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I got today four quarts of Amsoil for the rear axel for my 03 Chey 2500 Duramax. How much does the rear axel hold? I cannot find it in the manual anywhere.. Willl four quarts be enough? I use to fill to the first joint of my finger..Is this ok??


Tomhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif</TD></TR>
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You should be fine with four. I believe it is about 2 1/2 quarts. Are you going to take the cover off or just remove the drain plug?

The stock diff takes 4 quarts. The front takes 2. Most of our trucks came from the factory with roughly HALF the fluid they should have had in them. I hope you're changing/refilling relatively quickly.


I put the Mag-Hytec rear diff cover on my truck. Now my rear axle takes 8 quarts! The new cover also has a magnetic drain plug and magnetic dipstick. A bit pricey, but a nice addition, and it was fun to install for a newbie wrench like myself.


You don't need to remove your OEM diff cover to change the oil--there's a drain plug in the bottom. It takes a 3/8 drive extension (no socket). I would fill until fluid just starts to come out of the fill hole--not to one digit on your finger.


Good luck!


Terel

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If you changed your oil once before than why are you asking how much it takes?


I also made a mistake on the amount earlier. I used 3 quarts when I changed mine. I always fill it untill it starts to come out of the fill hole.


One other thing to keep in mind if you take a boat to the ramp alot of times in a year, is that you should change your rear end fluid about every year. The water will tend to push out your oil through the vent line and then you will need to replace your seals and bearings.


terel, how does an after market cover for an axle increase your oil level by 4 or more quarts? I would think somthing of that size would enterrupt with the spare tire.

As for the boat ramp you only need to watch it/change it if you have to submerge the axle tubes under the water. When I launch the water only goes up to the rim on the stock tires. Still plenty of room to go before I need to worry about water in the rear diff.

akdiesel,


It comes pretty close to hitting the spare. Here's a couple photos. On one of them look at the top and you can see the threaded, magnetic dipstick. This diff cover uses a LARGE O-ring that's embedded in the mating surface with the pumpkin--no leaking whatsoever, no gooey silicone gasket maker or paper gaskets. Very trick. Raised fins also help vent heat off the diff....http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/9B3_IMG_2811.JPG


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/28A_IMG_2810.JPG

terel,


That does look close, but it looks good. It also looks like you have the 245 spare in there. I hope you don't plan on using it when called for.


The added O-ring seal is a nice touch. Makes you wonder why they did not come out with that from the factory.

akdiesel,


Thanks, I dig the look, too. It'll become more visible when I throw a 4" lift on her someday. I'll probably run 33"s or 35"s. Not sure which yet.


Regarding the spare, you're right--245 (stocker). I've never had flat in her (or in my last truck) so I'm crossing my fingers. I will probably just take the spare out someday. That will free up space for a much larger aftermarket fuel tank. Then, if I take a long trip, I can throw a spare in the bed or something. With Onstar, I guess if I get a flat, i can just have someone come pick up the truck.


Do you think it would run anything to drive a short distance with the unevenly sized spare? The rest are 285s. Like 5 or 10 miles? I'd rather ask now than when I'm on the side of the road.


~Terel

I would not attempt to run any distance with a 245 and 285's. May be a short distance with a 265. I am not sure if your 2004 has the all time 4wheel like on the Yukons.


I took my spare off when I got my 285's and sold all five of my tires. I need to get a spare since my copilots name is Murphy and any day now, but I do keep a close eye on them.