American Axle proper lube levels

[sag2]

This info is straight from DC Technical Training Group.



The following is the fluid level as shipped from the assembly plant. It is most likely different from the information in the owner’s manual. However, it is the opinion of DC that filling the axle to a level higher (say to the level in owners manual or bottom of the fill plug at worst case) will not have a detrimental effect on the axle (leaks). So it won't hurt anything but your wallet for the extra synthetic lube.



2003 DR light duty (Ram 1500) and Heavy Duty (2500-3500) rear axle fluid level may appear low. Be sure that you are checking the correct level requirement for the axle application.

2003 Light duty 9. 25 Corporate rear axle fluid safe level should be 5/8" below the fill hole. All 2003 light duty DR receive and should be serviced with SAE 75W-140 GL-5 synthetic fluid PN 04874469. Note: if 9. 25 axle has limited slip differential, additive must be added.



2003 Heavy duty (2500-3500) 10. 5 American Axle rear axle fluid safe level should be 3/4" +or- 1/4" below the fill hole. All American Axle's receive and should be serviced with SAE 75W-90 GL-5 synthetic fluid PN 05102232AA. Additive not required if Trac-Rite differential equipped. 2003 Heavy duty 11. 5 American Axle rear axle fluid safe level should be 1" +or- 1/4" below the fill hole. All American Axle's receive and should be serviced with SAE 75W-90 GL-5 synthetic fluid PN 05102232AA. Additive not required if Trac-Rite differential equipped.

 

[Badunit]

The owners manual and service manual basically say "fill it till it runs out the hole or at a minimum fill it to within 1/2" of the hole" (1/4" +/- 1/4"). That's the common and accepted way to fill an axle and has been for years. Trying to fill it to 1" below the fill hole isn't a very easy thing to do.



If they really wanted the level to be lower than "fill it till it runs out", they should have (and I think they would have) put the fill plug lower. I think someone is trying to save a few bucks on oil.



I added a quart to mine to bring it up to the level specified in the manuals. It just doesn't seem right to have the level any lower than that.

 

[Casey Balvert]

I think DC is trying to do the backstroke to make it look like they don't have a quality control issue. I would have a whole lot more respect for them as a corporation if they took responsibility. Just like they wash their hands of the fifth wheel hitch issue. Ultimately the negative press they will get from this sort of thing will do much more harm than the good they derive from the few bucks they might save. Just my two cents.



Casey

 

[Double 6]

It sounds to me that American Axle screwed up and should make the differential covers with the fill plug at least 3/4" lower than they are now, its crazy having the oil level 1'' below the plug as they are now, so you won't have axle seal leaks.

I've always filled my diffs. on older trucks to within a 1/8" of full with no problems.

GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER AMERICAN AXLE, YOUR ENGINEERS SCREWED UP!!!!!!!!