Is there any way to check the level and condition of my rear differential fluid? I have a 97 z28 and have no idea if it was ever changed. Whoever had it before me took good care of it but I dont know how they were on fluid. I changed almost eveyrthing else to be safe. I want to know if i can check it without it all spilling out. I don't have a screw on the side to check the fill level. Do you recommend i change it now or wait till i get new rear end gears? I don't have any problems now but you know.

 

You should have a fill hole in the passenger side front of the rear near the webbing...Otherwise there would be no way to fill it at all...Once you find the fill hole open it and fluid should trickle out. If not, you're low. If you have any doubts at all as to the condition you should change it anyway. You may be able to tell a past service by a little bit of RTV around the edge of the cover, too...
--Alan

 

what he said... there is a fill hole on the side, some should trickle out if you take it off (you need a pump to fill it there)

 

use a 3/8ths socket thingie with an extension, it should fit right in screw it off and check... filling it is a pita though... and it smells like old ***

 

is the process of changing this fluid easy.??
just remove the bolt and let it drain and refill??
how many quarts..
what do you reccomend as far as fluid and any additives?

 

There's no drain plug on a stock rear. You remove the rear cover, with a large drain pan under the rear. Very messy. Stock rear takes a shade under 2 quarts. You MUST use the GM limited slip (LSD) additive when you refill.

While you have the cover off, check for metal particles, wipe out the old lube that's coating the housing and the cover.