Front Differential Fluid Capacity

[alvocado]

2011 GMC Yukon SLT 4wd: I changed all of my drivetrain fluids today and could only get about 4/5 qt of 80w90 back into the front diff. The truck was on the ground and level when filling and I expected at least a qt. before it started running back out of the fill hole. I changed it 50k miles ago and don't recall having an issue underfilling. Any reason why the fill capacity would be so little?

[alvocado]

One additional note: I drained the differential with the truck on a pair of jack stands and filled with it flat on the ground. I didn't think that would result in fluid remaining in the housing but it's the only explanation I can think of. 

[newdude]

1.51 quarts is the spec.  

 

Did you put a straw on the end of the bottle or were you using a pump?  I could see if you just stuck the bottle up there if you didn't have it in all the way it could run out.  Or, the hose hit the ring gear and it was pushing fluid back out the fill.  

[alvocado]

There's enough clearance to get the bottle level and pressure squeeze most of the fluid into the diff by hand. I could feel the fluid level just below the fill hole with my finger so it filled up too quickly. 

 

 

[Z45]

The fact that is was not level is your problem.  If you can't get a 1.5 qts back in then you did not fully drain all the old fluid out.