All:

I have a 2006 Ford Expedition. I changed my rear differential fluid over to Amsoil Severe Duty today. Only 30k but I do alot towing. The fluid needed it. I also did my transfer case, over to Amsoil. I had to have the shop do my tranny fluid since there is no drain plug. $80 for a new filter and flush and I supplied the fluid...grrrr.

Anyway, I was under there today looking to drain my front differential. No plug? How do you drain it. How would the shop do it? Also what do you think about going to a 75w-90 versus the factory 80w-90? The Amsoil guys are telling me that the 75w-90 severe duty is a much better fluid, so I think that I will do it.

Thanks All!

 

Go buy a set of ramps $40
Get a drain pan $10
Loosen the cover and drain
Inspect the gear set visually
replace the cover using a RTV sealant
Refill the diff.
Use the ramps and drain pan for your next trany fluid change.
BTW I install a drain plug ($5) in the pan the first time I change the trany fluid.

 

Just a little tip here. Always loosen the fill plug before draining out the old fluid. Reason being...after draining out the fluid is not the time to learn the fill plug is frozen in place. At least if you learn this ahead of time, you'll still have fluid in the differential to drive it to a shop and get some help.

 

The 75w-90 fluid can't hurt the truck at all. It has a larger range of temperature it can handle so it would be a good choice if you live in a colder climate. Like alloro said, loosen the fill plug first that way you know if the fill plug is frozen and won't come out. I know the factory doesn't require it but I would use synthetic fluids, there is no downside to using them over a conventional fluid. One other thing, If you do your rear diff fluid again make sure to use the friction modifier if your vehicle calls for it, some fluids already have it in them.