Today I changed the fluids in my differential's, transfer case, and transmission. Fluid has never been changed ever. I found some metal shavings on the magnetic pickups on the bolts in my rear differential and the transmission. Is this normal for a truck with over 120,000 miles on it? The truck drives fine, shifting is normal. Clutch feels good too. Drivetrain info: Transmission is the M5OD, Rear end is the stock Ford open diff, Dana 44 front axle, stock transfer case. I will keep an eye on the drivetrain parts. Should I be worried about the metal shavings or not? Any info will be appreiated.

 

Sorta depends on what you mean by shavings. If you're talking about that fine powdered metal that accumulates on these magnetic plugs don't worry, it's absolutely normal. If you have chunky style it's a different matter entirely. Time to worry. Or at least investigate further.

 

I had the fine powdery stuff and small metal shavings. The fluid was never changed in the life of the truck so the magnetic plug was never cleaned either until today. It was in both the tranny and rear diff. Transfer case and front diff didn't seem to have the magnets. If it happened in one and not the other I would be worried. I am thinking it might be normal wear. The shavings were not big, they were small. I just wanted to hear what you guys had to say first.

 

If they were as big as glitter, it might be a problem, but changing the oil now will probably stop the damage where it is. In the rear axle, I'd recommend pulling the ABS sensor out of the top of the axle & clean it off, too. It's magnetic also, and a buildup of filings will cause the ABS light to blink at you.

 

If you only have fine powder on the magnet and you have 120K on the truck WOW your doing fine! If you have some larger pieces and the trans is quiet and shifts fine I still would not worry. Large chunks get a new one!

Bill C

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 22-Dec-02 AT 08:24 PM (EST)]Thanks for the info guys, the tranny shifts fine, doesn't make any noise, and the shavings were not very big. Thanks for the heads up Steve83, i'll clean the ABs sensor ASAP. I have to go back into the rear end anyway, i think i damaged the cover gasket. I cracked open the cover to drain the fluid because i couldn't get get my fluid pump into the diff to suck out the fluid. I have to replace the gasket. Dang thats another couple quarts of 90 weight i have to buy. oh well. Thanks for the help on the tranny.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 22-Dec-02 AT 11:51 PM (EST)]The 8.8" doesn't actually use a cover gasket. Just clean the mating surfaces, apply a 1/4" bead of silicone to the cover INSIDE all the bolt holes, let it skin over for 2-4 minutes, and torque the cover bolts to spec in a criss-cross pattern.

The ABS sensor comes out from the top - you don't have to pull the cover.

 

I've got a cork gasket in mine, and a cardboard gasket in my dad's truck (both with gasket sealer), so they do use gaskets, but the silicone will work just fine.

 

I checked at Kragen's, they do have a gasket available. I am going to get it and some sealer. Just one more thing on the list for my truck.

 

I was describing the factory seal on 8.8s. All the gaskets are aftermarket or repair parts.

 

If you look at new trucks or old trucks (FORDS) that don't have the gasket, THEY LEAK!!!, guaranteed! Get the gasket put silicone on it to and you won't even see a drop of fluid!
P.S., Make sure you get the high temp, silicone!!! Or you will have a melt down.....

 

I use standard construction silicone & have never had a problem. It depends on how well you clean the surfaces, and you HAVE to let it skin-up for a few minutes before bolting it on. If the diff ever gets hot enough to deteriorate standard silicone, a leak is the least of your problems.

 

We use construction silicone in the rear end of my friend's race car and it doesn't leak, so leaking shouldn't be a problem at all, like steve83 said. The only leak there's been was in the pinion seal (Ford 9 inch) and the rear got so hot that it was smoking, and the silicone seal was still intact.

 

Here's one more question, should i put the silicone one one side or both sides od the gasket?

 

I put it on both sides in my truck.