Rear Differential service

[MookieNC]

Am I Crazy or did Ford delete the rear differential drain plug? Trying to do a Rear diff fluid change at 5k on my 2021 Ranger. Just a precaution to remove any metal from break in. I know where the drain plug location should be, but the only plug I can see is the fill plug. Forum has resources that show pictures and even video of location but it was on a 2020. Could the 2021 Diff have been changed? Am I supposed to use a vacuum pump and hose to suck the fluid from the fill location? Any help would be appreciated.

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[P. A. Schilke]

Am I Crazy or did Ford delete the rear differential drain plug? Trying to do a Rear diff fluid change at 5k on my 2021 Ranger. Just a precaution to remove any metal from break in. I know where the drain plug location should be, but the only plug I can see is the fill plug. Forum has resources that show pictures and even video of location but it was on a 2020. Could the 2021 Diff have been changed? Am I supposed to use a vacuum pump and hose to suck the fluid from the fill location? Any help would be appreciated.

Hi Michael,

Pull the rear diff cover......

best,
Phil

 

[Trigganometry]

i usually just drill a 3/8 hole and fill it with a rubber grommet.
it becomes easier to change my diff oil every 1000 miles when i do that.
My last blackstone analysis was pretty cruddy, so I change it frequently now.
oils cheap.

You sure that isn’t the plug in your head bro? ? Just checkin

 

[MookieNC]

Hey Phil
Figured I might hear from ya. Just curious, why'd they do away with the drain plug? Too convenient? Seriously though, when I pull of the diff cover, is there a gasket to replace or something else to ensure good seal?

 

[dtech]

It's part of an annual contest geared towards being the 1st person to see what Ford does away with next , you earned the prize for 2021, Ford makes it progressively more challenging as the engine cover, gear shift indicator lights, pencil tray , bed tie downs weren't that difficult. What will be next ?

 

[Blmpkn]

Hey Phil
Figured I might hear from ya. Just curious, why'd they do away with the drain plug? Too convenient? Seriously though, when I pull of the diff cover, is there a gasket to replace or something else to ensure good seal?

Black rtv is all you need.

 

[PltFX4]

Am I Crazy or did Ford delete the rear differential drain plug? Trying to do a Rear diff fluid change at 5k on my 2021 Ranger. Just a precaution to remove any metal from break in. I know where the drain plug location should be, but the only plug I can see is the fill plug. Forum has resources that show pictures and even video of location but it was on a 2020. Could the 2021 Diff have been changed? Am I supposed to use a vacuum pump and hose to suck the fluid from the fill location? Any help would be appreciated.

Yes, you're crazy... LOL... not really...

 

[got3fords]

its so easy to do on the trails....just use my nail file to pop it out. oil leaks into the river bed....

I sure hope your kidding about that part.

 

[got3fords]

So is there similar concern about the front diff?

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Hey Phil
Figured I might hear from ya. Just curious, why'd they do away with the drain plug? Too convenient? Seriously though, when I pull of the diff cover, is there a gasket to replace or something else to ensure good seal?

Hi Michael,

Not sure if it was Dana or Ford... More likely Dana and Ford said okay as long as you give us some $ reduction in piece price... JMO.... This one is certainly one that most customers will never notice but the DYI folks will certainly be inconvenienced...

Best,
Phil

 

[got3fords]

Do they still put a magnet on the drain plug or somewhere in the differentials?

 

[Joeiconic]

Hey Phil
Figured I might hear from ya. Just curious, why'd they do away with the drain plug? Too convenient? Seriously though, when I pull of the diff cover, is there a gasket to replace or something else to ensure good seal?

The diff fluid has a 150,000 mile service interval. I guess they figured most trucks will be in a junk yard before they need service.

 

[Hellrazor]

I have a 21 lariat I just did mine at 10,000 miles it does have a drain plug and I fill plug. Went to the dealer got 2 quarts $18.00 it’s a five minute job. I have no metal shavings on my magnet in the oil was barely dirty

 

[CO2Ranger]

I have a 21 lariat I just did mine at 10,000 miles it does have a drain plug and I fill plug. Went to the dealer got 2 quarts $18.00 it’s a five minute job. I have no metal shavings on my magnet in the oil was barely dirty

My 21 has 2 plugs as well.

 

[MookieNC]

My 21 has 2 plugs as well.

Guess I should be appreciative that they at least provided me with a fill plug.

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