Leak from front diff

[chrisExplorer]

Hi,
I have a leak from the front diff cover plate, Does any one know the part number I can walk into fords with rather than wait while they hum and hah over there computer. Also what spec oil is it I need for it.

Thanks
Chris

 

[gmanpaint]

Black RTV will work, and you use 80-90 gear oil in the front.

Removing the front differential is a pain, and will take some time to do, be ready to be down for a day or two if you never done this before.

I am assuming you have a stock 97 4x4 EX.

 

[chrisExplorer]

You mean I have to drop the front diff to sort out the cover plate leak!!!

 

[gmanpaint]

Sorry, but yes.

The cross member is in the way of the cover. You need to remove the drivers side wheel, pinch bolt on knuckle, brake caliper, rotor, spindle nut, remove dr C/V axle, remove the 2 bolts on the dr side on Diff.

Once you have all this done, you can pivot the diff assembly (after loosening the pass side bolt), so you can reach all the cover bolts, drain, and scrape clean.

Once you have it cleaned and new gasket/RTV installed, put the diff back on and replace C/V axle. Then put in the new gear oil at this point. Replace everything in reverse order.

This is why it costs so much to have it done the right way at a shop/dealership.