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rear differential fluid

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Old Dec 13, 2008 | 02:14 PM
  #1  
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hop
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From: Houston
rear differential fluid

Maintenance guide states not to change the rear differential fluid. Why is it not necessary? Do you change yours? Any experienced opinions?

2000XLT 5.0 148k mi 2wheel
 
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Old Dec 13, 2008 | 07:21 PM
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Mark250
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When I checked mine awhile ago after the seals started leaking, it was silvery with metal particles. I changed it then until I got a chance to do the seals & bearings a few hundred miles later. It was clear then. I don't care what the manual states, I'm changing mine on every vehicle at about 50k. It only makes sense to get rid of the particles from everything breaking in. That statement was probably written by the same genius that claims that "the transmission does not require maintenance." I found that brilliant statement after I couldn't find my non-existent dipstick.
 
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Old Dec 13, 2008 | 09:22 PM
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CMOS
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From: Magnolia, TX
Originally Posted by Mark250
When I checked mine awhile ago after the seals started leaking, it was silvery with metal particles. I changed it then until I got a chance to do the seals & bearings a few hundred miles later. It was clear then. I don't care what the manual states, I'm changing mine on every vehicle at about 50k. It only makes sense to get rid of the particles from everything breaking in. That statement was probably written by the same genius that claims that "the transmission does not require maintenance." I found that brilliant statement after I couldn't find my non-existent dipstick.

+1


Inspect the housing and change the fluid (friction modifier) every 50K.

The members on this site have FAR more experience than 10 FORD
engineers.

CMOS
 
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Old Dec 14, 2008 | 05:54 PM
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they are doing better at making the "life time fluid". but it is still a good idea to drain out the factory fill after about a year (20k miles) to get rid on any filings, contamination, sand casting material, etc. Then change out every 50-60k miles after that. This holds true for the differentials, and the transmission fluid.
 
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