rear-end/trans problems on '81

["Dave Wilker" <wilkerbeast01@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

To measure the fluid in the differential, you stick your little finger in 
filler hole, and see how high the fluid level is. USUALLY, the manufacture 
wants the fluid level to be no higher than the bottom of the hole. This 
prevents the fluid (liquid grease) from contacting the axel seals 
constantly.



David C. Wilker Jr.
USAF (RET)
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Matthew Gill" <mgill3@xxxxxxx>
To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, December 02, 2006 12:10 AM
Subject: Re: IML: rear-end/trans problems on '81


> I'm reading in my shop manual about the fluid in the rear axle, which  i 
> believe is considered to be the differential because it mentions  the 
> Sure-Grip differential. It tells me that the fluid levels need to  be so 
> far below the bottom of the filler hole, depending on the axle  tube 
> diameter and capacity pints. How would one go about measuring  the fluid? 
> I'm clueless.. at least I dont see how it can be done  without lifting the 
> car up first.
>
> Gosh i hope it's just a fluid related problem, of course that means  I've 
> got a leak to take care of, which is still better than parts  getting 
> broken.
>
> On Dec 2, 2006, at 12:46 AM, Matthew Gill wrote:
>
>> Ok i'm not sure exactly what the universal joint is, is it where  the 
>> drive shaft connects to the rear end? I saw that, and it  appeared normal 
>> to me, of course that was from on my back, at  night, with a flashlight. 
>> I suppose i could take a look in my  manual to find out how to check the 
>> fluid, along with the universal  joint.
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>>
>> On Dec 2, 2006, at 12:13 AM, john sadowski wrote:
>>
>>> A couple of things I would check are the rear universal joint &  check 
>>> if the differential fluid level is where it should be.
>>> John
>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Matthew Gill" <mgill3@xxxxxxx>
>>> To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>>> Sent: Friday, December 01, 2006 11:34 PM
>>> Subject: IML: rear-end/trans problems on '81
>>>
>>>
>>>> Alright, here's the scoop.
>>>>
>>>> As i drive it to have the car looked at by the guy's at the 76 
>>>> station a couple days ago (or, my grandmother rather, since she  drove 
>>>> it over for me at the time)... she tells me that she had  to let off 
>>>> the gas a bit for the car to shift.. and just a while  ago I was 
>>>> driving it earlier this evening and i went over a dip  in the road and 
>>>> I hear a loud sound coming from the rear-right  side of the car, it 
>>>> sounded as if i had metal objects clanging  around in the trunk. AFTER 
>>>> I heard that sound, the car would no  longer shift, it would go to 
>>>> about 32 mph and i would hear the  RPM's go high but no shifting.
>>>>
>>>> After i parked the car, i checked underneath and i saw quite a  few 
>>>> spots where it looked as though the trans leaked, but i  checked and 
>>>> there's still fluid in it, the dip stick shows that  it's in the "ok" 
>>>> area, although i was on a very slight incline...
>>>>
>>>> I'm confused and worried at the same time, does anybody have any 
>>>> helpful tips for me on this? What could be the problem? Maybe  the 
>>>> rear-end, since I heard that loud noise in the back end of  it? After 
>>>> it happened i continued to hear a squeaking sound  coming from the 
>>>> back as well.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Matt
>>>>
>>>>
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>>>
>>>
>>>
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>>
>>
>>