09' Ford Ranger- Diff/ATF service ?'s

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I'm at 8300 miles now on my 09' Ranger and plan on switching the diff lube/ATF at 10,000 miles. Schaeffer's ATF and Schaeffer's Supreme 75w90.

I know that the FF diff fluid is 80w90 but have no idea on whether or not it needs friction modifier. The axle code on the door is "87", someone told me this is 4.10 non-limited slip w/ 7.5" ring gear, which does not need FM, not sure though? Anyone know?

Secondly, anyone know the torque specs on the bolts for the diff cover and trans pan?

Lastly, any advice for preventing leaks while doing the diff service?

Thanks in advance guys/gals.
 
I know if you have the limited slip, you do need the friction modifier. The thing is, I can't remember what the code is for that. Maybe someone more knowledgeable than myself will chime in soon.

On my 05 Ranger, the transmission pan bolts are to be torqued to 96-120 in-lbs. That is according to my Haynes manual. I can't find the specs for the diff cover. A nice bead of RTV sealant should help prevent leaks.

ETA: My advise would be to join the forum at Rangerpowersports.com as those guys over there know all sorts of stuff about the Ranger. They could help you out.
 
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Thats very smart to change it out now. I would use Redline or Amsoil that has the friction mod in it then you don't need to worry.

Or, put in the shaffers and see if you get any noise from the diff. If you do, add just enough FM to make it stop. More is not better when it comes to FM.

I used the Ford FM in my BMW before I switched to Redline. Comes in a small plastic bottle and has a powerfull "sour" smell
 
I assume the Schaeffer's has some FM too, here's an excerpt from the site, not sure if it means it has FM or not;

"Supreme Synthetic Plus Gear Lube SAE 75W-90 contains the proper additive system that allows the product to properly function and lubricate limited slip, positraction and high offset hypoid gear rear ends and differentials."

I would rather just find out if it needs it or not, the only issue is the owner's manual is VERY vague.
 
Well according to the ford-trucks.com site, this is what it says about the "87" code;

"87 — 4.10 non-limited slip (Ranger)"

If this is the case, I can't see why there would be a need for FM at all?
 
Originally Posted By: panthermike
I'm at 8300 miles now on my 09' Ranger and plan on switching the diff lube/ATF at 10,000 miles. Schaeffer's ATF and Schaeffer's Supreme 75w90.

I know that the FF diff fluid is 80w90 but have no idea on whether or not it needs friction modifier. The axle code on the door is "87", someone told me this is 4.10 non-limited slip w/ 7.5" ring gear, which does not need FM, not sure though? Anyone know?

Secondly, anyone know the torque specs on the bolts for the diff cover and trans pan?

Lastly, any advice for preventing leaks while doing the diff service?

Thanks in advance guys/gals.


use RTV sealant on your differental cover and torque it to 28 ftLbs, This is the good time to install a cover with built in drain plug as well...
 
Originally Posted By: stang5
Originally Posted By: panthermike
I'm at 8300 miles now on my 09' Ranger and plan on switching the diff lube/ATF at 10,000 miles. Schaeffer's ATF and Schaeffer's Supreme 75w90.

I know that the FF diff fluid is 80w90 but have no idea on whether or not it needs friction modifier. The axle code on the door is "87", someone told me this is 4.10 non-limited slip w/ 7.5" ring gear, which does not need FM, not sure though? Anyone know?

Secondly, anyone know the torque specs on the bolts for the diff cover and trans pan?

Lastly, any advice for preventing leaks while doing the diff service?

Thanks in advance guys/gals.


use RTV sealant on your differental cover and torque it to 28 ftLbs, This is the good time to install a cover with built in drain plug as well...


I've been looking at those covers, but not sure if the Ranger has the 7.5 or 8.8, I would think 7.5 for sure. Also eyeballing the PML trans pan w/ +3qts and a drain plug
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BTW, where does 28ftLbs come from? Just curious as I have no idea.
 
Could you drill and tap the diff cover you have? Or maybe drill a hole on the top and bottom and weld a nut over each hole? Then paint it up nice and pretty of course :)

I'll bet your gear oil will have quite a bit of metal shavings/flakes in it, I know mine did when I changed it over to Amsoil at 13k.
 
Originally Posted By: hate2work


I'll bet your gear oil will have quite a bit of metal shavings/flakes in it, I know mine did when I changed it over to Amsoil at 13k.


thats why its a great idea for everyone to change their differential lube at least once - and fairly early
 
Originally Posted By: FZ1
Why would you mess with a new truck with a warranty?


Just want to get the FF out of there. Also, if there was a diff failure in the first 60,000, it wouldn't likely be due to lubrication failure. I'll take my chances.

Also, these lubes meet the Ford specs.
 
Not really sure about the the torque specs for the diff cover, but I THINK its 32 inch pounds. You do not need friction modifier for that rear end, but I run 75w 140 in my 4:10 rear end.
 
Odds are you have an open 7.5" diff. In this case, you do not need friction modifier, but it will not hurt.

You don't really need to use a torque wrench on the diff cover. Just tighten the bolts in a star pattern.
 
87 axle code means you have the 7.5" axle, 4.10 gears, and no limited slip (regular open diff) http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Axles.html

..so no friction modifier required. My truck has a limited slip which requires friciton modifier, but I don't use it. I use Valvoline Synpower 75w-90, which has the modifier already mixed in. Been running it for over 3k miles and have had no problems at all.
 
Awesome, glad you guys know your stuff.

So, sounds like my 75w90 Schaeffer's w/ no FM and just don't overtighten the diff cover bolts.

PW01, does your's call for 75w140 or is that your preference?

Thanks everyone.
 
Ford specs 80W90 for all Ranger axles (7.5 and 8.8) except for those with the Torsen limited slip (FX4 Level II models), which call for Full Synthetic 75W140.

Really though, you can use whatever in a 7.5 or 8.8...I have with no problems. I used Full Synthetic 75W140 in my old Ranger with a 7.5 and it was fine. It didn't seem to hurt fuel economy much and the fluid still looked perfect after over 40K miles. I may use it the next time I change the fluid in my current truck, which also has a 7.5. I used bulk 80W90 in my Explorer with an 8.8 rear diff and Dana 35 front diff because it was cheap. I never had any problems from that either. I never bothered to actually check the fluid after changing it, but there were no leaks and no noise, so I figured it was fine.
 
Originally Posted By: panthermike
Awesome, glad you guys know your stuff.

So, sounds like my 75w90 Schaeffer's w/ no FM and just don't overtighten the diff cover bolts.

PW01, does your's call for 75w140 or is that your preference?

Thanks everyone.


The spec for an '02 with the same gearing is 75w 140, and a Ford tech told me that they were back-specing them because the heavier gear oil did a better job protecting the gears.
 
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