Ahh, the fun of figuring out fluid level...

First off... does your car ride level?

Are the motor mounts all in good shape?

Transmission mount as well... and the diff mount, and the front springs... do they sag?

How are your subframe mounts?

All this contributes to “level”... and the transmission needs to be in correct operating position with All mounts at factory levels, with the car parked running on a level surface, with the transmission fluid at full operating temperature, like after a good 20 minute spirited drive...

The vast different results you are getting likely are from the vehicle being parked on vastly different level positions...

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!