Fluid Change: 2 v. 4 Jack Stands
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Joined: Dec 2012
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Fluid Change: 2 v. 4 Jack Stands
Is it absolutely necessary to get the car on 4 jack stands to change the trans and diff fluid?
When changing my engine oil, I usually only use 2 stands in the front.
From what I've read, it appears the only downside to not using 4 stands is not getting all of the old fluid out.
When changing my engine oil, I usually only use 2 stands in the front.
From what I've read, it appears the only downside to not using 4 stands is not getting all of the old fluid out.
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Is it absolutely necessary to get the car on 4 jack stands to change the trans and diff fluid?
When changing my engine oil, I usually only use 2 stands in the front.
From what I've read, it appears the only downside to not using 4 stands is not getting all of the old fluid out.
When changing my engine oil, I usually only use 2 stands in the front.
From what I've read, it appears the only downside to not using 4 stands is not getting all of the old fluid out.
depending on were the jackstands are, your fill hole could be high or low.. so you could under or overfill both...
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Joined: May 2018
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From: Munich - Germany
But if there is one quart still in the diff and you fill up with two..... ? 
The only way to be sure is to measure how much fluid comes out and replace the same amount.
But, if you only repalce 1/2 or 2/3 of fluid this way, it makes all the effort and work pointless in my eyes.
Jack it up on 4 Stands, level, then drain all the old fluid completly and fill it up with fresh fluid completly.
The only way to be sure is to measure how much fluid comes out and replace the same amount.
But, if you only repalce 1/2 or 2/3 of fluid this way, it makes all the effort and work pointless in my eyes.
Jack it up on 4 Stands, level, then drain all the old fluid completly and fill it up with fresh fluid completly.
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Ontario Canada
smurfs2k tragically passed away changing diff fluid with two jackstands only, his s2000 slid off the stands and crushed him. While it would seem relatively safe, the more the better is how it works with me, I often do 4 stands and I may put the wheels under the rockers or use a jack under one of the front / rear jacking points as a precaution to catch the car in case it were to slip off the stands. He left behind an infant child and a wife, it was very sad to hear when this happened a few years back. Don't take shortcuts when it comes to a 3k lb vehicle, I dislike working under any vehicle , so I try my best to do it safe.
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From: WA
I agree... you have just drained the old lube so refilling with the right amount at any angle is fine.
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Illnoise. WAY downtown, jerky.
The oil drain holes are designed to get the most old fluid out when the car is level.
You need to have it level for filling the trans and diff. You could guess how much is full...but that also depends on how much you drained.
For engine oil, obviously, you can fill it up once the car is back on the ground.
If you don't want to buy 2 more jack stands, just lift the back of the car up while it drains. Then put it back down before you get under there again.
On second thought....just buy 2 more stands.
You need to have it level for filling the trans and diff. You could guess how much is full...but that also depends on how much you drained.
For engine oil, obviously, you can fill it up once the car is back on the ground.
If you don't want to buy 2 more jack stands, just lift the back of the car up while it drains. Then put it back down before you get under there again.
On second thought....just buy 2 more stands.