Differential and transfer case oil change

[JohnnyO]

0w00 oil is next

The 0w-20 spec'd for my wife's Pacifica pours out like water.

Sponsored

 

[Atxjmy512]

I'm actually looking to do this too - same year and FX4. I haven't had issues with my transmission of diff - but dealer tried to tell me it needed to be changed (despite being 110k miles away from recommended factory service interval) but I figure it can't hurt if I do it myself.

I'm sure I'm opening myself up to ridicule here - but I am confused on what gear oil to use. Manual says 80W-90 but ChatGPT is insistent that for an FX4 and 4x4 you must use full synthetic75W-85.

Which is correct?

 

[Frenchy]

I'm actually looking to do this too - same year and FX4. I haven't had issues with my transmission of diff - but dealer tried to tell me it needed to be changed (despite being 110k miles away from recommended factory service interval) but I figure it can't hurt if I do it myself.

I'm sure I'm opening myself up to ridicule here - but I am confused on what gear oil to use. Manual says 80W-90 but ChatGPT is insistent that for an FX4 and 4x4 you must use full synthetic75W-85.

Which is correct?

RTFSM

 

[Atxjmy512]

RTFSM

Thanks!! I don't have a service manual, but appreciate the tip!

 

[Frenchy]

Thanks!! I don't have a service manual, but appreciate the tip!

Fine then. RTFOM

 

[Atxjmy512]

Fine then. RTFOM

Clutch tip. Thank you sir!

 

[Mighty Little Blue]

Question for the people here with more knowledge than me. Changing all the fluids and thought I was lucky with a rear differential drain plug. It is sort of deformed upper left corner 9 a clock in photo. So 3/8 ratchet does not fit in it. Also seems to have some type of sealant around it almost like it is welded in. Do not want to force it and cause more problems. Might just have to remove the cover?

 

[Big Blue]

Question for the people here with more knowledge than me. Changing all the fluids and thought I was lucky with a rear differential drain plug. It is sort of deformed upper left corner 9 a clock in photo. So 3/8 ratchet does not fit in it. Also seems to have some type of sealant around it almost like it is welded in. Do not want to force it and cause more problems. Might just have to remove the cover?

Almost looks like you got a bunch of paint dried in that corner of the socket. I would try scraping it out. Then once you get it out replace the plug. Just go to your local hardware store and get a new pipe plug, that's all it is.

Correction! My bad that is the drain plug, it has a magnet in it. Maybe an auto parts store might have one. Or. Clean up the old one.

 

[Atxjmy512]

Just order a new one to replace it. They don’t cost very much. It’s thread sealant not glue. It’s only in there with maybe 20 ft lbs. it comes out very easily.

 

[Mighty Little Blue]

Thanks for the replies, yes the front and transfer case were straight forward no issues.

 

[Atxjmy512]

Thanks for the replies, yes the front and transfer case were straight forward no issues.

When you did the transfer case, did you replace the crush washer? I’m about to do mine so just curious.

 

[Mighty Little Blue]

When you did the transfer case, did you replace the crush washer? I’m about to do mine so just curious.

I did not fill it yet was debating on getting one at the dealer tomorrow. First change washer still seems good. As was mentioned earlier they are not torqued on very tight.

 

[JohnnyO]

When you did the transfer case, did you replace the crush washer? I’m about to do mine so just curious.

Done it twice and no. Torque to 18 ft. lb. No leaks.

 

[Atxjmy512]

Thanks. I did it last week, kept the original washer seal and no leaks so far.

 

[ctechbob]

Pick your favorite brand of synthetic 75w-90 and don't think twice. There's nothing special about the Rangers diffs that require much more than that.

As for the T-Case, pick your favorite Mercon LV and have at it. Again, nothing special or worth overthinking here.

I towed lots of weight for well over 10,000 miles and my diff fluid was perfect when drained. I had changed it out with Valvoline FS 75W-90, not because I think it is the absolute best, but because it is easy to find and performs very well.

Sponsored