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Rear Differential Fluid Change at 65K Miles (Found metal)

carbobaggins

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I recently did a rear diff fluid change on my 2020 Ford Ranger XLT 2WD and found this metal part when I took out the oil.

I was wondering if anyone knew what it was and if it should be something significant I should get looked at.

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RedlandRanger

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That came out with the oil? I would be very concerned if that was rattling around in the diff for 65k miles.... Were there shavings in the fluid?

Not sure what that could be - it looks like some kind of stamped part that broke off from somewhere.
 

RangerPNW

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Yikes, hopefully that was just something sitting in your drain pan that you didn't notice beforehand? I'd definitely get the truck looked at though.
 
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carbobaggins

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That came out with the oil? I would be very concerned if that was rattling around in the diff for 65k miles.... Were there shavings in the fluid?

Not sure what that could be - it looks like some kind of stamped part that broke off from somewhere.

it was stuck to the magnet when I pulled out the oil.

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rang19ca

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You have to take a look inside to see if there is any damage or metal piece that fits that piece.
 

Dereku

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Just a heads up, I recently had my diff rebuilt at a great specialty shop since my pinion bearings went out. He strongly recommended anyone with a D44 replaces diff oil every 10-15k miles. 10k if you drive lots of highway, 15k otherwise.
Why? thats bananas! ?
 

got3fords

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Maybe find a parts break down diagram to see if you can match it up with something.
 

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Maybe find a parts break down diagram to see if you can match it up with something.
I did that and did not see anything where it might have come from.
Look closely and it appears to come from a part that was cast, not forged or milled. Didn't see any parts in the rear end that were made from a casting.....other than the rear housing itself. Maybe a piece from the interior of the axle housing....a brace or an ear or something similar.....
 
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5thranger

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I did that and did not see anything where it might have come from.
Look closely and it appears to come from a part that was cast, not forged or milled. Didn't see any parts in the rear end that were made from a casting.....other than the rear housing itself. Maybe a piece from the interior of the axle housing....a brace or an ear or something similar.....
Is it possibly off one of the adjusters that are used to move ring gear left to right when setting up back lash.
 

Dereku

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Is it though? My rear end blew up. I should clarify that recommendation is for D44s running 33s. He's seen the same thing lots of times on gladiators and similar vehicles with the same rear end
Yes it is. 50k is generally accepted for extreme use. I expect more from a dana axle. Especially a 44.
 

NOVA_Ranger

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Just a heads up, I recently had my diff rebuilt at a great specialty shop since my pinion bearings went out. He strongly recommended anyone with a D44 replaces diff oil every 10-15k miles. 10k if you drive lots of highway, 15k otherwise.
Not a chance of me doing this, haha.
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