just fill to specified amount? IIRC when i did mine i couldn't add specified quantity to either axle, it was close but couldn't quite

 

I use one of these in the side port:
https://www.harborfreight.com/quickv.../index/id/5610

 

Yes, and if you ever have to add friction modifier, the ABS sensor hole is about the only way to do that without making a mess. If you think gear oil stinks, wait till you smell the friction modifier.

 

Ford's original fill for that axle was synthetic, and the service fill called for synthetic. Pinion seal leaks are often the result of chemical incompatibilities and reactions between the seal material and the constituents in the lubricant... although it is more often the other way around, where diesters in a synthetic lubricant react with the elastomeric component of the seal. You have the reverse issue, where your pinion seal failed using a petroleum gear oil... which while unusual, is not unreasonable, given that Ford designed the seals for the axle to coexist with the synthetic lubricant originally specified. It could be that the seal, while perfectly compatible with synthetics, might end up swelling or reacting in some way with dino oils. There is a dizzying array of material property conflicts between seals and lubricants... makes my head spin. (e.g. Buna N rubber above 36% acrylonitrile is ok, but below 36% not ok, etc)

 

 

Of course if the engineers would simply specify using ONLY unga bunga X rubber, this would all be a moot point! Counting pennies I suppose.

 

The petroleum-based gear oil was only in for about 10 days, now replaced with synthetic. Hopefully the leak will stop. The leak is only slight anyway.

 

 

 

My bi-annual trek from FL to TN. 815 miles towing (on a car haul trailer ) my wifes loaded up Highlander. When I left FL it was 88* rained for 400 miles, now it's snowing in TN, 28*. 15.3 mpg.

 

KR wheels installed. kinda regret the 265/70r18 instead of the 275/70r18. maybe next time saved me 125 this time around. look and ride way nicer. my wife however who doesn't care at all about vehicles says it still needs bigger wheels :/ she doesn't like how much space there is between the top of the tire and the fender arch......too used to cars and minivans i think....

get a pic tomorrow

 

I think there's a tiny bit of rub with my 275/70 on the liner near the inside rear corner of the drivers side front wheel well. Only happens when I'm at full steering lock to the left and I hit a nice sized bump. For example, making a k turn and jumping the curb in the process. You New Yorkers know what I'm talking about...... I think I can just pull the liner back with some zip ties but with the 265/70 you shouldn't have this issue.

 

 

 

They sprayed the doors -
I have to go and see them up close and personal tomorrow to approve the color!
It was supposed to be Porsche Racing Yellow - but they lightened it -
Dawn
2002 X in makeover phase 7.3