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An update to a couple of problems I've recently posted about

DreadPirateRoberts

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Back in May I posted about a harmonic sound I was hearing only when turning right. It was right after I 'd changed the brakes so I'd assumed I goofed up on the break job. I bent back the rotor shields and the sound didn't go away but it quit happening as often. Turns out the timing was just a coincidence. This was at 58k miles.

Thread on the noise.
https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/thre...en-turning-right-at-25-mph.29144/#post-669582

About three weeks ago at 65k miles I changed the differential fluid. There were large chunks of metal on the plug magnet. Pic below, I took it to the dealership and just got it back today.

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/thre...he-metal-on-my-differential-drain-plug.30712/

Here's the parts replaced. When I bought the truck they included a 3rd party lifetime powertrain warranty. I was worried I'd have to fight them on it but it was covered no questions asked, $100 deductable. My total at the door with a transmission flush/fluid change, full synthetic oil change, and tire rotation was $564.48.

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Big Blue

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Curious, why did they put friction modifier in the differential oil? We don't have LS Differentials. That's been a discussion here lately .
 

Bishop

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that is pretty weird they put a friction modifier in the rear diff. We clearly do not have a LSD and ford only calls for Motorcraft® SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant - XY-80W90-QL
 

diesel924

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I just looked up the diff by the part number on the work order, it's definately not a limited slip. I looked up the fluid on Ford's online service info that is updated when there is a change, there is no additive mentioned for this differential. They made a mistake adding XL-3 to the fluid. I've never heard of this causing a problem in an open differential, the other way around, sure. However, I still wouldn't leave it in.
 
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DreadPirateRoberts

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I just looked up the diff by the part number on the work order, it's definately not a limited slip. I looked up the fluid on Ford's online service info that is updated when there is a change, there is no additive mentioned for this differential. They made a mistake adding XL-3 to the fluid. I've never heard of this causing a problem in an open differential, the other way around, sure. However, I still wouldn't leave it in.
What does the friction modifier do? Makes the oil more viscous or something? I'm completely ignorant on this. You got me wondering if I should drain and refill it now. Do you have a link to what you're looking at so I can reference it when I call them? TIA
 


diesel924

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What does the friction modifier do? Makes the oil more viscous or something? I'm completely ignorant on this. You got me wondering if I should drain and refill it now. Do you have a link to what you're looking at so I can reference it when I call them? TIA
It's used to make the clutch pack happy in an LSD. It's really all PFM*. Like I said, I don't THINK anything will happen, you PROBABLY won't even know it's there. But since you KNOW it's not correct, I'd have them fix it on their own dime. Of course they will just try to suck out as much as possible to save on labor cost, you'll never get it all out. I can't link to the online manual because it's a Ford subscription, no sharing allowed.

*Pure F%#@#%G Magic.
 
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DreadPirateRoberts

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It's used to make the clutch pack happy in an LSD. It's really all PFM*. Like I said, I don't THINK anything will happen, you PROBABLY won't even know it's there. But since you KNOW it's not correct, I'd have them fix it on their own dime. Of course they will just try to suck out as much as possible to save on labor cost, you'll never get it all out. I can't link to the online manual because it's a Ford subscription, no sharing allowed.

*Pure F%#@#%G Magic.

I'll call them and see what they say. For the $20 the oil cost I'd just as soon do it myself. I live in a rural area so it's a PITA to get over there. Thanks
 

Bishop

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i do know that if you have a LSD and do not put the friction modifier in, it will cause the rear end to lock up while turning on pavement, which i have seen cause alot of damage including broken axle shafts (this was on a jeep)
 

pismo1

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i do know that if you have a LSD and do not put the friction modifier in, it will cause the rear end to lock up while turning on pavement, which i have seen cause alot of damage including broken axle shafts (this was on a jeep)
Correct.
 

Motorpsychology

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Motorcycles that share oil with the transmission (most Japanese bikes) also require friction modifiers for similar reasons. The multiplate wet clutch pack needs friction in order to function, while the motor and gears need slippery.

PFM indeed!
 

TechEditor

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The old Honda TRX350 4X4 atv's always turned better with 1 oz of GM Limited Slip Differential Fluid installed. W/o it the front end would bang as you turned. With it installed , the clutch plates slipped smoothly and it was like having power steering on those old tanks.
 

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