How essential is a FULLY level surface..?

[TantrumSKID]

Hey all, I'm planning to change my M/T tranny fluid this weekend. I'm also gonna do the x-fer case and differential. The problem is, I can't seem to find ANY level surface around my area other than public parking lots. And, if any of you are from NYC, you know how the cops are just itching to give out tixx due to the city's budget deficeit, so parking lots are out of the question. I'm just curious that if the area is semi-level and I try to make my car as flat as possible (based on eye judgement and jack stands) will it be harmful?

-Mike-

PS. I'm not cross-eyed or anything like that in case some of ya'll decide to chime in with a wisecrack.

 

[AW4G63]

man, your fine. As long as its not on the side of a hill. Just park it in a reasonable spot. O and go get some 1/4 inch tubing and make a funnel to hook it to. A mobile one gear lube bottle works great. It makes it easy. Slide the 1/4 inch tube down behind the airfilter and right to the fill hole.

 

[Lordpaxin]

you could always ramp one side of the car, goto autozone and get some cheap ramps or use boards or someting. and raise the low side if your worruied about ut]

 

[Defiant]

Just make sure the drain's on the low side. You can turn the car around to top-up the cases, but it's not a crucial amount. So long as you can touch the level by poking a finger in.

 

[TantrumSKID]

Thanks for the info guys, much appreciated.

-Mike-

 

[doodie]

I wanna change my tranny oil too, but vfaq says to crawl under the car. I'm wondering how the hell am I supposed to crawl under the car when its not jacked. I had enough problem crawling under it when its jacked up already since its so damn low. How did you guys manage to get to the gear box without jacking up the car?

 

[Defiant]

I have a floor jack, and pick up the front end using the motor mount. Even a little floor jack's enough, out here Kragen's got them on sale for $15. Try your local Fine Chinese Tools shop, Harbor Freight or whatever. The drain and filler are easy to reach, right on the front side of the transmission. Make sure you pull the filler plug _first_, you don't want to have all the grease drained out only to find the filler's too stuck to get out.