The AT and the final drive do NOT share the same fluid, at least they
aren't supposed to.  When the seal between them gives out the
differential lube is said to do bad things to the AT.
   The final drive is filled/checked thru the hole on its side with the
17 mm plug.  The AT is filled thru the tube where its dipstick is.  Do
not overfill; make the final check with the transmission hot, idling in
park.
Larry A.

Craig Oda wrote:
> After the ATF is drained, what's the easiest way to refill and check the level?
>
> I've heard of a 17mm allen nut hole.  Or, is this for the gear oil in
> the final drive section??
>
> I was thinking of just pouring a few quarts of tranny fluid down the
> tranny filler tube with a special funnel and checking the level with
> the stick.    I disconnected the tranny fluid filler tube and drained
> most of the fluid in the process.
>
> Are there other things I should chck out before taking the van out for
> a test drive?
>
> I guess the automatic transmission and the final drive differential
> share the same fluids?
>
> -- Craig
>
> On Mon, 23 Aug 2004 17:28:28 -0500, Larry Alofs <lalofs@rcn.com> wrote:
>
>>Someone referred to a drain plug.  My '91 doesn't have one; it may
>>depend on the year.  On mine I have to loosen the nut around the
>>filler/check tube where it goes onto the side of the pan at the bottom
>>of the trans.  Sometimes these are hard to get loose and easy to round
>>off.  If you use an adjustable wrench, be sure that it is tight.
>>  Good luck,
>>Larry A.
>>