Rear end fluid

[Country313]

I noticed I have a small leak from the rear end. I have a few questions...
1) how do i check the fluid level?
2) How/ where do I add fluid?
3) I've heard mention of an additive I should use when topping off the fluid. What is this additive?

Thanks in advance,

Country

 

[EasyRhino]

Your differential case has two plugs in it - the fill/check level plug and the drain plug.

First rule of differentials is to always check the fill plug loosened before pulling the drain plug, for obvious reasons.

Fluid is added through and to the fill plug height while level.

The additive is a Limited Slip (LS) friction modifier. It can be purchased at any parts store or the dealer. Mobil 1 LS gear oil formulated for the Explorer says that it includes the LS additive, but opinions vary (and the Mobil 1 stuff is about $20/quart).

BTW, LS additive truly stinks to high heaven and does not come out of anything - you will probably throw away any rags that get tainted with it.

 

[Limited02]

Just to add, when you do decide to change the fluid, buy a small hand pump from the parts store. You'll thank me later

 

[EasyRhino]

Just to add, when you do decide to change the fluid, buy a small hand pump from the parts store. You'll thank me later

What he said!

 

[Country313]

If the diff is empty, how much fluid will it take?

 

[1_v8_merc]

If the diff is empty, how much fluid will it take?

Conventional - 1.75 quarts (1.7 liters)

Traction-Lock(limited slip) - 1.60 quarts (1.5 liters)

(according to my Chiltons manual)
------

Basically just buy 2 quarts.
Then once your ready to fill it up, just add fluid until it starts pouring out of the "fill hole".
There's no way to measure how much fluid is in there, you just take you Pinky finger, and stick it in the Fill Hole and see if you feel liquid, or how high it is. If you dont feel liquid, just keep adding until she comes pouring out!
------

You can buy a hand pump, but if you are just topping off the fluids, it's better to just buy an oil syringe or injection pen....especially if you decide to do the Front Differential....there's really no room at all to fill her up!

 

[RickM]

The additive is a Limited Slip (LS) friction modifier. It can be purchased at any parts store or the dealer. Mobil 1 LS gear oil formulated for the Explorer says that it includes the LS additive, but opinions vary (and the Mobil 1 stuff is about $20/quart).

Country: Keep in mind all Explorer diffs are not Limited Slip. I was ready to purchase assuming all '02 4x4s were but found that not to be the case.

 

[Limited02]

Conventional - 1.75 quarts (1.7 liters)

Traction-Lock(limited slip) - 1.60 quarts (1.5 liters)

(according to my Chiltons manual)
------

Basically just buy 2 quarts.
Then once your ready to fill it up, just add fluid until it starts pouring out of the "fill hole".
There's no way to measure how much fluid is in there, you just take you Pinky finger, and stick it in the Fill Hole and see if you feel liquid, or how high it is. If you dont feel liquid, just keep adding until she comes pouring out!
------

You can buy a hand pump, but if you are just topping off the fluids, it's better to just buy an oil syringe or injection pen....especially if you decide to do the Front Differential....there's really no room at all to fill her up!

According to the owners manual in regards to the fluid, you are correct

But with the pump and the front differential, you could use the pump to empty out the fluid and then reinstall fresh fluid That way you dont' have to take the front cover off or anything. I have yet to do this, but I will soon.

 

[Kamel]

Just to add, when you do decide to change the fluid, buy a small hand pump from the parts store. You'll thank me later

x10... do not skip out on this one :O i tried using a plastic tube from the local hardware store and regretted it, a lot.

(for a hint of the difficulty, i actually traded places with my wife moving furnature if she would squeeze the oil in for me)

 

[steddy]

Is it safe to assume, when the tag says 75W140 and it's an AWD, that it's got the limited slip rear end?

 

[jrford]

Is it safe to assume, when the tag says 75W140 and it's an AWD, that it's got the limited slip rear end?

AWD came both open and LSD, depended on the Towing Class, or small/big hitch. Check the door code, 45 are open 3.55's, D4 is 3.73's w/Limited Slip. There is also a TSB that updated the Rears so all get 75w140. Opens can run 80w90, but from what i've read the 75w140 is the way to go. If it LSD you need to get the ford additive about 4oz of Friction Modifier.


Door Code
Dead Link Removed

Axle codes
http://www.explorerforum.com/ntrprize/Axle.htm

more Michiganders, welcome!

 

[steddy]

Thanks! Next break, I'll check what the number is. Thanks again!

 

[merc187]

Lucky he caught his early. One suggestion I did not see was to check your rear pinion seal. I was hauling a boat to Arkansas for some Trout time and half way there mine blew out. The boat and trailer are now protected for life with 80/90. (We may have even noticed a slight increase in speed on the water .) From Springfield to the White River and then back home to KC I stopped every 150 miles to dump more fluid in the rear. (Yes a hand pump is the greatest idea ever!)