Differential Question

[EEdmondson]

There are several ways to to fill the differentials on the third generation trucks. Does anyone on this forum know what is right? Here are two links to the same TSB that don't agree on the oil: http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2004/03-001-04A.htm

http://home.satx.rr.com/sandmanxx/axle-fluid.pdf



Also is the fill level to the line or measured below the fill hole? Unless I can get an answer, I think I will fill mine to 1/2" below the hole since that will either be on the high side of filling to the line or the low end of filling to 1/4" below the hole.



Here's a link to this confusing discussion on the DTR: http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/dev/showthread.php?s=&threadid=54173

 

[rbattelle]

This debate has raged since these new axles came out. It's gone back and forth from "up to the fill hole" to "1/2 +/- 1/4 below fill hole" since the beginning of time itself (well, maybe not that long).



I have performed 2 differential fluid changes on my truck. In both cases I put 3 quarts up front and 4 quarts out back. I have completely stock axles. In front, 3 quarts full will be slowly running out the fill hole. In back, 4 quarts will bring it just below (maybe 1/4 inch) the fill hole.



My logic in doing it this way is: how, exactly, does one go about measuring precisely how far below the fill hole the surface of the oil is? It's impossible, unless you've got a clear cover! If AAM felt the level were that critical, they would have provided a dipstick or a clear sightglass of some sort. So I used 3 quarts up front and 4 quarts out back and I have no partial quarts left to wonder what to do with.



-Ryan