Replacing fluid/gasket in rear "pumpkin" 97 5.0

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Oct 14, 2007 | 12:34 PM

4.0 Beast

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From: Gilbert, AZ

Replacing fluid/gasket in rear "pumpkin" 97 5.0

Hey guys,

How hard/easy is it to replace the gasket and the oil in the rear pumpkin? It has a leak and I don't know how long its been that way but I just discovered it the other day. The bottom half is covered in oil, I'm assuming its leaking somewhere. Its pretty rusty too. Looks like 10 bolts and the cover is off. Easy enough?

Thanks....

1997 5.0 AWD XLT

Oct 15, 2007 | 10:27 AM

thelonerangerxlt

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 4.0 Beast

Yep, it's easy, just remove the 10 bolts and pry the cover off with a screwdriver. Leave a bolt in the top (just loosen it), and pry gently from the bottom to slowly let the oil drain out. This will prevent a big mess.

Wipe the bottom of the carrier out with paper towels, and check for any debris or metal shavings.

Ford recommends synthetic 75W-140 for the rear diffs.

There's also a possibility the leak is coming from the pinion seal, but that'll be obvious when looking at the diff from the front.
Good luck.

Last edited by thelonerangerxlt; Oct 15, 2007 at 10:32 AM.

Oct 15, 2007 | 06:49 PM

97 Mountain Man

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From: Raytown MO

Make sure you can get the fill plug out first before you remove the cover.

Nov 5, 2007 | 11:14 AM

mediaman67

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does this same thing apply to the front diff as well? (same oil replacement type, etc)

how best to check the level? also, if I am just topping off, can I just add some of the 75w synth oil to whatever is in there?

Thanks

Nov 5, 2007 | 12:09 PM

97 Mountain Man

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From: Raytown MO

To change the lube in the front diff you have to remove the entire 3rd member as there is no room to get to the cover bolts.

To check the level there is a plug on the left side of the housing. It is much easier to access if you remove the left tire.

Nov 5, 2007 | 05:50 PM

mediaman67

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Hi,

I was under there today (took bear's advice, and switched to 5w30 for the winter coming, and the long trip ahead)

While I was draining the oil, I felt/saw the plug for the front diff it's at the top left (correct?) I just stuck my 3/8 ratchet in there, and it did loosen... didn't seem to be attached to anything, so I assume that was the fill plug... of course, I could not see it at all - just did it by feel, but it it's the same design as all the other diffs I have ever seen by ford, that should be the fill plug, correct? or are they more than one?

you are exactly right - the 3rd member is RIGHT there... maybe 2 inches between... DARN!!

actually, I could siphon out the old oil, and then just refill with new... it may not be as good as pulling the plate, but I can't really remove that 3rd member easily, and it's not dripping enough for me to worry about it, esp if I only have to top it off once in a while... that can't be easy to do for a weekend hack like me :-)

I just don't want to run the thing out of oil there, and burn up the front end... I assume that it is always "working" even if 4x4 is not being used?

Thanks

so, should I use 75w90 gear oil? which brand is best?

Nov 8, 2007 | 10:07 AM

fraxinusalba

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Rear Differential - if you have limited slip, friction modifer is also recommended when you change the oil.

Front Differential - only has a fill plug. I doubt you can siphon the oil out, too thick for that. You can pump it out though which is what I do. Not as thorough as removing the plate but a whole lot simpler and you can get most of the oil out if you get a hose in there properly. Oil type depends on vehicle but Ford recommends synthetic 75W-140 for most 95-01 year models. Check specs in owner manual.