Differential and transfer case oil change

[Retirednavy2010]

Although I only have 40,000 miles on my 2019 Ranger FX4 the transmission has seen the dealer several times and since i added the Lube Guard Platinum it seems to shift much better. I want to change the differential oils as well as the transfer case oil. Any suggestions? In all my other vehicles i just use Valvoline synthetic in the diffentials. Does the transfer have any tricks or "special" needs. BTW i run full synthetic in the motor.

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[Ranger Mel]

Check your manual as it should have which fluid and capacity for the transfer case. I did my rear dif last fall with the Valvoline full synthetic. Valvoline Full Synthetic Looks like Mercon LV is in the transfer case which I think is the same as the transmission. I'm at work so not 100% on that without my manual.

 

[Frenchy]

As mentioned the Owners Manual will have the Fluid Specifications for you. Follow that and you will be set.

If you are lucky you will have both a drains and fill plug for the rear axle. For some reason Ford took it away and charged more for it.

 

[Ranger Mel]

If you are lucky you will have both a drains and fill plug for the rear axle. For some reason Ford took it away and charged more for it.

I lucked out and have the drain plug in the rear dif.

 

[RedlandRanger]

Check your manual as it should have which fluid and capacity for the transfer case. I did my rear dif last fall with the Valvoline full synthetic. Valvoline Full Synthetic Looks like Mercon LV is in the transfer case which I think is the same as the transmission. I'm at work so not 100% on that without my manual.

The transfer case fluid is NOT the same as the transmission fluid. The transmission fluid is ULV (Ultra Low viscosity) - the transfer case is LV (Low Viscosity).

 

[Burnt Money]

I use the Valvoline synthetic in the differentials. The first time I changed them I put conventional in both of them. I had a bunch of the correct weight at the house and did it on a whim on day after work. First time I did the transfer case I used the Valvoline multi vehicle fluid. Probably wasn’t ideal but it was way better than what came out of it. The original was black when I drained it.

 

[Ranger Mel]

The transfer case fluid is NOT the same as the transmission fluid. The transmission fluid is ULV (Ultra Low viscosity) - the transfer case is LV (Low Viscosity).

Good catch! I wasn't 100% sure. I don't mess with much anymore on the vehicles. I let my shop do it. Funny how my garage and I stay so much cleaner these days!!

 

[RedlandRanger]

Good catch! I wasn't 100% sure. I don't mess with much anymore on the vehicles. I let my shop do it. Funny how my garage and I stay so much cleaner these days!!

Next thing you know they will have UULV (Ultra ULTRA Low Viscosity)! Where will the madness end?

 

[JohnnyO]

The Ford Spec in the owner's manual calls for 80w-90 conventional gear lube. The only synthetic I found that meets the Ford Spec is Redline 75w-90. Only the drain plugs have magnets on them (wipe them off), the fill plugs do not, so don't mix them up. An $8 transfer pump from Harbor Freight is ideal for filling the diffs and t-case. I cut the hoses in half, as it comes they're way too long. You don't have to crank the plugs real right, 18 ft. lb. is fine. In 2021 Ford started phasing out the drain plugs so newer trucks won't have them.

 

[Frenchy]

The Ford Spec in the owner's manual calls for 80w-90 conventional gear lube. The only synthetic I found that meets the Ford Spec is Redline 75w-90. Only the drain plugs have magnets on them (wipe them off), the fill plugs do not, so don't mix them up. An $8 transfer pump from Harbor Freight is ideal for filling the diffs and t-case. I cut the hoses in half, as it comes they're way too long. You don't have to crank the plugs real right, 18 ft. lb. is fine. In 2021 Ford started phasing out the drain plugs so newer trucks won't have them.

Take a look at Motul. The Gear Oil they have may meet those specifications. If they do not then please show.

 

[LawnMM]

If you have a newer truck without the rear plug it's worth buying the Bronco rear cover and adding one that way while you do it this time, make your life easier next time

 

[FM AZ]

ALWAYS remove the fill plug first. If you drain the fluid first, and can’t get the fill plug out for some reason, you’re screwed.

 

[JohnnyO]

Take a look at Motul. The Gear Oil they have may meet those specifications. If they do not then please show.

Dunno. Never seen Motul in stores where I live.

 

[Frenchy]

Dunno. Never seen Motul in stores where I live.

You can always look on their website you know. Also most stores like AutoZone and O'Reilly's don't carry Motul. It's usually going to be specialty places that usually do, but not usually the Automotive Stuff

 

[5thranger]

Next thing you know they will have UULV (Ultra ULTRA Low Viscosity)! Where will the madness end?

0w00 oil is next

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