When I switch my diff cover, how many quarts of gear oil will I need?

 

I just did this yesterday. I measured what drained out and put back just slightly more. That netted 2 quarts in the rear and 1.5 in the front. They are D44 axles.

 

There is so much variation in the quantity of diff oil required that it makes a number irrelevant.

The oil level needs to be above the bottom of the axle tubes. This allows the oil to get out to the axle bearings in the rear axle, and to flood the carrier bearings in the front axle.

With aftermarket covers, a dipstick may be required to check for proper oil level. One can be made from a zip tie.

Here is a picture of the oil level as it relates to the bottom of the axle tube. The fill hole on the stock cover is at the correct level. An after market cover's fill hole may be way too high.

 

Thanks for the info. I just wanted to make sure I had enough on hand when I did it.

 

Out of a service manual:

FRONT AXLE ± .03 L (1 oz.)

186 FBI (Model 30)
1.0 L (2.1 pts.)

216 RBI (Model 44)
1.3 L (2.7 pts.)

REAR AXLE ± .03 L (1 oz.)

198 RBI (Model 35)
1.83 L (3.8 pts.)

226 RBI (Model 44)
2.25 L (4.75 pts.)*

* Trac-lok add 0.1 L (3.4 oz.) of Limited Slip Additive.