Discolored diff fluid

[Woody]

Last weekend I drained the diff fluid in my '02 Ranger 2WD (4.0L automatic, tow package, limited-slip) with 40,000 miles on it. The color of the fluid was almost black. I cleaned it up the best I could by I ‘rinsing’ it out with nearly a whole bottle of new diff fluid. I also cleaned off the rear cover before reinstalling it. I have not seen used diff fluid this color before, especially on a 2 1/2 year old vehicle with 40,000 miles on it. Should I be concerned about this?

Another thing, there was no magnet stuck to the rear plate like I’ve seen before. Is this normal, did they forget to put one in, or is this another manufacturer cost saving measure?

 

[MolaKule]

Not unusual as Ford diffy fluid has high amount of Sulfur in it.

If a magnet does not appear in the diffy cover, I clean the cover and epoxy bond a 1.5" ring magnet to the cover.

Some diffy's have the magnet inside the drain or fill plug.

 

[rgl]

quote:

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Some diffy's have the magnet inside the drain or fill plug.

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The F150 has it in the fill plug. I don't know if it's the same thread as yours, it might fit.

 

[Woody]

quote:

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Originally posted by MolaKule:
Not unusual as Ford diffy fluid has high amount of Sulfur in it.

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Thanks, I feel better now.

Yes, there was a small magnet tucked into the end of the fill plug, but I've seen rather large magnets before and was expecting to see one here too. I think next time I have it off I'll clean it and epoxy one on as Dr. Molakule recommended.

 

[Brian Miller_dup1]

The factory fluid on mine was black and stunk like h#@l.

I drained it and put in Mola's 75w-90 at about 10K. Then about 3K later I installed my locker and put in Mola's 75w-140. Mola's stuff came out just as clean as it went in. Of course it was only in there for 3K, but I didn't rinse anything.

Brian