with the oil changes. LOL Thanks again, Ralph