Chaning Differential Oil

[DegoLanch]

My first post... I am looking to change the rear differential fluid on my 02 avalanche 1500 5.3, and I've looked all over the web (including this site) for help on draining/filling the rear differential. It seems as though I do have a drain plug on the bottom of the rear axle (it has a square slot, looks like maybe a 5/8" adapter will get it open, does that sound like the right drain plug?). I don't see where to fill the differential fluid though after I've drained it. Do I have to take the cover off to fill, even though I don't have to remove it to drain?

 

I'm not all that experienced with working on my own vehicles (I do my own oil changes, air filters, spark plugs, all the easy stuff) and it seems like changing the differential fluid should be just as simple. Definitely let me know if I'm wrong.

 

Thanks for any help.

[95Sierra2500]

Most rearends that I've worked on have a fill plug but no drain plug. As such, you have to pop the cover to drain it.

 

Is this 'drain plug' you found right around the same level as the input shaft (where the driveshaft goes in)? If so, it's probably your FILL plug, and you need to pop the cover off to drain it. You will need a new gasket (or some gasket-maker), along with a scraper and some brake cleaner to clean the mating surfaces.

[Got V8?]

Dego Lanch

Take a look at the right hand side behind the pumpkin there should be a fill around that area, at least there is on my 01 Silverado. Same thing with the front.

Fill plug should be where 95Sierra2500 suggested. Looks like you found the drain plug.