Lifting angle and levels when changing fluids

[2019 CX5 GT]

I'm about to change transmission, diffs and transfer case with OEM fluids and will be using stacked plywood to raise wheels.

If I do the front first without lifting the back wheels will the tilt factor cause inaccurate fill levels versus using a straight lift?

 

[SparkYellow]

The drain plug is on the bottom of the transmission oil pan and the fill hole is on top towards the front. For the transfer case and rear differential, the fill ports are on the sides, as I recall. With the transmission fluid, the level is measured at an exact temp with the engine running and car on a leveled surface. For the other two, you fill until the fluid overflows from the fill ports. If the car is tilted, the level will be off.

I have seen folks using stacked plywood as ramps as well as jack stands. I rented a lift for a few hours to do this. Many years ago I had a jack stand shifted while I tried to change a fuel filter on my driveway.

 

[madar]

As far as the trans goes, best to refill with the same amount you took out, measure the fluid when it's cold. Then back off your plywood on a level surface and check the fluid at the appropriate temperature, 122 degrees F. It won't matter too much with the others. There's lots of room underneath to do the diff without raising it.

 

[jadmt]

I would want it perfectly level. you can build cheap ramps using 2X4's stacked up one on top of each other staggered. I use 2 sets of ramps so I have quite a bit of clearance. the ramps have paid for themselves many times over.