Front diff fluid change with RCI skid

For those who have a front RCI skid plate. Do I need to remove the skid plate to change the front diff fluid?

Thanks in advance

 

I Have CBI's which are a similar design. Mine had to come off. Id plan on taking yours off.

 

Thanks. I just thought about the skid plate as I was ordering the fluid.

 

... but it was such a PITA to put on I have the exact scenario with this PM coming up at 30k. I glaced underneath and it looked like I could get away with not removing, making a little mess, and go about my day. I need to get a better look, what about removing most of the fluid from the fill hole and then removing the drain plug?

 

I had a shop recently change my Diff fluids, transfer case, and transmission (and engine oil) and every one of my three plates had to come up. Im moving my steering reservoir, gotta take the front one off for that. Also have gears and lockers going in next month, and down the line a transmission cooler.

I put the plates on because my cats got stolen. Now I find myself taking them off all of the time. lol

 

This thread prompted me to check lol. Front RCI skid pictured, I can see both drain and fill holes for the front differential. I think it can be done but I'd like to see what you all think.

 

No need to remove it.
Get one of those moldable funnels or use a bunch of aluminum foil and drape it over the skid plate lip to keep fluid from getting on the top of the plate (not that it will hurt anything if it does).

Use a long extension on your ratchet to get out past the moldable funnel so you don’t knock it out of place with the ratchet handle when loosening.

 

I did mine with my RCI Skids on, not hard at all!!!!

 

I left my RCI plate on and drained the diff using a moldable funnel.

 

a moldable funnel rubber or silicone funnel would be able to stop the fluid from draining back onto the skid plate?

 

Yes. I had a very small spot of oil to wipe up. You can control the flow by leaving the fill plug cracked open a little.

I removed my wheel for better access.

 

I did mine about a month ago with the skid plate on. Makes it a bit messy, but it’s doable.