HOw to check fluid level in Yukon rear diff

[lsupcar]

I have a 2000 yukon xl 1500 RWD that has seepage from the rear diff cover. This unit has drain and fill plugs, and before I drained it, I wanted to make sure I could get the fill plug off. Well it came out fine, but the hole is too small for me to fit a finger inside, which is a problem as the owners manual state the fluid level should be 5/8 to 1 5/8 inch below the filler plug. For the 2500 model it is listed to be 0 to 3/8 inch below the filler plug. And it says, "only add enough to reach the proper level."
So without being able to feel inside the hole, how will I know when it reaches the proper level? Build a dip stick? I don't want anything to accidently fall of inside there.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Bill

 

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: lsupcar
I have a 2000 yukon xl 1500 RWD that has seepage from the rear diff cover. This unit has drain and fill plugs, and before I drained it, I wanted to make sure I could get the fill plug off. Well it came out fine, but the hole is too small for me to fit a finger inside, which is a problem as the owners manual state the fluid level should be 5/8 to 1 5/8 inch below the filler plug. For the 2500 model it is listed to be 0 to 3/8 inch below the filler plug. And it says, "only add enough to reach the proper level."
So without being able to feel inside the hole, how will I know when it reaches the proper level? Build a dip stick? I don't want anything to accidently fall of inside there.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Bill


Hi, I just fill it till its full in my 1500s.

But another way is to use a q-tip marked to the point that you need if you want to keep it a little low as suggested in the manual.

Take care, Bill

PS:

 

[zrxkawboy]

Bend the end of a piece of stiff wire at a 90* angle. It looks like in your case, you might want the bent tip to be about 1" long. Use this as a substitute for your fat finger.

 

[Herz]

I usually pump gear oil till it starts to drain out and toss the plug back on.

 

[jstutz]

everyone i know, just fills it untill it runs out the fill plug. I dont think that it is critical that it is slightly below. If you want to fill it only to that level, maybe bend a coat hanger to measure how much below the fill hole.

 

[lsupcar]

Wow, you guys are fast to reply. Yes, I have always filled until it ran out of the plug in other applications, but wondered if that was a bad idea in this case. It is good to know that is what some of you also do.
Thanks for the straight up answers for what was an admittedly fairly lame question.
Bill

 

[Herz]

We all had to ask that question at one point. No shame

 

[PT1]

Tale a clean wire pipe cleaner(smokers pipe) and bend a right angle one inch from the end and then insert into the hole allowing the straight part you are holding to come to rest on the bottom of the hole for about 5 seconds. Now pick it back up and you should be able to see how far the oil level is from the bottom of the fill hole. The oil should be at least 1/2" from the bottom of the hole on most GM diffs. I always filled mine all the way with the vehicle level.