So I want to change my differential fluid...

[Burnout]

I really want to start doing something to my X. I recently had my mechanic do an oil change on it to switch it to synthetic, so I'm hoping to go fully synthetic soon. I know I'll go to him for the trans fluid, but from what I've seen the differential fluid change seems... easy.

I've watched the video in this sticky:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=242694

and it's amazing how simple it looks. That video is of a '95, I have an '04. Though I don't think anything will change with the process.

So my question isn't so much how to do it or what oil to use (I know I can find plenty of posts on that), but what I need. I've never done anything car related, so I don't have anything I might need to work on one (jack, jack stands, etc). I have plenty of socket wrenches, but that'll only go so far. What do I need to look into getting if I want to start messing around with my Explorer?

Thanks as always.

 

[fusseli]

I share the same curiosity about changing the diif fluid on my 02, haven't found a good how-to yet...

 

[Lacky01]

if you can slide under your ex to get to the differential, then you wont need jack stands

I like working with the truck raised up. I'm a tall guy. If jacking up the vehicle to work on it, ALWAYS set the truck on jack stands!!

and a lot of work can get done with a simple set of tools. ratchet and sockets, full set of screwdrivers, breaker bar, torque wrench, box end wrenches, and a drill gun with bits. Oh!! pliars! need those.

 

[gavin]

All you should need is a 1/2" socket and ratchet to remove the diff cover bolts. And then you would probably (maybe) want (need) a 2-4" extension for removing the fill hole plug.

May need a thin flat-head screwdriver to get between the diff cover and housing to start getting the cover pried off (since it will be installed with silcone, which does act like a glue).

Oh... and then a good razor blade or two. Using a gasket scraper that has replaceable razor blades (something like http://www.amazon.com/Titan-Multi-P...f=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1276811057&sr=8-16) make it a lot easier to scrape off the silicon and clean up the mating surfaces.

 

[nitro71]

If you have a 2000 on up X I doubt I'd change the diff fluid unless you've been out in some deep water 4x4'ing. I'd probably open the fill cap and suck some fluid out with a pump to inspect it. If it's not milky or 20 years old it's probably alright. Can't hurt to change it though. Tranny needs the fluid change a lot more than the diffs.

 

[Burnout]

If you have a 2000 on up X I doubt I'd change the diff fluid unless you've been out in some deep water 4x4'ing. I'd probably open the fill cap and suck some fluid out with a pump to inspect it. If it's not milky or 20 years old it's probably alright. Can't hurt to change it though. Tranny needs the fluid change a lot more than the diffs.

Thanks for the tip. I have a 2004, but my main reason for wanting to change it was to change it to synthetic so that I could try to pull better mpg.

 

[gavin]

Thanks for the tip. I have a 2004, but my main reason for wanting to change it was to change it to synthetic so that I could try to pull better mpg.

I believe it comes stock with synthetic, actually.

now that I think about it, I remember reading in my Chiltons that it says the diff fluid "never needs serviced"
now, obviously, that is bad information. But, I believe they say that because it comes with synthetic fluid from the OEM.

I believe even my service manual states to use only synthetic fluid in the axles.

edit: verified that, atleast my '97 5.0 rear axle came stock with synth. Had a 2nd tag on the axle "75W140 SYNTH OIL ONLY"
So, yours may already have synthetic. Not sure if OEM synthetic was limited to limited-slip axles or not.

 

[nitro71]

Thanks for the tip. I have a 2004, but my main reason for wanting to change it was to change it to synthetic so that I could try to pull better mpg.

To get better milage there's only a few things you can do. Fix any check engine lights. Do all scheduled maintainance. Air filter, plugs, wires. That sort of thing. Keep your tires inflated. Go easy on the gas.

 

[speedracer13]

An 04 x does have sythetic rear axle fluid I just checked the book here at the ford dealership I work at

 

[gavin]

To get better milage there's only a few things you can do. Fix any check engine lights. Do all scheduled maintainance. Air filter, plugs, wires. That sort of thing. Keep your tires inflated. Go easy on the gas.

a few? There's more than "only a few."

search for aldive's thread on his "search for 30mpg"

he did a lot of mods to his Explorer.