8.8 Swap Differential Fluid Level Question

[Igoo65]

Here is a question for those people out there that have done the 8.8 swap. I have a 97 TJ with a 4" lift and had the 8.8 (LSD) swap done. The pinion was rotated up to the correct degrees for a 4" lift. My question is, how much differential fluid do I put into it? I have searched a few sights to get the amount and have not been successful. When I add fluid, it seems that I am adding in several more quarts than normal to get the level up to where I can feel it with my finger. I am afraid I am filling the axle tubes with fluid. Does anyone know how much fluid is ok to lube the pinion gear, but not fill the axle tubes?
Thanks,
Igoo65

 

[tworley]

Gear oil in the tubes are what keep the bearings lubed. Fill er up!

The pinion will be well lubed from the ring gear tossing oil all over the place inside the diff.

 

[Benjeepn]

I would jack the back up to get the axle tilted to factory level and fill it there. Overfilling the axle causes excessive heat, drag, and aeration. Not good.
Edit: you might want to speed the video to 1.25 or 1.5 to save some time. Especially if you watch his series.

 

[Igoo65]

Thanks Beenjeepn. That is a pretty interesting series of videos by Banks.

 

[Nathan Stanfield]

Put exactly the amount that it would need if it were still on a Ford. If you’re pinion angle is higher now that it’s on the Jeep and you fill it to the hole you will shoot the excess out your vent. Trust me, that wasn’t fun to clean up.
It should be 2.8 quarts.

 

[ac_]

Mine has a 4 inch lift and the pinion is only slightly higher, I filled it till it started running out like normal and called it good. I drained and filled the fluid after a 500 mile break in period, and all looked good and nothing puking out of the vent. I was looking for a cover with a slightly higher fill plug, and hopefully a drain plug, so I could do some drain and fills without messing with the cover, but I haven't found anything yet. Was considering a "Solid" but was pretty expensive for what it is.

 

[Dezcars]

I have a 97 TJ with an 8.8 in. I have a 6 inch long arm kit with "Solid" covers. I installed a Super 88 kit also and ended up putting in a little over 4 quarts, so far no problems at all and nothing coming out of my vent.