Front diff. drain on '02 4X4

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Jun 11, 2010 | 01:55 PM

Thumper47

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Senior User

Joined: Sep 2003

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Front diff. drain on '02 4X4

Looking for any tips/tricks to changing the lubricant in the front differential of a 2002 4X4 Ranger without the requirement of dropping so much stuff to get the differential down where you have clearance to pull the cover to drain it. Appears to be a fill plug, but no drain plug. How efficient would it be to suction-pump the old fluid out thru the fill hole?
Ford dealer told me the front differential fluid change was a 100,000 mile interval service, but I'm not particularly fond of waiting that long, especially since Ford's "better idea" requires the entire front drive train to turn full time. (Stupid idea, IMHO)
Rear differential and 5-speed manual transmission have already been done, with readily apparent benefit I might add. (Anyone who hasn't changed the fluid in their 5-speed manual transmission should research the proper method and do it! You will notice the difference.)
Anyway, back to original inquiry: Any ideas for getting that old fluid out of there? Anyone ever drilled a drain hole in that plastic differential cover and then stick a self-tapping plug in it when finished?
Thanks.
Thumper

Jun 11, 2010 | 08:02 PM

reddog99

Laughing Gas

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 1,175

Likes: 9

From: So. Cal.

A suction pump seems to be the only way. Putting the oil back in is a real PIA, too. Better get a pump for that.

Jun 11, 2010 | 10:41 PM

g_k50

Cargo Master

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 3,007

Likes: 5

Change fluid at 150,000 miles, check scheduled maintenance manual.

http://www.motorcraftservice.com/pub.../04a04mg5e.pdf

If it's not broke, don't fix it. There's lots of other things that are on the scheduled maintenance list that you haven't attended.