fluid changes

[peter freeman]

Going to change all fluid the weekend.what is the best fluid to use for front and rear diffs.Also is there any other things to lubricate or any additives for engine,diffs ,gearbox and transfer case thanks very much peter

 

[kevin p]

Peter, You have to add a friction modifier to the rear diff.

 

[Howard]

The stated recommendations are:

Engine Oil: API grade SG SAE 5W-30
Auto Box: Mercon V
Transfer Case: Mercon V
Front Axle: Synthetic SAE 75W-140
Rear Axle: Synthetic SAE 75W-140 with friction modifier (Ford only Item 4oz bottle) This is important due to the LSD without it you run the risk of burning out the clutch pack and your LSD not working correctly.

 

[peter freeman]

thanks howard ,are these jobs within the scope of a keen diy mechanic and any tips thank you pete

 

[Howard]

99% is well within the capabilities of anyone with a modicum of common sense and a spanner. Changing the auto box filter is somewhat more complex and requires more dismantling. The diff oils can be done either by sucking out the oil through the filler/level hole or by removing the covers (messier but much more satisfying)

 

[peter freeman]

what is best to seal the covers back ,can you get gaskets or do you have to use other method of sealing

 

[Howard]

There are no gaskets. RTV is the answer. The only way to do the front is with a suction pump as it has no cover/drain plug to remove.

 

[BIGHVM]

Agree, did that on my old ex, make sure of getting the friction modifier from Frauds- it is required!
I took the cover off to do mine- wanted to peek and the gearing and see it was ok, I did this as we, howard and a few of us from here had had a meet and been off roading in water up to the doors! I was sure water had got in past the breather for all the stick we gave them that day! It had-Good job I changed it!
Use a good quality rtv, sealer and be sure to make a thick bead without break all round before you replace the cover, leave to set and if you want trim off the excess with a craft knife to make pretty!

Good luck mate!

 

[Ian5700]

To change the auto box filter/fluid you have to drop the driveshaft (make allignment marks) at the frontdiff, to allow the auto pan to clear. The clearance is still quite tight, but it will pull out sideways. Or you can remove the cat. that runs underneath the one side, however accessing all of the bolts makes this near impossible. You need a new pan gasket, and filter kit (should come with filter, bolt, and 2 o-rings), it should be the filter for the 4x4 model, there are instructions in the kit, it talks about in the information of using the right bolt size for securing the filter. You must use Mercon V.

I would say that if you have never done the job before it is probably enough for a day. Do a search on here for info on changing the auto box fluid and filter, as there are write-ups and lots of info.

Changing the transfer box fluid is a very quick and easy job, just undo the fill hole plug first, then the drain plug second, and then put them back in and refill with fluid untill it pours out of the fill hole. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=152869 (Quite a good write-up).