Differential fluid level -- Use a flashlight...not your finger.

[frioman]

This may be common knowledge, but it may save someone a bit of time.

When changing and refilling the fluid in my differentials and transfer case I initially thought I would simply use my finger to feel the 1/2" level below the filler. That didn't seem to work; especially, after loosing some feeling in my fingers due to cold. What DID work great is using a bright flashlight to actually see the level.

And I highly recommend wearing some kind of "hardhat" when working around the truck. Believe me...you never ever want to hit your head on an open cab door when you crawl out and stand up. I find a plastic simulated baseball batting helmet to work best.

 

[Flyingvan911]

A piece of wire with a right angle works too. Just make sure to put a big loop in the other end so you can't accidently drop it in the hole.

 

[joesco]

Great suggestions!

 

[Floridianson]

What is wrong with what all the manufactures say and fill the till they overflow and replace the plug?

 

[oboyjohn]

I had always told my newbie mechanics to close the doors on the deuces and 5 tons. When they asked why, I would show them my scar in the middle of my back. That was a lesson learned, i'd say, and I don't want you guys ( and a few gals) to experience it.

 

[PowerstrokeNC]

What is wrong with what all the manufactures say and fill the till they overflow and replace the plug?

This is what I have been told before as well... wrong?

 

[M35A2-AZ]

One of my little rules, when you are working under the trucks you always close the doors.

 

[Flyingvan911]

One knuckle or all the way full doesn't make much of a difference in my experience. The transmission on my deuce overflows just before you reach the proper amount of lube anyway.

 

[Floridianson]

When they rolled off the line how full were they?

 

[frioman]

In the Lube Order (6) it states the following -- "Fill axle differentials and transfer case within 1/2 inch (12.7millimeters) of filler plug opening, when lubricant is cold, or to plug level when hot."

 

[frioman]

This is the type of "helmet" I wear when working under the truck. Light weight and almost like a cap. Not too cool, but much better than hitting my head or rubbing hair against grease.

 

[m1010plowboy]

Thanks for the visual on that. I sliced the rear end of my tail bone on the faucet climbing out of the tub one day. The girl looking over my shoulder reading your thread, now thinks I should wear that hat around the house.

 

[bchauvette]

What is wrong with what all the manufactures say and fill the till they overflow and replace the plug?

Yeah that's what I thought. Just filled all thee diffs. to level with hole now everything that can leak is leaking. Thanks for the post was worried.

 

[bchauvette]

In the Lube Order (6) it states the following -- "Fill axle differentials and transfer case within 1/2 inch (12.7millimeters) of filler plug opening, when lubricant is cold, or to plug level when hot."

Silly me I assumed industry standard. Fill to opening cold.

 

[Floridianson]

In the Lube Order (6) it states the following -- "Fill axle differentials and transfer case within 1/2 inch (12.7millimeters) of filler plug opening, when lubricant is cold, or to plug level when hot."

Yes I can see 1/2 inch cold but 2 inches or second knuckle. One would think if there is a bad seal or improper seal seating then there would be leakage. I have filled my Deuce's Transmission to the plug and no problems of it leaking out of the input shaft. As far a axles go same thing if the seals are correct then there was no problem. Yes there is plenty of lube in a axle even if carried a second knuckle to operate I believe. I look at it like gas tank. A can will run fine with a 1/4 tank of fuel but I like to see a full tank. If my axle will not leak when it is toped off thats how I run it. If there is a leak from bad seal I fix it. One thing I don't agree with is the silicone used in the key way. Have seen where someone put it all the way down the key way. Any grease on any part of where the silicone is ment to bond will be a release place. I have used the cork but switched to a wad of my shop towels which are the blue ones you get at any parts place. Never had a key way leak yet.

 

[wreckerman893]

I took the above advice. Put on the helmet with a miner's light attached. Attempted to check the moisture level in the Boss Lady's primary gearbox. She said no way am I getting in bed with that helmet on. Go figure.

 

[Floridianson]

Yeah that's what I thought. Just filled all thee diffs. to level with hole now everything that can leak is leaking. Thanks for the post was worried.

Did you ever remove the hubs and repack bearings and put in new seal correctely and torque correctely?

In the Lube Order (6) it states the following -- "Fill axle differentials and transfer case within 1/2 inch (12.7millimeters) of filler plug opening, when lubricant is cold, or to plug level when hot."

Winner Winner Chicken dinner. Doghead's TM's come through.

 

[frioman]

If you're asking me about repacking bearings and torque, the answer is no. Haven't done that yet.

 

[Wildchild467]

And I highly recommend wearing some kind of "hardhat" when working around the truck. Believe me...you never ever want to hit your head on an open cab door when you crawl out and stand up. I find a plastic simulated baseball batting helmet to work best.

I DID THAT! I hit my head on the corner of my open drivers door after coming back up from petting a dog. my head bled pretty good and I can still feel the scar!

 

[74M35A2]

I DID THAT! I hit my head on the corner of my open drivers door after coming back up from petting a dog. my head bled pretty good and I can still feel the scar!