Can't fit enough lube in rear end

We just replaced the diff on a 2002 Tacoma (4wd with elocker).

Everything I read says 3.1qts of oil in the rear end, with the non e-locker being 2.7qts.

The thing is, I can't fit more than about 2.5 qts in before it reaches the absolute max. I can look in with a flashlight and see the level is even with the bottom of the fill plug. Add any more and it starts overflowing.

The videos I see just show a guy filling it and saying "there you go, all done!".

The truck isn't *exactly* level, but fairly close I'd say. We took it around the block just now for the first time in months, I'll check the level after I eat lunch.

Any thoughts?

 

Send it. If you fill it til it's coming out the fill hole it's as full as it's gonna get.

 

It's full if it's to the bottom of the fill plug. Don't overthink it.

 

True, which is why I'm not too concerned.

BUT.. What about after a few drives and the oil disperses more into the axle tubes from sloshing around? Refill to full if the level checks lower?

 

Checking it again after a test drive is a good idea but I doubt the level will show much lower if at all. The axle tubes may hold a few oz at best

I think the capacity in the manual is wrong or was taken with the pinion angle set at 0 rather than with the pinion angle the axle is installed with under a stock truck.

 

Yeah, it's hard to envision exactly what might rest in the tubes, when the diff is full of oil. When we had the axles out I looked inside the tubes with a flashlight and it looked like there were ridges in the tube, maybe even to discourage oil from flowing to each end. Idk.

 

Remember, when you drain it, you don't get all the oil out... you get most of it out. A little more than half a quart is still in there - coating every surface, trapped in small pockets between gears, etc. So, when you put new oil in, you can only fit (apparently) 2.5qts. You'll find the same to be true with all fluids - the capacity in the manual is from "dry" when the truck is built at the factory.

Get it to the fill hole and you're good to go!

 

The title is amazing!

 

When doing rear end work, lube is very important!

 

That's the thing, we replaced the diff and cleaned out the housing. There was zero lube in before the fill. I think one of the other responses may be on to something - the angle of the rear end. The truck is lifted a bit so naturally the angle of the rear end is altered.

Whatever the reason, I checked the level yesterday after a test drive and was able to put a smidge more lube in. Full is full, I'm okay with it.

 

That's what she said.

 

Absolutely!!

 

As long as the oil spills out of the fill hole you're good to go.

Unless you're using angle shims, the angle of the 3rd member doesn't not change when you lift the truck - drive line angle, sure, but the axle housing does not. Angle shims are usually in the 2 or 3 degree range. Not really going to make a massive difference in the amount of gear oil you can get in there.

 

Saw title, clicked, disappointed

 

Yeah, like he said , make sure the vents clean otherwise your new oil will be running out the drums....

 

QFT ... content does not disappoint either.

unsub'd

 

I was gonna say "try harder" lol

 

This thread is GREAT!

From the title
To all the responses tryin to be serious and help

But MOSTLY to all the jokes about the thread name!!

 

Will someone give this man a hand?