Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Dana 80 lube fill

[hcpBILL]

What is the proper level to fill my Dana 80 axle? Replacing the old lube with the same amount that came out brings the level to 1/2" below the fill plug hole.

I use Mobil 1 75w90, this has worked well for me in the past.

Thanks



Bill

 

[bombero]

All the thingd that i have read is that i have to remove the rear plate. Bull, I dont want to do that. Its not leaking so why should I. How about just taking out the botton two bolts and letting them drain over nite??

 

[JHerrlich]

bombero - Taking out the bolts won't help, the holes don't go into the differential. You have to crack the seal. Be careful it likes to come out fast if you're a little overzealous when trying to crack the seal.



Bill - That's about right. I don't remember exactly but I think it's supposed to be anywhere from 1/2 inch below the hole to right at the hole. I just filled mine up to the hole and waited for it to stop coming out and put the plug back in.

 

[andrewkoperdak]

Two points.



One: you shuold not just "crack" the bottom open. There is not gasket on a Dana 80, it uses strictly silicone. Once you crack the seal it won't be any good after that. It might not leak for a while longer but it will leak. Taking the plate of the back will give you an opportunity to inspect your rear end. If you still don't want to take the cover off then do as my co-worker does. He has a hand pump that sucks out the fluid. He simply inserts the suction side of the hose into the filler port on the pumpkin. He is a cheapo so he probably got it from Wal - Mart of K-Mart. I am not saying anthing bad about these companies, I am simply stating that you could get the hand pump virtually anywhere. Anyway, mine wasn't leaking either but I took it off a couple of weeks back to change the fluide.

This brings me to my next point.



The DC tech manual calls for 75W90 light duty use; 75W140 synthethic if you are going to tow or work you truck.