Where/how to check differential fluid level

[boonsur]

Just got my truck, leaving in a few hours on a fairly long trip. Need to double-check my fluids, to ensure I get there (thanks D/C ).



I expected the fill (check) plug to be near the top of the unit(s). The only obvious plug I see is located on the outside face, near or below centerline of the axle. Looks like about a 3/8 drive to remove?



Is this the proper plug, or will I have a really big mess if I remove it (drain plug?)? What is the lowest acceptable level (if I find it's 3/4" low, should I be concerned)?



Thanks!

 

[Sparky 794]

That is the correct plug, as a matter of fact I just checked mine last night and found the rear was a quart low and the front was just under a pint low. Hope this helps.

 

[Rwhedges]

Fluid checks

It's a good idea to check ALL your fluid levels on the underside. I just got my truck and I told the salesman that I wanted them checked in the differentials and transfer case because I had heard many were being shipped low. As I was at the dealership they took my truck to the service bay and put it on a lift but I now know they didn't even check it, just show I guess. Checked them myself today and found the front was about 1 pint low, the rear was not to bad, maybe 1/2 pint and the transfer case was nearly a quart low. Glad I decided to check them myself!!!

 

[Prairie Dog]

Your transfer case was nearly a quart low? Jeez, it only holds 2 quarts .

 

[Rwhedges]

Prairie Dog...

Yeppers... thats what I thought to:--) . . and they want me to put all smilies on my survey... ..... they will be seeing my smilies in the morning

 

[kaffine krazed]

Question on level of fluid in the rear axle. How high are you filling it? Until it flows out the fill plug?

 

[Boonieman]

Fluid level on differential... . stick your finger inside and it should be about 1/4" below the hole. If you fill til it runs out it really won't hurt anything except make a mess each time you pull the plug to check it.

 

[Chris N5CWM]

Mag Hytec!

Mag -Hytec is the way to go. Extra fluid capacity, dipstick with a magnet for quick checking of fluid level and a large hole for filling. Also a drain plug at the bottom with a magnet. If you want to run a gauge there is even a threaded port for the probe! Exellent product.

 

[yogibear]

Need some info from you 03 3500 guys. I dropped my spare to install my Mag-Hytek cover, and the spare was put on with the valve stem down, dished out part of rim down. I had a heck of a time getting the hold up part of the winch out of the rim. Is that the correct way? I thought the valve stem went up, so you couldn't check the air in the spare. Its supposed to get down in the teens tonight and hi in 20's tomorrow, so would like to get it on. TIA,



Larry

 

[yogibear]

TTT, I sure would appreciate an answer to my ? I suppose I posted in the wrong forum, but the "Other" doesn't get on newly posted threads. Thanks,



Larry

 

[bighammer]

My valvestem is pointing down as well. It would make the monthly spare tire air pressure check more difficult otherwise.

 

[yogibear]

Thanks Bighammer, I'll go put it back like that. Its really a bearcat to get the winch line out of the center tho, for me anyway. Better carry a 4X4 to let the spare down on, that spare is heavy, then my arms are short, like the rest of me.



Larry

 

[drtrox]

Hi all, just took delivery of my 03 on Wednesday. Got home and checked the diffs and found them "low". Notified the dealer and they responded with a fax about the fill level, fluid spec and break-in procedure. The following is the text to that fax because I didn't have any luck trying to scan and post the actual fax...





American Axles



Dodge Trucks are now using American Axles for 2003 and later. Please make sure your Service Department is using the correct lubricant and adhering to the correct flu levels.



These axles do not require Friction Modifier, but do require a special synthetic lubricant. According to American Axle, this 75W-90 lubricant part number listed below is a pure synthetic lubricant and does not contain Phosphates. This is different from the 75W-I40 that is used on DANA and Corporate Axles.



Please use Mopar Part # 05102232AA on all American Axles



Caution: Overfilling these Axles may result in lubricant foaming and overheating!



Please adhere to the fill levels described in the vehicle owner's manual or levels listed below.



9. 25 Front: 1/4" +/- 1/4" (Total of 1/2" below fill hole)

10. 5 Rear: 3/4" +/- 1/4" (Total of l" below fill hole)

11. 5 Rear: 1/2" +/- 1/4" (Total of 3/4" below Fall hole)





Reminder

 A break in period of 500 miles is required before towing!

 Afterwards do not exceed 50 MPH for the first 500 miles of towing.





\...

Dana & Corporate Axles

Both of these axles require the 75W-140 Synthetic lubricant available through Mopar Parts when used for towing. (See Owners Manual)