What kind of fluid goes in a rear differential?

gear oil
Every front or rear axle is filled with a special oil (also called differential fluid, or gear oil) that takes care of this. The differential fluid lubricates the gears, bearings and other internal parts, and provides cooling to these components as well.

How often should you change fluid in rear differential?

every 30,000 miles to 60,000 miles
Generally speaking, differential fluid should be changed anywhere from every 30,000 miles to 60,000 miles.

How many quarts does a rear differential take?

Use the highest-quality gear oil you can afford to fill the differential. The weight and capacity will be listed in your owner’s manual; your differential will usually hold as much as 3 quarts.

What fluid goes in a Ford 8.8 rear end?

Ford revised the recommendations for 8.8s to use 75w140. Any synthetic of choice will be ok. I personally have had good results with mobil1, redline and amsoil.

How much does it cost to change rear differential fluid?

Keep in mind that when changing the differential fluid, the overall differential fluid change cost averages between $80-$150 for the rear and $70 to $130 for the front change, coming in at a total price of between $150-$280 for the differential fluid change cost.

What happens when you don’t change your rear differential fluid?

If left too long or if the fluid starts to run low, the differential will become noisy and can eventually fail. If that happens, the gears can seize, locking up the rear wheels and potentially causing a lot of damage or even an accident.

How do you know if your rear differential needs fluid?

A burning smell from your differential or gearbox is another sign you need near differential oil. The smell may be coming from oil leaking out of an old seal — you may even notice a reddish stain under your car’s parking spot. The burning smell might also be a result of an overheating gearbox from poor lubrication.

How do you change the rear differential fluid?

Learn how to change your rear differential fluid. In this process I unbolt the differential cover (pumpkin cover) because there is no drain plug. Then I make my own gasket with RTV because I couldnt get a gasket for this differential. Only basic tools are needed and anyone could do this job.

How to check front axle fluid in Ford Ranger?

The 1998 and newer Ford Ranger uses a different style front axle assembly than the 1983-1997 models. To check the fluid in these differentials, you have to remove the fill plug on the drivers side of the differential.

What should I use to check my front axle fluid?

3) Use a wire brush to clean the area around the differential. This will help prevent dirt from contaminating the differential housing while the cover is removed. 4) Position a drain pan under the drive axle.

How much lube does a rear differential hold?

Back in 1996, maximum towing capacity was 10,500 lbs. using a rear differential that held 3.75 quarts of gear lube. The 2019 model offers a 15,000-lb. towing capacity using a rear differential that holds 3.5 quarts of fluid.