Can't get correct amount of diff fluid in rear diff.

I'm in the process of changing my rear differential fluid I have the old fluid drained out, and am now filling it up with new fluid the factory service manual says 2.8 quarts for short model or 3.18 quarts for extra long model with rear locker. I have an extra cab TRD with locker and I can only get about 2.5 quarts in.

Any and all input on why this is would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

Fill till oil is coming out of fill hole, drive it around the block a few times check oil level if good you're done.

 

and if it ain't good, put in somemore.

 

X2. After a little ride you will probably have to add a little more then call it good.

 

Fill axle with oil until it starts to come out the fill hole. Replace fill plug. Wait five minutes and add some more if needed.

 

Thanks for the speedy replies!! Should I be at all worried if even after the steps mentioned above I dont have the specified amount according to the FSM?

Thanks

 

As long as it's trickling out of the fill hole you're good...

 

As long as its full I dont see a problem. When you drained the oil did everything look ok? Have you noticed any issues from your rear axle?

I wouldn't sweat it

 

Full it until it dribbles out, let is get into the axle tubes, and top it up. If it's dribbling out of the fill plug when on a level surfce you're good to go

 

No problems with rear axle at all, old fluid looked good but of course I wasn't smart enough to measure it before dumping it into the rest of the used oils. Its full right now I'll drive it a bit and then top it off in the morning. Thanks for all the input. I have a bit of a problem over-thinking things.

Thanks again for all the input!

 

You're a Chevy Mechanic?

 

Well, somebody had to ask!

 

You should not be worried.

 

The amounts given in the owners manual and fsm are the same called out in the Chiltons manual. They say the capacities called out are "approximate" and to add as necessary to bring to appropriate level which they say to be at the bottom of the plug opening. The Toyota Factory Service Manual says to add as nessesary to get the level within 5mm (0 to 0.20 in.) of the bottom of the filler plug opening.

 

I found the problem

 

Haha, no I used to be, also used to be a Chevy truck fan then wised up and got my first Toyota in 2009, now I have 3. Thanks again for all the advise.

 

If when you drained the old, if the axle was not level, some of the oil was down in the lower of the two axle tubes.

 

Keep adding fluid till it comes out the hole on level ground then you should be fine check out this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMUr9i53Y9Q