[updated:LAST EDITED ON 10-Nov-02 AT 12:48 PM (EST)]Ladies & Gentlemen -Good day to all -

1. O's manual on my `99 Ranger (4x4) calls for "Lubricate front half-shaft slip yoke" every 30,000 miles - Two schools of thought on this I suppose (as there seems to be at least 2 on EVERY subject) - this appears (to this novice) to be a "sealed"-up unit and a fairly arduous assignment\task, again, at least where I am concerned - HOW NECESSARY is this (?) - the other school of thought being - leave it and have a "pro" do it when it wears-out (?). What "avg\typical" mileage might one expect "w/o" performing this service - before it "wears-out"?

2. The same O's manual states - "*Vehicles equipped with AX4S, AX4N, 4R70W or 4R100 automatic transmissions/transaxles should be serviced every 30,000 miles, regardless of Normal or Special Operating Conditions duty cycle". My manual makes NO mention of the auto. trans. Ford slapped into my vehicle - 4R44/55E (I still haven't been able to ascertain which it is, I KNOW it's a 4 spd. - but I can't get the "44 or 55" part "nailed" down - probably a 44, but there WERE (or are) some 4R"55"E's made - HERE'S THE KICKER - Brochure I picked-up from a dealership states, under Ranger, "recommended additional maintenance" - "Note: Under normal vehicle operating conditions, transmission service (transmission models 4R44E and 5R55E) is not required until 150,000 miles unless 5,000-mile fluid inspections reveal contamination or discoloration of fluid, or transmission exhibits functional concerns". - ???!!!!

Could this trans be even HALF as tough as Ford is "suggesting" (in other words might one be "good" with a trans service, with these SPECIFIC builds, say, every 75,000 - or even every 50,000 ?) Help, Please.

PS - and what the heck is\are the AX4S & AX4N - I've never heard of them - lighter duty trannies (cars)?

Thanks in advance, Glenn . . .

 

The 4R44E is used with the 4 cylinder and the 3.0L V6. The 4r55E is used with the 4.0L V6.

I think transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 mles. Ford's position is different than mine.

The AX4S and AX4N are front wheel drive transmissions that are used in the Windstar, Taurus, and Sable.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 10-Nov-02 AT 05:13 PM (EST)]Thanks Mark, I was just curious why "they" would string-out that interval so much as opposed to they're other recommendation's of 30,000 for other 'trannys'.

Care to opine' on the Half-Shaft Slip Yoke Lubrication?

Thanks again, Glenn . . . - PS- I'm also very curious about what the "44" & "55" numbers, referred to in my original post, designate? I've heard\read a couple of different things - guess I'd like to be prepared for a new\re-manuf.\re-build (at, say, 100 or 150,000 miles ?) if my "better than average, but less than perfect care\service\maintanence" doesn't keep her running for "life" - (say, 10 + years\200,000 + miles).

Glenn . . .