Should I perform a differential change if...

[lancerplayer]

Should I perform a differential change if the case is rusted? I'm nervous it will do more harm than good. The truck has been in Ohio all its life so it has a rusty undercarriage. The last thing I want to do is strip/break a bolt.

The truck is a 2000 Ford Ranger 2.5L 5sp 2WD. It has 101K on the clock and probably has never had a transmission/differential change. Should I go for it?

 

[Mr Nice]

Yes, if you plan on keeping it for a few more years.

 

[HTSS_TR]

If you afraid of breaking/stripping the transmission/differential bolt(s) then take your truck to an independent shop to have them change the fluids. If they break the bolt(s) then they have the means to fix it for extra cost.