4.2 Transfer Box, Oil Level, Just One Of Those Days!

[SQUEALEYHEALEY]

I woz gona change the transfer box (gearbox extension) oil in my RAV4.2 and, as per previous post, thought it would be a good idea to check that I could unscrew the fill plug before draining out the old oil! With the front of the truck on ramps (but back end on ground) I tried to remove the fill plug, but had to put it back quickly as oil was flowing out. I then but rear axel on stands, so that the vehicle was level, but still could not remove the fill plug without the oil pouring out.

So does anybody know if you can you get the required 0.9 liters of oil into the transfer box (gearbox extension) with the car level or does it have to be filled with the front or rear higher? I'm wondering if the transfer box (gearbox extension) has been over filled, since I also have a slight leak from oil seal as per;- Slow Oil Drip From Driveshaft? I plan to change the oil seal before changing the oil, but am in no great hurry since after 50K miles the oil does not look discoloured.

I also planned to change the gear box oil. But it was just one of those days! I sheared off, two of the bolts retaining the plastic tray attached to the front valance. Once I'd drilled out and re-tapped the two captive threads, I found I only had a long reach 24mm socket which was too long to get to the gear box oil drain plug!

[jedi134]

as long as the car is level it will be ok, its probably been over filled, not sure if this is bad or not, but in my eyes more is better than less.

[Bodgit-fixit-run]

Silly question but ;) are you sure you've undone the right bolt? There are two; one of which is a drain screw.

[SQUEALEYHEALEY]

Silly question but ;) are you sure you've undone the right bolt? There are two; one of which is a drain screw.

Yeah, I'm sure I did not undo the drain plug, it really would have poured out!

I'm gona make up a dolly to push the new (£12) oil seal in . Anybody Know if the shaft in side the transfer box sticks out through oil seal & if so by how much?