My '80 245 DL has been in need of a new rear end for quite some time now.

My first question is where the sucker drains. I know there is a plug on the back end of it, but it's not in a "drain friendly" location if I remember correctly.

How should I go about replacing the fluid if I decide to give that a shot first? What kind of fluid does that thing take?

I was wondering if anyone has had any success with pulling any rear ends out of junk yard cars. It sure seems like it's going to be a rather messy job, but if I have to do it, I'll do it.

Were the later rear ends any different then the earlier ones?

My car has a M-46 transmission, and I'd like to keep the gear ratios similar to what they are now (although I wouldn't mind a bit of tweaking, just a bit.)

Anything I should prepare for? Any special tools needed?

Thanks as always.
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If you listen to the radio in Portland, OR, you may know me as 'Portland's Favorite Soul Brother!'