'05 differential fluid capacity

[alexanderJ]

I have a 2005 2WD CTD 2500. Years ago I put a PML cover on the rear differential and when replacing the fluid filling it until the fluid would start to run out the side fill hole. This usually ended up being 4.5 quarts.

Last week I had the front seal of the rear end replaced. On changing the fluid this time it took 5 quarts to fill to the side hole. I don't know if when the seal is replaced fluid that would not normally leave the differential occurs.

Should I be concerned about over filling the rear end?

I've never actually seen the recommended amount of fluid to be used with the higher capacity PML cover.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

I have a 2005 2WD CTD 2500. Years ago I put a PML cover on the rear differential and when replacing the fluid filling it until the fluid would start to run out the side fill hole. This usually ended up being 4.5 quarts.

Last week I had the front seal of the rear end replaced. On changing the fluid this time it took 5 quarts to fill to the side hole. I don't know if when the seal is replaced fluid that would not normally leave the differential occurs.

Should I be concerned about over filling the rear end?

I've never actually seen the recommended amount of fluid to be used with the higher capacity PML cover.

Diff fill procedure is the same for all fluids really. Fill on a level surface to the mfg. spec and check the dipstick. As long as your truck was on a level surface when you filled the diff there shouldn't be any issues.

By front seal do you mean front pinion seal?

 

[alexanderJ]

Diff fill procedure is the same for all fluids really. Fill on a level surface to the mfg. spec and check the dipstick. As long as your truck was on a level surface when you filled the diff there shouldn't be any issues.

By front seal do you mean front pinion seal?

Can't use mfg. spec as the after market PML cover adds additional fluid to diff. I don't know the exact amount. No dipstick to check.

Yes, front pinion seal.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

Can't use mfg. spec as the after market PML cover adds additional fluid to diff. I don't know the exact amount. No dipstick to check.

Yes, front pinion seal.

I didn't mean the diff had a dipstick, I was referencing in general for fluids... You fill the diff till oil is level at the bottom of the fill hole. If you have a higher capacity diff cover its going to take more fluid to be at the mfg. recommended level. If the aftermarket diff cover isn't designed with a horizontal fill port/sight glass/or specified oil amount then you'll have to do the math.

It doesn't make sense to design an aftermarket diff cover without a new oil specification amount or a similarly designed mfg. fill port.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

The part number is for a 12" AAM but the covers look the same for the 11.5s. Fill, Drain, Level. your cover should have three holes.

 

[bcbender]

Fill quandy will vary also with RAR... A 3:42, 3:73, 4:10 RnP are all different sizes and displace different volumes, so always need to check the actual level on the vehicle. Most published values are just a guide to let you know approximately how much fluid to purchase.

 

[alexanderJ]

Yes, that's what I'm thinking. It's been so long since I installed the cover I'm not sure if the manufacturer stated a capacity or not. The issue is why the additional .5 qt this time?

The PML cover has been on the truck for over 3 fluid changes now. The first two required 4.5 quarts. The last one done this week took 5 quarts to bring it to "the hole for level check" as in the picture above. My question is should I be concerned about the additional .5 qt ?? Regardless of the amount, I can't see any issue as long as fluid is not above the side hole.

 

[AH64ID]

I’m guessing the cover came off this time, vs just draining with the cover on?

As long as the truck is level and it’s at the proper fill level you are fine.

 

[alexanderJ]

No, cover stayed on as usual. My garage floor is level and this is exactly the same location as previous changes.

Thanks for input. I'm going to drive the truck today, and then remove the side level hole plug and see if it pushes any fluid out.

 

[AH64ID]

I wouldn’t be too concerned.

Let it cool for a few hours before you pull the full plug.

 

[alexanderJ]

Copy that.

 

[alexanderJ]

Not to beat this dead horse, but I pulled the side plug and got no overflow, and the level was still perfect at the hole. The only explanation I've come up with is the fact that when I drained the fluid it was still warm from a 30 minute drive. Normally I drain it cold, but completely.

Maybe since it was warm it caused a more effective draining and hence the extra .5 quart space was opened up. Unless someone can give me a good reason, I think I'm just going to drive it.

 

[seafish]

^^^
In fact even Dodge specs +- 1/4” from the fill hole on the OEM diff cover.
You theory on the extra 1/2 quart is likely correct but even then it makes no difference if it is or not,
In other words, there is no good reason not to just drive it.

 

[AH64ID]

Not to beat this dead horse, but I pulled the side plug and got no overflow, and the level was still perfect at the hole. The only explanation I've come up with is the fact that when I drained the fluid it was still warm from a 30 minute drive. Normally I drain it cold, but completely.

Maybe since it was warm it caused a more effective draining and hence the extra .5 quart space was opened up. Unless someone can give me a good reason, I think I'm just going to drive it.

Sounds like you’re good. Don’t stress it.