AMC Hornet

Differential fluid capacity & service interval

AMC Hornet differential fluid capacity ranges from 1,4 to 1,9 liters. Service intervals for checking fluid include 6400 km and 9600 km. The data covers 11 configurations.

The configuration chart below lists fill volumes and service intervals for each engine and trim variant.

TypeSpecifications
  • Hornet 360 V8 (1972-1977)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,9 liter
  • Check 9600 km
  • Hornet 360 V8 (1972-1977)
  • Rear, limited-slip
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,9 liter
  • Check 9600 km
  • Code: Twin-Grip
  • Hornet 258 (1971-1977)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,4 liter
  • Check 9600 km
  • Hornet 258 (1971-1977)
  • Rear, limited-slip
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,4 liter
  • Check 9600 km
  • Code: Twin-Grip
  • Hornet SC360 (1971-1974)
  • Rear, limited-slip
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,9 liter
  • Check 9600 km
  • Code: Twin-Grip
  • Hornet 199 (1970-1971)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,4 liter
  • Check 6400 km
  • Hornet 199 (1970-1971)
  • Rear, limited-slip
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,4 liter
  • Check 6400 km
  • Code: Twin-Grip
  • Hornet 232 (1970-1977)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,4 liter
  • Check 9600 km
  • Hornet 232 (1970-1977)
  • Rear, limited-slip
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,4 liter
  • Check 9600 km
  • Code: Twin-Grip
  • Hornet 304 V8 (1970-1977)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,9 liter
  • Check 9600 km
  • Hornet 304 V8 (1970-1977)
  • Rear, limited-slip
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,9 liter
  • Check 9600 km
  • Code: Twin-Grip

Additional Notes

  • The AMC Hornet rear differential capacity splits into two distinct values across engine configurations. The inline-six engines — the 199, 232, and 258 — all share a 1.4-liter capacity, while the V8 engines — the 304, 360, and SC360 — use a larger 1.9-liter capacity. The difference reflects the heavier-duty rear axle housings typically paired with higher-displacement engines.
  • A 1.4-liter differential fluid capacity, as seen on the six-cylinder Hornet variants, is consistent with a compact rear axle unit designed for moderate torque loads. A 1.9-liter capacity, as found on the V8 variants, indicates a larger axle assembly with a greater fluid sump volume to manage higher operating temperatures.
  • The Hornet 199, covering 1970-1971, carries a check interval of 6,400 km under normal use conditions — shorter than the 9,600 km interval specified for all other engine variants. Both the standard and limited-slip rear differential configurations for the 199 share this same 6,400 km interval.
  • All engine variants from the 232 onward — including the 258, 304 V8, 360 V8, and SC360 — specify a 9,600 km check interval under normal use conditions, applying equally to both standard and limited-slip rear differential configurations.
  • Limited-slip differentials are listed as a separate configuration for every engine variant in the AMC Hornet specifications. In each case, the limited-slip unit shares the same fluid capacity and check interval as the standard rear differential for that engine, though limited-slip units typically require a friction-modifier additive in the gear oil to prevent chatter.
  • The Hornet SC360 lists only a limited-slip rear differential configuration, with a 1.9-liter capacity and a 9,600 km check interval under normal use conditions. No standard open differential entry appears for the SC360 in the specifications.
  • The 232 inline-six spans the full 1970-1977 range covered by the specifications, the widest production window of any single engine variant listed. Both rear differential configurations for the 232 hold a consistent 1.4-liter capacity and 9,600 km check interval across that entire range.
  • The 360 V8 and the 304 V8 share identical differential specifications — 1.9-liter capacity and a 9,600 km check interval — for both standard and limited-slip configurations, despite the 360 entering the lineup later, in 1972, compared to the 304's 1970 start.

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