where to put fill plug on diff cover? overfilled?

[emoo99]

So I just put some 10 degree shims on my 14 bolt and now the pinion is pointing up towards the t-case about 15 degrees up. I read a lot about the pinion bearing needing to be submerged(or atleast needing to see oil consistently). So I plan on tapping my oem cover up high for a fill plug to get more oil in it.. I've converted a small spray paint can into a "overflow" for the breather tube so it won't spew fluid out. How high up should I put the plug? Is there a problem with over filing the housing causing aeration or anything? I'm not concerned about expansion of oil cuz of my overflow tank so can I just get this plug as high as I can on the diff cover and pump it in there?

 

[chulisohombre]

with the way the ring and pinion work as a slinger,you shouldnt have a problem with getting oil to the bearings.15 degrees isnt too bad that it wouldnt keep the oil in the right spots.im pretty sure you have nothing to worry about.

 

[emoo99]

Ok.. But now I'm curious... could I tap a plug on top of the diff cover. And fill it all the way up or would it cause problems.. I may put the plug 3/4 of the way up the cover and add a little more for insurance.. It just looks to me the oil would be collecting by the ring gear, not the pinion.. Plus, I'd like to put a drain plug in too... (Easy fluid change if I cross a river and take in water)

 

[sweetk30]

stamped tin cover wont tap well for plug.

better off getting new hd cover from http://diy4x.com/cart/index.php?route=product/product&path=18&product_id=68 or http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=5&products_id=85

 

[arkansask5]

If you tilted up the pinion, then you also raised up the fill plug location too. Why would you need to put one on the cover? It would make it a bit easier to get to I guess.

 

[Fordum]

If you are worried, grab a level, lay it along side the bearing housing about 1/4 to 1/2 way up and extend the line back to the cover by eye when its level.
This will ensure that the oil is in the bearing when its sitting still.
When its moving, the oil is going everywhere, so the level will vary but will still keep the bearing wet.

I would not fill it past the 1/2 mark to lessen the pressure on the seal.

As for a drain plug, I'm not familiar enough with that model housing to say for sure.

But, on my old truck's Ford 9 inch, I had the third member out for other reasons, and welded a 1/4 steel plate on the bottom of the housing.
Took a grinder and chamfered the edges of the plate, then drilled and tapped it for a pipe plug.
I used an Allen socket pipe plug so that it fit slightly below flush.

Just for fun, I filled the Allen head socket hole with silicone rubber.

When it came time to drain the rear end, the rubber would pull right out with a little help from a pocket knife leaving a clean socket.

Beat digging the mud out and having the wrench not fit right due to leftover sand grains.

 

[emoo99]

Great idea.. I just drive up a small retaining wall, allowing my rear to tilt up more and o was able to put a good half gallon extra in... (I might of been a little low to begin with).. But I think that should be fine until I buy a hd cover.

 

[4xcrazy]

Great idea.. I just drive up a small retaining wall, allowing my rear to tilt up more and o was able to put a good half gallon extra in... (I might of been a little low to begin with).. But I think that should be fine until I buy a hd cover.

Or until it starts blowing out the seals and or vent tube...

 

[emoo99]

I've converted a small spray paint can into a "overflow" for the breather tube so it won't spew fluid out.

Don't think it will blow any seals as long as the breather isn't plugged

 

[DizturbedOne]

Keep a watch on that, overfilling can cause aeration and/or seal leaks

Found out the hard way on my Camaro years back