I have a D17 III that I got from a BIL, and just replaced the back half with a donor D17 (transmission back) as a quick fix for a tranny issue. I noted that my D17 didn't have the front hydraulic filler, but had a freeze plug driven into the openning. I pulled that out and replaced the dip stick and cap with one from the donor D17. Well, I know why someone installed a freeze plug!! It seems that for some reason, hydraulic oil blows out of the cap. It seems that the hydraulic oil from the PD chamber is ending up in the front chamber as the PD dip stick shows low oil now. I am not quite sure I understand how these reservoir are connected or if they are. I suspect hydraulic oil spilling from the front port has nothing to do with the tranny/rearend switch with the donor, but was problem that was there (I just didn't know it) as the port was blocked.

Thanks

John B.
Potomac, IL

John - on a D17 Series III & IV, the power director and hydraulic compartments are combined and you fill them from the dipstick to the front left of the gear shift. On a Series I & II, your hydraulic compartment is separate from the PD and you fill it thru the cap on the right side of the torque tube like you are used to.

Put the plug back that you took out, fill it up to right level using the dipstick by the gear shift and be on your way! Mike

Thanks Mike! I take back all those nasty things I said about my BIL. I didn't keep the plug that I took out, so I hope that it is a standard freeze plug and not some special part that I can't replace (bummer...I hate when I do dumb things).

John B.
Potomac, IL

John don't feel bad. You aint the first or the last. I have a Ser III. Today I learned something new about it. Thanks