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How many quarts are in a rear differential?

The rear differential of a vehicle typically holds between 1 to 3 quarts of gear oil, depending on the specific make and model. The exact amount can vary, so it's important to consult your vehicle's owner's manual or service information to determine the correct capacity for your rear differential.


Understanding the Rear Differential


The rear differential is a crucial component of a vehicle's drivetrain, responsible for transferring power from the transmission to the rear wheels. It contains a set of gears that allow the wheels to rotate at different speeds, enabling the vehicle to turn corners smoothly. The rear differential is filled with a specialized gear oil that lubricates and protects the gears, ensuring smooth and efficient power transfer.


Determining the Rear Differential Capacity


The capacity of a rear differential can vary significantly depending on the vehicle's make, model, and year. Factors such as the size of the differential, the type of gears used, and the overall design of the drivetrain can all influence the amount of gear oil required. To find the exact capacity for your vehicle, you should consult the owner's manual or service information provided by the manufacturer.



  • Compact and mid-size vehicles typically have rear differentials that hold between 1 to 2 quarts of gear oil.

  • Larger vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs, often have rear differentials that hold 2 to 3 quarts of gear oil.

  • High-performance or specialized vehicles may have rear differentials with even larger capacities, sometimes up to 4 or 5 quarts.


It's important to use the recommended type and quantity of gear oil specified by the manufacturer to ensure the proper functioning and longevity of the rear differential.


Maintaining the Rear Differential


Regular maintenance of the rear differential is crucial to its long-term performance and reliability. This typically involves checking the gear oil level and replacing it at the recommended intervals, which can range from 30,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on the vehicle and driving conditions.


Neglecting the rear differential can lead to premature wear, increased friction, and even failure, which can be costly to repair. By following the manufacturer's maintenance schedule and using the correct gear oil, you can help ensure your vehicle's rear differential continues to operate smoothly and efficiently for years to come.

How much fluid is in a rear differential?


towing capacity using a rear differential that holds between 3.3 and 3.5 quarts of fluid. This means less lubrication is responsible for protecting gears against increased heat and stress. In this environment, inferior lubricants can shear and permanently lose viscosity.



How many quarts are in a rear diff?


1 quart for the replacement. But if you plan on squeezing the quart bottle to refill diff after draining, purchase 2 quarts. Getting that last 3 or 4 ozs out of the bottle is tough, because of the tight location and elevation of the bottle itself in relation to the diff.



What is rear differential fluid level?


The gear oil in the rear differential should reach the bottom of the service port hole. Insert one finger into the open service port. Bend your finger downward slightly to see if it comes into contact with gear oil. If your finger touches gear oil, there is enough fluid inside.



How much oil does a Dana 44 rear differential take?


Jeep Wrangler Differential Fluid Capacity Chart

Jeep Wrangler JL Differential Fluid Capacity
Axle: 186 - Front Axle Non RubiconCapacity: 1.82 Pints
Axle: Dana 30 AxleCapacity: 1.3 Quarts / 1.2 Liters
Axle: Dana 35 AxleCapacity: 1.8 Quarts / 1.7 Liters
Axle: Dana 44 AxleCapacity: 2.0 Quarts / 1.9 Liters



What fluid should never be used in a rear differential?


Never, under any circumstances, put engine oil in your differential. This will result in devastating damages to your engine. Engine oil is much different than gear oil, mostly it cannot withstand high pressure.



How do you fill a rear diff with oil?


And start squeezing. It's that easy continue to fill the differential. Until the oil starts pouring out of the fuel plug most differentials take between 1 to 2 L.



What happens if rear differential fluid is low?


When differential fluid levels are low, the gears will begin to grind, which can cause differential failures. Unlike motor oil, which works with an oil filter, differentials don't have a filter.



How much fluid does a Jeep JK rear Dana 44 hold?


2.375 quarts
Front Dana 44 differential needs 2.7 pints (1.35 quarts) and the rear needs 4.75 pints (2.375 quarts). If you have factory covers, all you need to do is fill up your differentials until gear oil oozes out of the fill hole.



How many quarts does it take to fill a differential?


It's just less than a quart - 0.8 quarts sounds about right.



What oil goes in the rear differential?


There are two basic types of differential fluid: Mineral oil, which is a natural, crude oil-based fluid. Synthetic differential fluid, which is created with chemicals and can be fine-tuned for optimal performance.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.