When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Decided after 4k miles of break in to just pull the rear diff plug and check the magnet and clean it. I had read that the diffs were supposed to be filled to a level at the fill hole. I expected to have some dribble out when I pulled the plug. Nothing came out but the fluid was just below the hole. Tip of the pinky finger I could touch it. Rear diff calls for 75-140 but I have 6 quarts of 75-90. Should I just leave it alone at the level its at or would topping off with just a few ounces of 75-90 be OK?? I don't mind going and picking up a quart of 140 if needed but would sure be nice to just use some of what I have. THanks! ANd when I checked the level it was on level paved surface.
If you checked it cold, then the level would be lower than when hot. I probably don't need to explain the physics of this to you, but you are in search of a problem that doesn't exist. The level is correct and unless you see signs of a leak, so don't worry, be happy. And don't put the lighter viscosity gear oil in it if it's just killing you to get that last ounce in there.
Does the fill plug have an actual magnet on it? I thought only drain plugs - which we don't have - had magnets.
As stated above, the level sounds OK. Maybe a smidge low, but not enough to worry about. It would be special circumstances for fluid to dribble out when you pull the fill plug. If I fill the differential on a level surface, the fluid will dribble out when it hits the level of the fill hole. I'm not fast enough to get the plug in the hole to stop the dribble, so the next time I pull the plug there is no dribble. If you filled the differential on an uneven surface you can certainly get more fluid into the differential that way, but that's not recommended. That's a good way to get nasty gear lube spewing out the vent hose. I've done that.
Decided after 4k miles of break in to just pull the rear diff plug and check the magnet and clean it. I had read that the diffs were supposed to be filled to a level at the fill hole. I expected to have some dribble out when I pulled the plug. Nothing came out but the fluid was just below the hole. Tip of the pinky finger I could touch it. Rear diff calls for 75-140 but I have 6 quarts of 75-90. Should I just leave it alone at the level its at or would topping off with just a few ounces of 75-90 be OK?? I don't mind going and picking up a quart of 140 if needed but would sure be nice to just use some of what I have. THanks! ANd when I checked the level it was on level paved surface.
Wow! Someone who is taking the time to properly maintain their truck. Impressive!
Does the fill plug have an actual magnet on it? I thought only drain plugs - which we don't have - had magnets.
As stated above, the level sounds OK. Maybe a smidge low, but not enough to worry about. It would be special circumstances for fluid to dribble out when you pull the fill plug. If I fill the differential on a level surface, the fluid will dribble out when it hits the level of the fill hole. I'm not fast enough to get the plug in the hole to stop the dribble, so the next time I pull the plug there is no dribble. If you filled the differential on an uneven surface you can certainly get more fluid into the differential that way, but that's not recommended. That's a good way to get nasty gear lube spewing out the vent hose. I've done that.
THanks all! I will leave it alone and it was stone cold when I checked it. And YEP.... the plug is a magnet. It had some flakes from wear in as I would have expected. Thanks!
I am a crazy freak when it comes to maintenance!!! I keep a binder with every part I buy, services from dealer, every fuel receipt for every drop of fuel that goes into it. I read a LOT on here about people getting new trucks every year or every couple years. I simply cannot do that. If I could, I wouldnt worry and just run them into the ground and trade. BUt I keep my trucks 7-10 years on average so I do all I can. Plus I am chasing a very small noise/harmonic at 70MPH that I thought might be rear diff related. Probably just a noise.. LOL
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
