Rear Differential Fluid for Ford Ranger
The rear differential of a Ford Ranger requires specific fluid for optimal performance. The recommended fluid type for the rear differential of a Ford Ranger is 80W-90 rear axle lubricant. If the vehicle has a Traction-Lok limited slip, it is important to add Ford friction modifier to prevent chattering. Some synthetic makers suggest that the modifier may not be necessary with their oil, but it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. When changing the fluid, it’s necessary to drain the oil by removing the diff cover, clean and reseal the cover joint, and add fluid up to 1/4″ below the filler hole.
It’s important to note that the rear differential fluid doesn’t need to be changed as frequently as some other fluids, like engine oil, but it does degrade over time. Ford recommends changing the rear differential fluid every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, with a closer aim to the 30,000-mile mark for the Ranger specifically.
If the differential is a Traction-Lok limited-slip unit, it’s crucial to use 4 oz. of Ford Friction Modifier C8AZ-l9B546-A or an equivalent special limited-slip additive with the lubricant. Additionally, the FX4 Level II Ford Ranger calls for 75W-140 synthetic lubricant .
In summary, for a Ford Ranger rear differential, the recommended fluid type is 80W-90 rear axle lubricant, and if it has a Traction-Lok limited slip, the addition of Ford friction modifier is necessary for optimal performance.
Contents
- What fluid should never be used in a rear differential?
- What fluid should I put in my rear differential?
- What kind of rear differential fluid does a 2001 Ford Ranger take?
- What is the difference between 75W90 and 75W140?
- What kind of rear differential fluid does a 2005 Ford Ranger take?
- What kind of rear differential fluid does a 2006 Ford Ranger take?
- What kind of rear differential fluid does a 2011 Ford Ranger take?
- What fluid should I put in my Rear differential?
- What fluid should never be used in a Rear differential?
- What kind of oil does a Ford Ranger rear diff take?
What fluid should never be used in a rear differential?
Never, under any circumstances, put engine oil in your differential. This will result in devastating damages to your engine. Engine oil is much different than gear oil, mostly it cannot withstand high pressure. Therefore, engine oil should never be used in place of gear oil.
What fluid should I put in my rear differential?
Normally it will be an Extreme Pressure (EP) Gear Oil, typically EP80. However, some rear diffs such as limited slip diffs (LSD’s) require a special LSD oil which will be specified by the diff manufacturer if fitted as an ‘add on’ for special use or by the vehicle manufacturer if fitted as OE.
What kind of rear differential fluid does a 2001 Ford Ranger take?
Ford Ranger 2001, SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant by Motorcraft®.
What is the difference between 75W90 and 75W140?
So, the difference between “75W90” and “75W140” is that at operating temperature, the 75W140 will be considerably thicker than the 75W90 but at room temperature they will be about the same viscosity.
What kind of rear differential fluid does a 2005 Ford Ranger take?
Ford Ranger 2005, SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 Limited Slip Differential Fluid by Sta-Lube®. Limited Slip. This product is made of high-quality components to meet and exceed strict quality requirements.
What kind of rear differential fluid does a 2006 Ford Ranger take?
Ford Ranger FX4 / Sport / STX / XL / XLT 2006, SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant by Motorcraft®.
What kind of rear differential fluid does a 2011 Ford Ranger take?
Ford Ranger 2011, SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant by Motorcraft®.
What fluid should I put in my Rear differential?
Normally it will be an Extreme Pressure (EP) Gear Oil, typically EP80. However, some rear diffs such as limited slip diffs (LSD’s) require a special LSD oil which will be specified by the diff manufacturer if fitted as an ‘add on’ for special use or by the vehicle manufacturer if fitted as OE.
What fluid should never be used in a Rear differential?
Never, under any circumstances, put engine oil in your differential. This will result in devastating damages to your engine. Engine oil is much different than gear oil, mostly it cannot withstand high pressure. Therefore, engine oil should never be used in place of gear oil.
What kind of oil does a Ford Ranger rear diff take?
Capacities and Specifications
| Part | Recommended fluid |
|---|---|
| Front axle oil | Motorcraft® SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant |
| Rear axle oil | Motorcraft® SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant |
| Rear axle oil (LSD) | Motorcraft® SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant |
| Rear axle friction modifier | Motorcraft® Additive Friction Modifier |
