Wrong Fluid Levels?

F8Demon · Feb 28, 2021

Seen a lot of talk about fluid levels being low in diffs and transfer case. Wondering what was determined as too low from the manufacturer (source) and if there have been levels seen below that. Not looking for answers like; "my 86 chevy called for X so that is what I have always done"
I'm more concerned if there are different levels of fluid across different trucks, as that points to a lack of control in the process.

Caliche · Feb 28, 2021

F8Demon said:
Seen a lot of talk about fluid levels being low in diffs and transfer case. Wondering what was determined as too low from the manufacturer (source) and if there have been levels seen below that. Not looking for answers like; "my 86 chevy called for X so that is what I have always done"
I'm more conerned if there are different levels of fluid across different trucks, as thats points to a lack of control in the process.

I believe the majority of the problems have been with the front diff. Lower than normal fluid level. Hopefully those guys that had this problem can pipe in. Did you get your truck yet? Cheers

F8Demon · Feb 28, 2021

Caliche said:
I believe the majority of the problems have been with the front diff. Lower than normal fluid level. Hopefully those guys that had this problem can pipe in. Did you get your truck yet? Cheers

Picking up on Tuesday

Caliche · Feb 28, 2021

F8Demon said:
Picking up on Tuesday

Thats awesome. I’m jealous as hell. If I remember correctly @Variable had the low diff level. He did a pretty comprehensive PDI at his own shop. I’ll try and find the thread and post it.

Caliche · Feb 28, 2021

F8Demon said:
Seen a lot of talk about fluid levels being low in diffs and transfer case. Wondering what was determined as too low from the manufacturer (source) and if there have been levels seen below that. Not looking for answers like; "my 86 chevy called for X so that is what I have always done"
I'm more concerned if there are different levels of fluid across different trucks, as that points to a lack of control in the process.

Here is one from @crackerjack......

Overall a good inspection-two issues found

Picked up mine and drove it 900 miles from Texas to Arizona with no issues. Put it on the lift today with my mechanic and found everything to be in good shape with two exceptions. The front differential fluid was about one inch low, maybe a little less. The driver side bracket holding the...

www.ram-trx.com

Jester · Feb 28, 2021

The fluid should be filled up even to the bolt that comes out. You fill until it barely pours out.

F8Demon · Feb 28, 2021

Jester said:
The fluid should be filled up even to the bolt that comes out. You fill until it barely pours out.

Source?

Jester · Feb 28, 2021

Well, it's how it is done, not just on Chevy's. If you are looking for a service manual reference I don't have one. You drain them from the bottom plug, you fill them from the top.

When I'm with the mechanic Thursday at the dealership I'll ask if they have a service manual or something that I can snap a pic of for you.

Now, is it possible they have figured out a way to tap the fill plug higher than is needed, and now say specifically ONLY PUT X AMOUNT IN.

Would I bet $20 on it, yes, but that doesn't mean they haven't deviated.

Mike · Feb 28, 2021

Fill it till you spill it.

Superbrowndude · Feb 28, 2021

F8Demon said:
Source?

Same as what he had mentioned, when you pull the level plug if nothing comes out, it's low. Add until you have a small amount drizzling out.

F8Demon · Feb 28, 2021

Superbrowndude said:
Same as what he had mentioned, when you pull the level plug if nothing comes out, it's low. Add until you have a small amount drizzling out.

Same as what he mentioned, thats a source, ok brown dude. The sky is red, there that makes it true right?

Bambi · Feb 28, 2021

Superbrowndude said:
Same as what he had mentioned, when you pull the level plug if nothing comes out, it's low. Add until you have a small amount drizzling out.

Works in my 86 chevy

Moparposterchild · Feb 28, 2021

Is there no info concerning the fluid level in the owners manual? I’d lookin mine but I’m not with the truck.

Caliche · Feb 28, 2021

F8Demon said:
Same as what he mentioned, thats a source, ok brown dude. The sky is red, there that makes it true right?

Maybe this is what your looking for....

Jester · Feb 28, 2021

Moparposterchild said:
Is there no info concerning the fluid level in the owners manual? I’d lookin mine but I’m not with the truck.

Here is what it says in the TRX "manual" - drain and refill. So like the chevy's, audis, RAM's, etc, you locate the DRAIN and FILL plugs, and then loosen FILL plug first, just in case you can't - don't drain the case (manual doesn't tell you that either), and then you take drainnplig out, drain, put drain plug back in, then fill (until you spill, etc), and put FILL plug back in. Done.

HellcatTruck · Feb 28, 2021

Caliche said:
Maybe this is what your looking for....

View attachment 6496

Podiesel · Feb 28, 2021

Years back I watched a dealership service tech do the oil fill from hose pulled from the ceiling and on the end was a leaking crude rotating pointer which gave only a rough estimate of the actual fluid installed. Could it be that even in modern times we lose a bit of accuracy with assembly line automation?

Isn't the original diff oil fill via an automated system. I always thought some issues could ensue if the operating personnel didn't keep on top of it. Like maybe it had air in the line or some of the fluid escaped before they inserted the fill tube in the diff, blah,blah......so on.

Didn't some members here report differential failures? Hmmm.

That being said I think our forum members who decide to do a thorough PDI themselves are ahead of the game. I think it would be prudent to do so considering the acquisition cost and performance level of the TRX. Especially before much mileage is accrued or hammering the go pedal.

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