Rear Differential Fluid Change- 1st Generation Explorer

Techniker · 10-10-2010, 09:21 PM

I am planning on replacing the rear differential fluid for a 1993 Ford Explorer 4WD. Since it is RWD most of the time, I am changing the fluid for my friend. To my horror she has informed me that it has never been changed (and the vehicle is at 185,000+ miles). I looked at the Haynes manual and it makes the procedure look simple. I have changed differential fluid before.

However, it appears where my fill plug is located is blocked by the fuel tank with the drive shaft blocking the middle of the differential. I can't even see the fill plug but it was getting dark. It is supposed to be on the driver's side of the differential and on the front facing the drive shaft. This is correct, yes?

Even when I do manage to find it, how on earth do I get at it? There isn't enough clearance in there to do anything and if it is stuck, good luck getting a breaker bar in there.

-Techniker

tgreene92 · 10-10-2010, 09:29 PM

i have a 2nd gen but if i recall thats where it was on my friends 1st gen. it should just be a 3/8s ratchet that screws it off, use a 3/8s extension to get to it if you don't have enough clearance as well as putting it up on jack stands if you have to. and the plug shouldn't be on there that tight my rear fluid wasnt changed til 120k miles and it still came right off, hit it with some pb blaster if you have too i doubt a breaker bar should be needed.

Techniker · 10-10-2010, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tgreene92

i have a 2nd gen but if i recall thats where it was on my friends 1st gen. it should just be a 3/8s ratchet that screws it off, use a 3/8s extension to get to it if you don't have enough clearance as well as putting it up on jack stands if you have to. and the plug shouldn't be on there that tight my rear fluid wasnt changed til 120k miles and it still came right off, hit it with some pb blaster if you have too i doubt a breaker bar should be needed.

Thanks for the response. Do you remember how the rear differential fluid looked at 120,000 miles?

-Techniker

10-10-2010, 09:21 PM	#1
Techniker Wannabe Elite Explorer VA '93 XLT 4x4 Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 6 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Rear Differential Fluid Change- 1st Generation Explorer I am planning on replacing the rear differential fluid for a 1993 Ford Explorer 4WD. Since it is RWD most of the time, I am changing the fluid for my friend. To my horror she has informed me that it has never been changed (and the vehicle is at 185,000+ miles). I looked at the Haynes manual and it makes the procedure look simple. I have changed differential fluid before. However, it appears where my fill plug is located is blocked by the fuel tank with the drive shaft blocking the middle of the differential. I can't even see the fill plug but it was getting dark. It is supposed to be on the driver's side of the differential and on the front facing the drive shaft. This is correct, yes? Even when I do manage to find it, how on earth do I get at it? There isn't enough clearance in there to do anything and if it is stuck, good luck getting a breaker bar in there. -Techniker

10-10-2010, 09:29 PM	#2
tgreene92 Wannabe Elite Explorer south jersey '98 XLT x2 Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 407 Vehicle Specs	i have a 2nd gen but if i recall thats where it was on my friends 1st gen. it should just be a 3/8s ratchet that screws it off, use a 3/8s extension to get to it if you don't have enough clearance as well as putting it up on jack stands if you have to. and the plug shouldn't be on there that tight my rear fluid wasnt changed til 120k miles and it still came right off, hit it with some pb blaster if you have too i doubt a breaker bar should be needed. __________________ 98' XLT, 4.0 SOHC, war shackles 2 in TT, 31" destination AT's,cherry bomb vortex, Aussie locker, Custom snorkel. Basketball pole front bumper. 98 XLT, 4.0 being parted out, pm me for parts>>>. My ex-build thread-http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=311851