Rear Diff fluid?
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: CFB Petawawa Canada
Rear Diff fluid?
Well heres a ?. My wife Explorer uses 75W 140 in the rear diff. but due to the cost of it I like to use 75W90. Has anyone used the change? She does not pull a trailer, off road etc. Just Hwy driving. I'm not dumb, it was from one dealer he said they use 75w90 and the other here in town said only use 75w140. So I would like to get a second view?
Thanks
Thanks
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2002
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Rear Diff fluid?
On my 98 Exp, the type of lube in the rear diff depends on if you have a limited slip differential. I don't have the LSD, so the Ford manual recommends 75W-90. If you have the LSD, you are supposed to use the 75W-140 and add 4 oz of friction modifier when you change the fluid.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Pittsburgh
Rear Diff fluid?
I've got a 97 AWD Mountaineer. Since the rear axle gear oil only gets changed once every 100,000 miles, I don't believe the cost of the fluid is that expensive. I used the 75W140 synthetic, as recomended. AutoZone had it in quarts.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Purmerend / The Netherlands
Rear Diff fluid?
With all respect, I'm not saying that you have to buy the oil of Mr. Ford&Co.
Find out the specs and look for a different make that meets the specs, that can save you bucks.
The oilblenders don't lie, too much competition. If they say the oil meets specification this and that, you can use it with peace of mind. I did the same with a Dutch brand and it saved me a lot.
Greetz, Tony.
Find out the specs and look for a different make that meets the specs, that can save you bucks.
The oilblenders don't lie, too much competition. If they say the oil meets specification this and that, you can use it with peace of mind. I did the same with a Dutch brand and it saved me a lot.
Greetz, Tony.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: CFB Petawawa Canada
Rear Diff fluid?
Thanks, I tryed to find Royal Purple but here in Eastern Canada. Its hard to find. When I lived in Ontario, most auto parts shops carried everything. But in Newbrunswick, its 10 yrs behind. I'm buying ford stuff, it will save me the headache.
Even the Ford dealer here never heard of 75w140.
Even the Ford dealer here never heard of 75w140.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 106
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From: Pittsburgh
Rear Diff fluid?
Well, for one thing, I think I'd start looking for a new dealer.
The brand I found at AutoZone was Coastal for 75W140 syn. I think it runs about $11 US for a quart. Thus, the change out was say about $36 with tax.
Best of Luck.
The brand I found at AutoZone was Coastal for 75W140 syn. I think it runs about $11 US for a quart. Thus, the change out was say about $36 with tax.
Best of Luck.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2002
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Rear Diff fluid?
Yes...check AutoZone for that more expensive fluid (if that's what it takes) PLUS....they also have the Friction Modifier mentioned in your mannual too.
(the dealers REALLY overcharge you on that gear lube).
BUT....that said...be SURE you have LS or non-LS rear. I recently tried to get a straight answer from several sources and just gave up.
Some posted here that the ABSOLUTE indicator is to jack up the end and spin one wheel...if the other spins the SAME direction it is one type of rear gears....if it spins the OPPOSITE direction...it is the other type.
I can't remember which goes with which. I'm going to do that test next time I get my wheels rotated (then find out which means what... then change the fluid).
(the dealers REALLY overcharge you on that gear lube).
BUT....that said...be SURE you have LS or non-LS rear. I recently tried to get a straight answer from several sources and just gave up.
Some posted here that the ABSOLUTE indicator is to jack up the end and spin one wheel...if the other spins the SAME direction it is one type of rear gears....if it spins the OPPOSITE direction...it is the other type.
I can't remember which goes with which. I'm going to do that test next time I get my wheels rotated (then find out which means what... then change the fluid).
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 56
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From: Purmerend / The Netherlands
Rear Diff fluid?
True, with both wheels off the ground (shifter in neutral) turn one wheel forward, if the other wheel goes forward too, you have a LS-diff.
But on one of the coverbolts is a label attached (aluminium) with a number. When the third (?) sequence of digits shows "L" it means limited slip.
Greetz, Tony
But on one of the coverbolts is a label attached (aluminium) with a number. When the third (?) sequence of digits shows "L" it means limited slip.
Greetz, Tony
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 56
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From: Purmerend / The Netherlands
Rear Diff fluid?
Hi Joe K,
The maintenance schedule that came with my Explorer shows two schedules to follow: the normal schedule and the severe duty schedule.
Normal duty: 100.000 miles
Severe duty: 99.000 miles
The following note is mentioned:
"All rear axle lube quantities must be replaced every 100.000 miles or if the axle has been submerged in water.
Otherwise, the lube should not be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected or repair required."
I wonder if they know what severe duty means.
If I buy a car with more than 30K or 40K on the odo, I always change all the fluids, so I can follow my own schedule.
Greetz, Tony.
The maintenance schedule that came with my Explorer shows two schedules to follow: the normal schedule and the severe duty schedule.
Normal duty: 100.000 miles
Severe duty: 99.000 miles
The following note is mentioned:
"All rear axle lube quantities must be replaced every 100.000 miles or if the axle has been submerged in water.
Otherwise, the lube should not be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected or repair required."
I wonder if they know what severe duty means.
If I buy a car with more than 30K or 40K on the odo, I always change all the fluids, so I can follow my own schedule.
Greetz, Tony.
New User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 13
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From: Red Deer Alberta Canada
Rear Diff fluid?
If you use a good quality synthetic gear lube with a friction modifier for the lsd you shouldn't have a problem. I maintain a fleet of class 8 trucks and if syn 75/90 works in a 44,000# diff it should work fine in a explorer diff.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: CFB Petawawa Canada
Rear Diff fluid?
Thanks
I picked up some ford stuff. We don't have Autozone in Canada. I'm a Aircraft Mech. part time, so mechanics is not a problem. It was the cost and my Aerostar listed 75w90 and 75w140. They both my wifes Ex and My Aero have the same diff. I phoned my brother in Law that works for Ford. He said the 75w 140 is rated for life and I should use it. HAHA. Whos? the oil's or diff's. HAHA.
Thanks again Fellas.
I picked up some ford stuff. We don't have Autozone in Canada. I'm a Aircraft Mech. part time, so mechanics is not a problem. It was the cost and my Aerostar listed 75w90 and 75w140. They both my wifes Ex and My Aero have the same diff. I phoned my brother in Law that works for Ford. He said the 75w 140 is rated for life and I should use it. HAHA. Whos? the oil's or diff's. HAHA.
Thanks again Fellas.