Differential Fluid Change Frequency

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Aug 5, 2007 | 06:37 PM

Bigfoot151

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Joined: Aug 2005

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Differential Fluid Change Frequency

I have a 2002 7.3L 4x4 Excursion that I pull a 34 ft travel trailer with. The GVWR of the trailer is 9200 lbs. My BIL insists that I should be changing the rear differiential fluid annually due to the added stress placed on the rear by the trailer. I have not changed the fluid since I owned the vehicle nearly two tyears ago. I have about 92k miles on it now. It should be noted that I am running close to the GVWR of the vehicle due to the size of my family and the tongue weight of the trailer. What is the generally-accepted fluid change frequency on this forum of those who pull trailers? Thank you in advance for your help.

Aug 5, 2007 | 07:10 PM

ReAX

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Joined: May 2006

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From: Central Florida

With most fluids, you should be changing at 50k intervals. With synthetics you can squeeze out a little more. Of course if you submerge you axles, you should change the fluid out immediately. However, there is no such thing as changing the fluid too often.

Aug 6, 2007 | 04:12 PM

Beachbumcook

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Joined: Jan 2004

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigfoot151

I changed my transfer case at 50,000 miles and my front and rear diff's at 60,000 or so... but I am not towing like you are.

Fluid is cheap... repairs and breakdowns are not. Towing will always create more heat and wear... so I would change all fluids (tranny, front diff, rear diff and transfer case) on a regular basis.... my opinon... your past due!!!

Aug 6, 2007 | 05:20 PM

XHunter

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Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 520

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From: Marietta, GA

I changed mine @ 30k when I put the Mag Hytec covers on and I'll probably change again @ 60k just to be safe. like Beach said, fluid is cheap and repairs are not...