Differentials and Transfer Case Fluid Change

[The Last Ranger]

They must have changed in late 21 then. My build 08/21 has the drain plug on the lower front side of the differential like most of them. That might have been a change by Dana more than Ford.

Its totally absurd that they removed the drain plug, hard to believe, but if Ford believes 150k for before changing fluid they don't care about any hassle it causes to us do it yourself guys.

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[Hootbro]

Its totally absurd that they removed the drain plug, hard to believe, but if Ford believes 150k for before changing fluid they don't care about any hassle it causes to us do it yourself guys.

FWIW, they phased out the drain plugs around the same time on the Jeep Advantek 44 differentials also. That tells me it was more of a DANA decision than Ford or Jeep

 

[TJC]

FWIW, they phased out the drain plugs around the same time on the Jeep Advantek 44 differentials also. That tells me it was more of a DANA decision than Ford or Jeep

Ford is the customer. Ford specs out the part. Supplier builds it. If Ford wanted a drain plug, it would be there.

Cost savings is the driver.

 

[seasprite]

Changed my transfer case fluid yesterday and man it was dark like used motor oil. The fluid didn't have a burned smell or anything like that. The drain plug magnet didn't have a lot of metal on it. Pretty non existent really.
Oh yeah 35k on the clock. Might start doing this every 30k.

 

[shovelhd]

Changed my transfer case fluid yesterday and man it was dark like used motor oil. The fluid didn't have a burned smell or anything like that. The drain plug magnet didn't have a lot of metal on it. Pretty non existent really.
Oh yeah 35k on the clock. Might start doing this every 30k.

Thanks for the heads up. I will be doing all three at the next oil change at 35K.

 

[FordRacing]

does the rear electronic lockers rear diff require any additive? (just to lazy to go out and grab the owners manual... LOL ) or just the 80-90w gear oil... Taking mine to Colorado this summer and figured it might be a good idea to change both diff's and the transfer case.

 

[NotBudule2]

does the rear electronic lockers rear diff require any additive? (just to lazy to go out and grab the owners manual... LOL ) or just the 80-90w gear oil... Taking mine to Colorado this summer and figured it might be a good idea to change both diff's and the transfer case.

Nope...
Just 3 qts of the oil...
Transfer case is transmission fluid though...

 

[airline tech]

The only difference is the ELD=3.38 Pints and Standard=3.76 Pints, so slightly less fluid to fill to the hole. Both use 80/90 Gear Oil

 

[NotBudule2]

I had to run back out and get a siphon gun thingy to get the front diff full as it's a little awkward to get in there to fill it...

 

[FordRacing]

Nope...
Just 3 qts of the oil...
Transfer case is transmission fluid though...

Thank you!

 

[FordRacing]

I had to run back out and get a siphon gun thingy to get the front diff full as it's a little awkward to get in there to fill it...

Okay will order one, thanks for the info! much appreciated.

 

[JimG_AZ]

Just slid under my 21 FX4 Ranger to find no drain plug for the rear differential, my build date was December 21, I believe. Sure glad I have the M-4033-BR on order.

Same for me. My '21 Ranger has a build date of 12/21 and I have no rear differential drain plug either. I also have the M-4033-BR on order.

 

[The Last Ranger]

Same for me. My '21 Ranger has a build date of 12/21 and I have no rear differential drain plug either. I also have the M-4033-BR on order.

Yup its been installed and its a thing of beauty. Can replace fluid easily!!!

 

[JimG_AZ]

Crush washer/seal part number - Ford: AB3Z-7482-A.

....

If you want a cheaper alternative to the crush washers, these are a perfect fit.

Amazon.com: PRIME AVE Oil Drain Plug Gasket Crush Washer - 18mm Aluminum Crush Washers for Leak Proof Seal - Compatible with Ford Mazda Porsche & Volvo Part# 90012310630, 977751, 995641800 (Pack of 15) : Automotive

 

[Regnar]

Just wanted to say thanks for this thread - lots of good info that helped me.

Today I changed the rear diff and transfer case fluid, then did a drain and fill on the transmission. Going to do the front diff tomorrow.

The old fluids were really dark, so I’m glad I did this. I’ve got 37k miles and couldn’t imagine letting those fluids go for 100k+.

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