Differentials and Transfer Case Fluid Change

Engmus

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txquailguy

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What size wrench/Allen key are the front and rear diff fill/drain plugs? Asking for a friend…?
I did not see that listed in the procedure for changing the fluid….
Much appreciated in advance!
 

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What size wrench/Allen key are the front and rear diff fill/drain plugs? Asking for a friend…?
I did not see that listed in the procedure for changing the fluid….
Much appreciated in advance!
It's a 3/8" square socket. Just use a 3/8" ratchet or breaker bar.
 

txquailguy

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I changed my front and rear diff fluid over the Christmas break. I did have some small metal particles, but nothing large and not much. The magnets on the drain plugs had some very fine metal on it...front and rear, but not very much. What really amazed me was the color of the rear fluid. You could still see light through it! It looked like very dark maple syrup in color. Had no bad or burnt smell. For as much punishment as I have dealt out to that rear diff....I'm impressed to say the least. BTW.....this was my first diff fluid change at 67K.
I went with Mobil 1, 75w-90 Synthetic. I figure it's a VERY race proven product. I also run Mobil 1 oil in my Ranger's Ecobeast.
 

Husky44

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Changed both axles and transfer case fluids today on the 2021 w/4900 miles. Easy job and very little metal on any of the magnets.
 
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Old Red Replacement

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All right everyone, aside from PM, or OCD desire to take care of your Ranger. Yes I already use Amsoil in Engine.

For those who have changed rear, transfer case, front differential to full synthetic oil[ Taking account 4wd axle drag, in 2wd coasting]

have you noticedced any MPG change?
 

Josebd

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Is it ok to use this for 2021 ranger rear axle?
E513E7FE-2825-409E-8B03-A9229A8553E7.jpeg
 

quangdog

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Is it ok to use this for 2021 ranger rear axle?
E513E7FE-2825-409E-8B03-A9229A8553E7.jpeg
The Ranger's rear diff is *not* a limited slip (as far as I understand), so you don't need or really want the limited slip additives in your rear diff lube.

Then again, I'm just a dude on the internet... and asking for opinions about lubrication products will most likely start a holy war.
 

Josebd

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The Limited Slip label is a non issue in open diffs
 

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How much red line did you all use in the differential and how much did the trans case use ?
 

RAYJAY

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38,500 mile on truck and just got done doing all 3 , rear axle was bad black with a lot of build up on drain plug,
front little dirty not bad
transfer case bad ...... fluid black /drain plug dirty
pictures of the transfer case below

Used Red Line oil D6ATF 2 q on transfer case
Red Line gear oil 75/90 2 q rear 1 q front


20220726_213850.jpg
20220726_213839.jpg
below
 

JohnnyO

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For those who have changed rear, transfer case, front differential to full synthetic oil[ Taking account 4wd axle drag, in 2wd coasting]

have you noticedced any MPG change?
Not really but the butt dyno tells me it's a little smoother. Same experience with my previous trucks when I changed the axles and t-case. I'm sure the viscosity was broken down and it was a little thinner.
 
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JohnnyO

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38,500 mile on truck and just got done doing all 3 , rear axle was bad black with a lot of build up on drain plug,
front little dirty not bad
transfer case bad ...... fluid black /drain plug dirty
pictures of the transfer case below

Used Red Line oil D6ATF 2 q on transfer case
Red Line gear oil 75/90 2 q rear 1 q front
My experience was the same. Changed at 30k. Rear and t-case looked like tar, front not quite as bad.
Previous truck i changed the t-case and rear every 30k. The front had to by done by the qwicky lube with a pump, so every 50k. At 30k and 60k they drained out dirty, by 90k there was some pink, by 120k the lube in both looked like new. Less wear as things break in. Based on that, I plan to change the axles and t-case at 30k (done), 60k, 100k, then every 50k after assuming I keep it that long.
I used Redline D6 and axle lube also, it's the only synthetic axle lube I found that specifically meets the Ford spec in the owner's manual. Owner's manual calls for 80w-90 conventional lube.
Also I found that while the fill plugs and drain plugs are the same size, only the drain plugs have a magnet so make sure you put them back in the right place.
 

Progeny2021

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Dang, my 2019 at 12k+ miles must be grinding itself into oblivion.

My 2015 Triumph SE motorcycle required a diff oil change at 600 miles.....

On my previous 2006 XLT 4WD, I changed the engine coolant, rear diff, front diff and transmission for the first time at the 10 year point, around 38k miles. The transfer case shift motor failed a few years earlier due to non-use; shop rebuilt the motor and advised I use it at least once per month afterwards.

No more than I'm driving, I'll change the fluids on my 2019 Lariat at the 10 year point.

My previous 2006; traded in on my 2019....

IMG_0322.JPG
 

JohnnyO

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My 2015 Triumph SE motorcycle required a diff oil change at 600 miles.....
Well, they're built by the British, so there is that. :giggle:
Sponsored

 
 



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