Ford Ranger Transmission and Differential Advice

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I am going to change the transmission and rear differential fluid on my Ranger. Ford specs the manual transmission for 2.8 quarts Mercon ATF and rear differential (non limited slip) for 5.3 pints 80w-90 gear oil. I am hoping to get some input as to what oil to use.

For the manual transmission, would I really feel a difference using Amsoil or Redline product that seems to be recommended so much? It shifts pretty smooth now, but will using a high quality synthetic make it shift like butter?

For the rear differential, would using a 75w-90 gear oil do any harm? That weight seems to be more popular and readily available. No heavy towing/hauling over 600lbs will be done.

This is my daily driver and I just want the fluids to be fresh and doing their jobs. Will I notice a difference using the cheap stuff vs. the more expensive synthetics? I plan on running each for a minimum of 50K miles. I am pretty easy on cars, so it is not like it will be abused.

What do you suggest?
 
For the trans don't use the ATF. Find a real gear lube like Redline or Amsoil MTL. Ford will recommend 75-140 for the rear. I think if it's lite use, and you plan to do frequent changes the 75-90 is fine. It will give a bit better fuel economy
 
My son has a 91 Ranger with 330,000 miles and uses M1 oil, M1 ATF, and M1 75-90 in the diff. Still runs well.
Don't put gear lub in the tranny if it calls for ATF.
 
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Quote:

For the trans don't use the ATF. Find a real gear lube like Redline or Amsoil MTL.


No (no, no!), use Redline D4 ATF, it is ATF viscosity, but has GL4 properties.
 
I had the same transmission in my last Explorer, I did a lot of reasearch on what was best for that Mazda tranny. I put Redline MTL in it, and it was like pouring in a brand new transmission. Worked for over 250K until I sold it. SO Yes!
 
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Originally Posted By: Bluestream
I had the same transmission in my last Explorer, I did a lot of reasearch on what was best for that Mazda tranny. I put Redline MTL in it, and it was like pouring in a brand new transmission. Worked for over 250K until I sold it. SO Yes!


I have been doing the same thing. I have been searching various Ford Ranger forums trying to decide what is good and safe to run in the tranny and diff.
 
I would run syn lubes to be able to run longer and you will have less wear. It should shift better but that is not a given. Amsoil has a 75w-110 gear lube for the rear as well that is a good compromise between 90wt and 140wt.

A 75w-90 would be fine as well and if it was a syn would maximise drivetrain efficiency along with a syn trans fluid. The Amsoil or Redline fluids will be well worth the investment IMO.

Even though you are easy on the vehicle I would feel better using syn fluids to go 50K......

This is off the Amsoil site:

2000 FORD TRUCKS RANGER 2.5L 4-cyl Engine Code [C]

FILTERS
Oil Filter: EAO34 Absolute Efficiency Oil Filter:
Oil Filter: 51516 WIX 51516 Oil Filter
Air Filter: EAA122 Absolute Efficiency Air Filter:
Air Filter: 46253 WIX 46253 Air Filter
Fuel Filter: 33409 WIX 33409 Fuel Filter
Trans Filter: 58967 WIX 58967 Auto Tran Filter [1]
Trans Filter: 58968 WIX 58968 Auto Tran Filter [2]

1. 4R100 2WD
2. 4R100 4WD

NGK PLUGS & WIRE SETS
PLUG GPSERIES TR5GP [1]
PLUG IXIRIDIUM TR5IX NGK7397 [2]
PLUG PREMIUMPLATINUM PTR5F-11 * [3]
PLUG PRERIUMIRIDIUM ITR5F13 ^ [4]
PLUG VPOWER TR5 NGK2238 [5]
WIRESET WIRESET RC-FDZ057 NGK52090 [6]

1.Dual Plug Head
2.Dual Plug Head
3.Dual Plug Head
4.Dual Plug Head
5.Dual Plug Head
6.Dual Plug

TRICO WIPER BLADES
Blade Class Driver Passenger Rear
NEOFORM T16180 T16180
EXACTFIT T181 T181
WINTER T37180 T37180

LUBRICANTS & FLUIDS
Engine Oil
Grade 1......API*
100% Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil
SAE 5W-20 XL Synthetic Motor Oil
SAE 0W-30 Synthetic Signature Series Oil
All Temps......5W-20
Manual Transmission,.....MA[1]
Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid
Torque-Drive™ Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATD)
Automatic Transmission,4R44E.....MA
Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid
Torque-Drive™ Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATD)
Automatic Transmission,5R55E.....MA5
Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid
Differential, Front .....GL-5
All Temps......80W-90
SAE 80W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube
Severe Gear 75W-90
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube
Severe Gear 75W-110
Controlled Slip Differential, Rear .....GL-5*[2]
All Temps......80W-90
SAE 80W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube
Severe Gear 75W-90
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube
Severe Gear 75W-110
Standard Differential, Rear .....GL-5
All Temps......80W-90
SAE 80W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube
Severe Gear 75W-90
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube
Severe Gear 75W-110
Transfer Case,Warner Others.....MA
Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid
Torque-Drive™ Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATD)
Transfer Case,Warner 1354.....MA
Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid
Torque-Drive™ Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATD)
Fluids
Power Steering Fluid.....MA5
Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid
Brake Fluid.....HBH
Series 600 DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid
Clutch Fluid.....HBH
Series 600 DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid

1. Beginning immediately all manual transmission applications
requiring MERCON can now be serviced using MERCON-V
or MERCON Automatic Transmission Fluid or dual usage fluids
labeled MERCON/MERCON-V. After July 1, 2007,
MERCON Automatic Transmission Fluid will no longer be
manufactured, therefore, availability of this fluid will
only continue for however long it takes to deplete what
remains in inventory.
2. Limited Slip Identification: Letter & number
on plate on door lock pillar. (Models W/ Traction-Lok Rear
Axle Add 4 oz offriction modifier part no. C8AZ-19B546A
(EST-M2C118-A)

CHASSIS LUBRICATION
Two-wheel drive
0-6 Fittings, 0 Plugs..........LM
Series 2000 Synthetic Racing Grease
Synthetic GHD Heavy-Duty EP Grease
Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease NLGI #2
Four-wheel drive
0-10 Fittings, 0 Plugs..........LM
Series 2000 Synthetic Racing Grease
Synthetic GHD Heavy-Duty EP Grease
Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease NLGI #2

CAPACITIES
Engine, with filter..........4.6 quarts[1]
Cooling System, W/ AT Initial Fill..........10.0 quarts
AMSOIL Antifreeze and Engine Coolant
Cooling System, W/ MT Initial Fill..........11.0 quarts
AMSOIL Antifreeze and Engine Coolant
Automatic Transmission, 4R44E Initial Fill..........3.9 quarts
Automatic Transmission, 5R55E Initial Fill..........3.9 quarts
Automatic Transmission, 5R55E Initial Fill..........3.9 quarts
Automatic Transmission, Total Fill
5 speed 4wd 5R55E..........10.0 quarts
4 speed 4R44E..........9.9 quarts
5 speed 2wd 5R55E..........10.0 quarts
Manual Transmission, M50D..........5.5 pints
Differential, Front..........3.6 pints
Differential, Rear..........5.1 pints[2]
Transfer Case,Warner Others..........3.0 pints
Transfer Case,Warner 1354..........2.5 pints

1. When refilling, remove dipstick to provide adequate venting
and allow oil to flow into crankcase.
2. Fill to no more than 1/4 to 9/16 inch below fill plug hole.

TORQUES
Oil Drain Plug.....15-25 ft-lbs
Transfer case Full-Time
Fill Plug.....13 ft-lbs
Drain Plug.....13 ft-lbs
Transfer case
Fill Plug.....14-22 ft-lbs
Drain Plug.....14-22 ft-lbs
Manual Transmission Maz M50D 5-SPD
Fill Plug.....29-43 ft-lbs
Drain Plug.....29-43 ft-lbs
 
Originally Posted By: Bluestream
I had the same transmission in my last Explorer, I did a lot of reasearch on what was best for that Mazda tranny. I put Redline MTL in it, and it was like pouring in a brand new transmission. Worked for over 250K until I sold it. SO Yes!
I put Redline MTL in my '95 F150 Mazda 5-speed manual and love it. Has 165,000 miles. Best its ever shifted. Have used M1 ATF and Redline D4, but really like the Redline MTL. I would go Redline in the rear end too.
 
It seems many 75w-90 synthetic gear oils have the friction modifier in them for limited slip differentials. My differential is not limited slip. Would using a gear oil that has a friction modifier in it cause any harm or damage to my differential?
 
Originally Posted By: lancerplayer
It seems many 75w-90 synthetic gear oils have the friction modifier in them for limited slip differentials. My differential is not limited slip. Would using a gear oil that has a friction modifier in it cause any harm or damage to my differential?


No.....
 
I have Amsoil MTF in the trans and 75-110 in the rear on my Ranger and am very happy. Shifting is VERY good and I've been running it a couple of years now.
 
Dump the ATF or it's variants and use a modern dedicated manual trans oil.
The Redline is a superb product [MTL].
Amsoil has great offerings, also.
 
I run RP's synchromax in my Ranger. To me I it's too thick although the only other fluid I had in there was from the factory. And I changed it out at 5k so even at 34k it may not be broke in yet. I was going to try M1 but if Redline D4 is indeed thinner I may use it.
 
My advice is to contact Pablo or one of the other Amsoil site sponsors and get advice and info to order some MTF for your manual gearbox and most likely some 75W-90 Severe Gear lube for your diff. Unless your manual trans has a lot of wear already, one of their ATF's would work well also and are recommended. For a 50k mile run or longer, I would definitely go with either the Amsoil or Redline. They will cost more up front than some others, but over that many miles, the additional cost will be very little if any, and the potential improvements overall and the longevity of service will be well worth it in my experience.
 
Originally Posted By: Bluestream
Find a real gear lube like Redline or Amsoil MTL.


Gear lube should not be used in the M5OD trans.

I always used the Pennzoil Mercon/DexIII that came in one gallon jugs at Wal-Mart.

75W90, 75W140, and 80W90 are all fine in the differential.
 
Originally Posted By: 01rangerxl
Originally Posted By: Bluestream
Find a real gear lube like Redline or Amsoil MTL.


Gear lube should not be used in the M5OD trans.

I always used the Pennzoil Mercon/DexIII that came in one gallon jugs at Wal-Mart.

75W90, 75W140, and 80W90 are all fine in the differential.


This is exactly what Ford had told me. I have the M5OD transmission in my E-150, and was told to only use ATF in it.

You guys are saying the Redline MTL would work in that transmission without any problems? Is that what Redline specs for that transmission? Interesting, certainly something for me to look into.
 
Those stern warnings to use only ATF are based on what?
What better attributes does ATF have than modern properly designed manual trans lube?
The only thing I have ever heard is it's possible thinner at cold temps.
 
I have no idea why they said only use ATF? I figured the mfg that designed and built the unit knew what to put into it. If the Redline MTL is better for it, I have no problem making the change.

As a side note I had the same identical vehicle that had a 4 speed MT and used typical MT oil. The M5OD with the ATF shifted a whole lot better during the cold dead of winter. YMMV
 
I don't see Redline or Amsoil recommending their gear lubes over their synthetic ATFs.

Quote:

If the Redline MTL is better for it, I have no problem making the change.


But Redline didn't say it is. They specifically say

Quote:

D4 ATF also provides a GL-4 level of gear protection, making it a superior product for transmissions and transaxles


So you get GL4 protection AND the right viscosity with D4.
 
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I'm currently running Mobil 1 spec'd for the M5OD, it has about 25,000 miles on the fill and works fine. I took care of all those leaks those trannys were known for.
 
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