Checking Front & Rear Diff Fluid

[sgiangregorio]

I read the two GM-TC articles on checking the front and rear diff fluid. Looks like a piece of cake. But I assume the vehicle needs to be level to get an accurate reading, and not on ramps. How would you check it without a lift? Just try to cram yourself under the truck when it's on the ground? I can do this for an oil change, but I don't have to get under that far. The back would appear to easier, this is more a question of getting at the front.

 

I'm coming up on my second oil change on my Tahoe, and I want to check the diff levels.

 

Thanks

[RyanbabZ71]

How would you check it without a lift? Just try to cram yourself under the truck when it's on the ground? I can do this for an oil change, but I don't have to get under that far. The back would appear to easier, this is more a question of getting at the front.

 

I fit fine under the truck without it jacked up (6ft 3in. 200 lbs)

 

Go in from the front and you can reach the front diff very easy.  as far as the rear go in by the pass side rear wheel.

[sgiangregorio]

Thanks Ryan. Is your truck lifted at all? I just know when I do the oil changes on the Tahoe, the steps are right against my chest. But I've never gone in from the front...thanks.

[RyanbabZ71]

nope its not lifted (only have 285 tires).  My nerf bars also hit me doing an oil change (especially if i have a jacket on).  

 

If you go in from the front go in on your side looking at the pass side tire.  You will probably need to take the skid plate off the front to check the fluid (i dont know i had to take it off to replace the fluid).  YOu will have a good view if you go in like this.  itll be right above you

[fennsz]

I thought everyone went in from the front? I find it a lot easier, plus you risk less of a risk of being run over if it decides to roll back off the ramps.

[SilveradoWV]

I go in from the front on my Silverado non Z71 with 265's and its not a problem.

[sgiangregorio]

It won't be on ramps. It's much easier for me to do the oil changes from the side when it's flat on the ground. Piece of cake. I just wasn't sure of the best angle to check the diff fluid. I'll look tonight.

[99silveradoz71]

Usually do my oil changes from the driver's side with it up on stands 1 or 2 notches.  I could get under when she's on the ground though.  To make the diff changes earlier, if you have 4 jackstands or equivilent, I'd put her in the air.  Just makes sliding in and out under her easy.