Differential service
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 83
From: N. Texas
Differential service
Question for all of you. My XLT has just over 90K miles on the clock. I dropped it off this morning to have the AT fluid and filter replaced, oil & filter, tire rotation and the diff fluid changed. I got a call back from the shop and they said the diff fluid is a "lifetime" fluid and it doesn't need to be replaced. Does this sound right to you? Now remember, they aren't trying to sell me anything extra, its the opposite.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
The transmission is also listed as lifetime, as you know the 6r80 suffers from sticking valves and its good PM to do it. The rear diff especially if equipped with the ELD needs to be serviced or the metal particles will stop the operation. I think it's a worth while service.
Moderator
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,208
Likes: 1,223
From: San Antonio, TX
I had all fluids changed, coolant, transmission, transfer case, front/rear differentials and brake, at 50k miles and will stick with that schedule. Oil is full synthetic and is done at 7500 miles regardless of what the OLM reads.
In my opinion there is no such thing as lifetime lubricants, unless lifetime means that the lubricants last the life of the unit until it fails.
In my opinion there is no such thing as lifetime lubricants, unless lifetime means that the lubricants last the life of the unit until it fails.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 407
Likes: 6
Trending Topics
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 179
Likes: 2
From: Hazleton, PA
Are they going to replace your transmission or differential if they go bad? I am not a believer in lifetime fluid
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
FTE Community Team
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 10,712
Likes: 1,495
Doesn't hurt to change it, but every 90,000 miles should be fine. There are a lot out there that never get changed and never have an issue. There are others that have an issue way too young (that by the numbers I suspect came with some kind of defect and/or abuse). Generally they hold up pretty well. One thing that "lifetime" fluid can't fix is contamination. If is sees service splashing through a lot of water (salt or otherwise) or gets under water (salt or otherwise) it should be changed much more often.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Tom Evans
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
4
Jan 22, 2016 08:41 PM