Maintance what should I do

[98EBV8]

Originally posted by Robert


Ford does not fill the front axle up with synthetic fluid. The rear will only be filled up with sythetic fluid his has a 4.10, limited slip or V8. If Ford didn't put synthetic in the differentials, then the 100K change interval applies. If Ford put in synthetic fluid, the according to Ford it is filled for life unless the axles are submerged in water. I would still change it though.

How can I find out if the axles are filled with synthetic?

About the 100K interval, I read through the Police/Taxi section of the guide. So, it seems that the axles are lubricated for life, unless the axles are submerged in water.

But the guide is not clear on which vehicles have the synthetic lube. It does say that Ford design light-truck axles do have synthetic lube in it.


Here is the information from the 1998 Explorer Service Guide:

"Rear axles containing synthetic lubricant are lubricated for life. These lubricants are not to be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service required or the axle assembly has been submerged in water. The
axle lubricant should be changed anytime the axle has been submerged in water.

Non-synthetic rear axle lubricants should be replaced every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or 3 months, whichever occurs first, during extended trailer tow operation above 21 Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit) ambient
and wide open throttle for extended periods above 72 km/h (45 mph). The 5,000 km (3,000 mile) lube change interval may be waived if the axle was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear lubricant meeting Ford
specification WSL-M2C192–A, part number F1TZ-19580–B or equivalent.

Add 118 ml (4 oz) of additive friction modifier C8AZ-19B546–A (EST-M2C118–A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear axles. The rear axles lubricant should be changed anytime the axle has been submerged in water.

Light duty trucks equipped with Ford design front axles are lubricated for life. These lubricants are not to be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service required or the axle assemble has been submerged
in water. The axle lubricant should be changed anytime the axle has been submerged in water."

 

[Mbrooks420]

Who changes diff lube every 3,000? Thats crazy. Does your truck have a limited slip? If it does it has synthetic.

 

[Robert]

I was mistaken regarding the limited slip. It is possible to get a limited slip with conventional fluid if the Explorer has a V6 and a ratio other than a 3.73 or 4.10. There is a tag on the rear differential that will state "synthetic fluid required" if Ford put it in and no one removed your tag. BTW, all front differentials get "Motorcraft SAE 80W90 Axle Lubricant". The following came directly from my '97 Owner's Manual:

"1) 4.0 L Explorer Conventional and Traction-lok rear axles are filled with XY-80W90–QL, Ford specification WSP-M2C197–A.

2) 5.0 L Explorer Conventional and Traction-Lok rear axles are filled with Motorcraft Premium Synthetic rear axle lubricant, F1TZ-19580–B, Ford specification WSL-M2C192–A.

3) Vehicles equipped with 4.0L SOHC or 4.0L EFI engines and 3.73 or 4.10 rear axle ratios or 5.0L engines require synthetic rear axle lubricant. Rear axles containing synthetic lubricant are lubricated for life. These lubricants are not to be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service required or the axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle lubricant should be changed any time the axle has been submerged in water. For Traction-Lok rear axles, add 4 ounces of additive friction modifier C8AZ-19B546-A, Ford specification EST-M2C118–A, whenever the lubricant is changed."

 

[98EBV8]

Front Axle Clarification?

Hi Robert,
Now that the front axle are not filled with synthetic lube, then must I immediately start changing with every oil change? The maintenance schedule on both the booklet and online do not reflect on either diffs. I have over 25K on my '98 V8 with 3.73 limited slip.

You said that there is a tag on the rear diff indicating the type of fluid used. Is there one for the front also? Exactly where would they place them with all the crud under there?

Your excerpts from the 1997 Service Guide didn't mention specifcally about the front diff as the 1998s does, "Light duty trucks equipped with Ford design front axles are lubricated for life."

Maybe our front axles are not of Ford's design, but made by Dana. Or it's the same either way, with Dana as Ford's supplier?

 

[Mbrooks420]

There is no reason to change the axle lube before 30,000 miles IMO. Unless you sink it! A lot of people never change it. We had 140,000 in our 1991.

 

[Robert]

No, you don't need to change your fluid every oil change unless you have a trailer permanently attached to your Explorer. According to Ford the increased frequency schedule is for frequent towing. There isn't a tag on the front differential since they all came with the same fluid. Ford put the tag on the rear to differentiate between the two fluids they use. I would stick to the schedule in your Owner's Manual although it won't hurt anything to change the fluid at 100K especially if you ocassionally submerge your axle in water. My rear fluid (which is synthetic) was changed at about 60K when I had my rear wheel bearings replaced. My front has never been opened. I have 92.5K on it now and will give it some serious consideration to changing it this fall when the temperature drops. My Owner's Manual calls for regular 80W90 conventional gear oil for all of the fronts differentials in '97.

 

[98EBV8]

Thanks MBrooks and Robert on the question. I guess I don't need to worry for long. There is no maintenance interval on both axles on mine either in normal or severe duty, but I will look into changing in 100K miles. (that will be another 75K miles or 15 years )

Shane