Differentials and Transfer Case Fluid Change

[nate237]

Since my truck has 13K miles and it's mostly been towing a 3800 lb. travel trailer for most of those miles, and because it looks like an easy-peasy DIY, I am going to change the fluid in the rear differential. That's a start.
For those who have done this and other fluid changes, do you document those in your FordPass app?
I did an oil/filter change and did. Took pictures of the oil and filter plus the dated receipt and uploaded them.

I document things that would affect warranty, like motor oil and filter. Rear diff I did not, because Ford doesn't specify a change until 150,000, and I don't want to give any excuse for denying a warranty claim (i.e. you must have used the wrong oil, etc). I maintain separate complete records in an app called AUTOsist on my phone.

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[Msfitoy]

Just did mine this morning, it was chuuuunky. Went ahead and clean it out and rinsed it good. Got the skid plate on as well.

What skid plate is that?

 

[quangdog]

Rolled over 30K miles last week, and as part of the maintenance for that milestone I drained and filled my rear diff. The fluid that came out was a dark amber color, with only very little (very fine - almost like a mud) deposits on the drain plug magnet. While I had the drain plug removed, I used my borescope to peek inside the diff. I think the gears look great. I should have thought to scope in through the fill hole as well, but was in a time crunch and was lucky to think about any borescope shots at all.

 

[TICKLE ZOMBIE]

In a few weeks I’m getting my oil changed at 5K (side note: Wix XP or Motorcraft filter?), and I’ve read on here a lot of people change rear differential fluid pretty early.
Should I do same or stick to my original plan, which is to change rear differential, transmission fluid, and spark plugs at 30K.
My Ranger is a RWD model.

 

[D Fresh]

If you like wasting money go for it.

 

[ccasanova22]

I did mine at 5k due to towing and the manual says to switch to a synthetic gear oil if towing under severe conditions. Probably not needed unless you really work the truck.

 

[AzScorpion]

I did mine at 24,000 and have done quite a bit of off roading with it and they said it was nasty. Next time I think I'd change it out at 10,000.

 

[ccasanova22]

Mine was dark at 5k so I think that is normal? Every diff I’ve drained (even at low mileage) came out dark, same for the Ranger.

 

[Msfitoy]

I did mine at 24,000 and have done quite a bit of off roading with it and they said it was nasty. Next time I think I'd change it out at 10,000.

Get out a here...you don't drive enough to make it past 15K...give me a break...

 

[AzScorpion]

Get out a here...you don't drive enough to make it past 15K...give me a break...

I got news for ya Sid. I'm now at 30,337.

 

[Msfitoy]

I got news for ya Sid. I'm now at 30,337.

Your tranny has 65K life left...?

 

[AzScorpion]

Your tranny has 65K life left...?

So about 8 more years before I have to worry about anything.

 

[GTHAYS]

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.

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.

Sir
Thank you for posting this with all the information in one place. I went under my truck today and actually dumped the fluids from both dif's and the TC. Your post helped me the most. The only thing I would add is the TC has Allen key bolts and I couldn't find my sockets. Used an Allen wrench(10 mm) and finished the job. The other posts with the torque and suggestions about Permatex helped a bunch as well. Rear at 12K is not as bad as the other posts but I am glad I did it. Front diff was looking like a pale ale but it's been replaced. TC wasn't bad either but I am glad I did it too. Again thank you for putting this information in one place.

 

[Bravohook]

Just replaced my Front Diff and Transfer Case fluid. Front diff looked new, Transfer case was surprisingly dark for only 25k. Went to do the rear diff and bam mine does not have a drain plug. Wondered why my fill plug had a magnet on it. Guess a new diff cover in my future, was gonna get one anyways so this a perfect excuse to spend some more coin.

 

[SigOris]

I did mine at 24,000 and have done quite a bit of off roading with it and they said it was nasty. Next time I think I'd change it out at 10,000.

Guess what you get to again?

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