Rear differential fill plug?

[Myfirstz71]

2011 Z71, 5.3
Been reading about front and rear differential fluid changes. Bought the truck with 150k and feel this is a necessary step moving forward.

Been under the truck and only plug I see is attached to the diff cover? But it’s below the center line of cover. Is that the full plug. Just doesn’t seem like it would allow enough fluid.

Any feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[gooffeyguy]

Yes, that's the fill plug. No drain plug on the OE cover. You have to loosen/remove cover to drain.

When filling, proper level is just below the fill hole. Usually I'll just slowly fill until fluid just starts to trickle out of fill hole, then remove the hose used to pump the new fluid in and install the plug.

 

[wjburken]

2011 Z71, 5.3
Been reading about front and rear differential fluid changes. Bought the truck with 150k and feel this is a necessary step moving forward.

Been under the truck and only plug I see is attached to the diff cover? But it’s below the center line of cover. Is that the full plug. Just doesn’t seem like it would allow enough fluid.

Any feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks

Here’s a good video of the process.

 

[Myfirstz71]

Yes, that's the fill plug. No drain plug on the OE cover. You have to loosen/remove cover to drain.

Perfect, thank you. Just needed this confirmation

 

[Myfirstz71]

Here’s a good video of the process.

Didn’t see that one. Thanks. The vids I watched each showed the full plug on the diff housing.

 

[Myfirstz71]

I don’t know who recommended it, or which thread it was in but the tip about “check to make sure you can get the fill plug off” huge. Went to do the front diff and guess what, fill plug is “tight”. Tried penetrating oil, beaker bar, pneumatic tools, and nothing worked.

No biggie, at least I’m not rolling empty.

 

[wjburken]

I don’t know who recommended it, or which thread it was in but the tip about “check to make sure you can get the fill plug off” huge. Went to do the front diff and guess what, fill plug is “tight”. Tried penetrating oil, beaker bar, pneumatic tools, and nothing worked.

No biggie, at least I’m not rolling empty.

I tell people this all the time.

 

[trailblazer]

I don’t know who recommended it, or which thread it was in but the tip about “check to make sure you can get the fill plug off” huge. Went to do the front diff and guess what, fill plug is “tight”. Tried penetrating oil, beaker bar, pneumatic tools, and nothing worked.

No biggie, at least I’m not rolling empty.

Heat and a stubby impact works great. Or just heat and a breaker bar if you’re not a Milwaukee fanboy…