Checking diff f/r and x-case fluid levels

First off I will say that I have searched before asking this but I cannot get passed all the threads that have been created gripping about 3rd gen fluid levels being so low from factory haha. I do not have a problem just a simple question, do you have to change the washers on fill plugs if you are wanting to check the fluid level and has anyone had any ill effects from not changing them after just a check? I changed all three at 15K because I wanted to do a mid "break in" period change but will change at 30K intervals for regular maintenance. When I did my change I did notice the factory levels being a tad low but not alarming. I did jack each side up to allow majority of the old stuff to drain. I filled new to proper levels and since I did the extra raising to drain most of old I let the new fluids sit for 10 mins or so to fill in the voids. I just want to recheck my levels now and want to make sure before I do if I need to go ahead and by new fill plug washers. I wish I would have thought about checking before I torqued the new fill washers down because I would have put the old ones on first and drove around the block, come back do my check and then torque the new to spec. Will remember that for next time lol. Thanks in advance!

 

You should be fine, I've never changed the washers on mine in three fluid changes.

 

Thanks! I didn't think the fill would be as big of a problem or issue over the drain plug ones. Some say always change gaskets and some say they never have. Thanks for the info. I will recheck tomorrow.