Differentials and Transfer Case Fluid Change

[Andy]

Changed oil in both front and rear differentials and transfer case at 1000 miles.

All three as expected had normal levels of metal collected on the drain magnet as well as some metallic shimmer to the oil itself.

Replaced differential oil with 75w-90 Amsoil gear oil.

Replaced transfer case fluid with Amsoil transmission fluid compatible with Mercon LV fluid. Factory fill was 7oz lower than required fill level.

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[mstealth22]

I did all mine today as well @ 1200 miles.

I agree the magnets were full.

Rear Diff - that is chunks and fine particals soaked in oil standing upright on top of the magnet. Drained oil was pretty dirty and some shiny stuff.

Front Diff - wasn't too bad. Oil was still pretty clean.

I didn't take a picture of the transfer case, it wasn't terrible, but the fluid was pretty dirty.

Wasn't a terrible job other than no drain pan I have will stretch between engine oil and oil filter drip locations. Had to get a small pan for filter ramp drain. Now that I know, should be easy. Filter was simple, no tire turn, removed by hand, just took top, forward 3 plastic screws off, and flap out of the way.

I think the capacity on the rear diff is spot on.
Front Diff took less than 1 qt, manual calls for 1 qt and 1.76 oz. or 33.76 oz. Didn't fit.
Transfer case / PTU or whatever Ford calls it, took more than the 23.7 oz, but I couldn't tell how much more, I think about exactly a quart give or take an ounce. I felt fluid near fill plug before draining, so I don't think it's partial fill scenario - maybe.

 

[Engmus]

Bumping this. I am looking to do the same.

Does anyone have the fluid requirements ? IE , not capacities but fluid specifications.

Gl4, gl5, 75w90, etc?

Much appreciated.

Inb4 read the owners manual.

 

[fusseli]

I don't understand at all why this is necessary, aside from a fluid "upgrade"

 

[Engmus]

As someone who has run in many motors, transmissions and rear ends in multiple applications , whenever you have two new metal surfaces making contact you will have initial wearin and metal dispersal into the fluid and onto the magnet.

I always feel changing these fluids, and clearing those magnets allows them to do the job of capturing normal wear and tear particulars vs the initial heavier wear in metal that you see in this thread.

It's definitely optional and not required but I am still looking for those fluid specifications if anyone has, much appreciated.

 

[dmeyer302]

Inb4 read the owners manual.

I mean...................can’t you?

 

[Dmax]

As someone who has run in many motors, transmissions and rear ends in multiple applications , whenever you have two new metal surfaces making contact you will have initial wearin and metal dispersal into the fluid and onto the magnet.

I always feel changing these fluids, and clearing those magnets allows them to do the job of capturing normal wear and tear particulars vs the initial heavier wear in metal that you see in this thread.

It's definitely optional and not required but I am still looking for those fluid specifications if anyone has, much appreciated.

Hey so how long would you recommend changing the fluids initially then? Thx

 

[outdoorphotog]

Woah that collected quite a bit of metal.

 

[outdoorphotog]

Woah that collected quite a bit of metal.

I was inspired by this post to replace the rear diff fluid with Redline 75W-90. I am only at 600 miles but it collected quite a bit of metal as well. I feel like the rear end is quieter but it could be my imagination. I didnt do the front diff or transfer case as i havent even used 4WD yet and assumed maybe there wouldnt be any metal collected yet?

 

[tmcolegr]

The transfer case actually holds 1.2L (40.5 oz.).

 

[outdoorphotog]

Yea, I was surprised when i had to go buy another bottle of D6.

 

[Dmax]

Changed oil in both front and rear differentials and transfer case at 1000 miles.

All three as expected had normal levels of metal collected on the drain magnet as well as some metallic shimmer to the oil itself.

Replaced differential oil with 75w-90 Amsoil gear oil.

Replaced transfer case fluid with Amsoil transmission fluid compatible with Mercon LV fluid. Factory fill was 7oz lower than required fill level.

Hey Andy,

How come you did the 75w-90 Amsoil Gear oil vs the ford recommended 80w-90 amsoil?

Thanks

DMAX

 

[outdoorphotog]

Hey Andy,

How come you did the 75w-90 Amsoil Gear oil vs the ford recommended 80w-90 amsoil?

Thanks

DMAX

Redline says the 75w-90 is a direct replacement for any diff requiring 80w-90.

 

[Dmax]

Gotya. Thanks. One more question. The manuals say to throw away drain and fill plugs on the axles after replacing fluid. Is that right? Feel like you can reseal them no?

Redline says the 75w-90 is a direct replacement for any diff requiring 80w-90.

 

[Dmax]

Anyone have the directions and specs for changing out the transfer case fluid. Got the front end rear axles PDFs but not transfer case. Thx.

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