Ok, recenylt i changed the front passenger drive axle on my 1998 Ford Ranger and when i did that a bit of front diff. fluid came out and before i go wheeling or put it in 4WD i would like to have the topped off. So the other day i was looking for the fill spot and i could not find it on the diff. I was wondering if you have to drop the diff. to fill it or is there a spot that i should check first? I REALLY do not want to drop out that diff. I also know there has to be a way to fill it with out dropping it. Well if you could help me out that would be GREATLY helpful!! Once again it is a 1998 Ranger. Thanks for all your help!!

 

I think the 98 and up differentials are the same. If it is then it on the driver's side of the diff. All you need is a 3/4" drive socket wrench, just the wrench, to take the plug out.

 

believe it's a 3/8, but possibly a 1/2. I use a ratchet with 3" extention. The extention just goes into the square hole..lefty loosey, righty tighty.


I suggest getting a hand pump, and pump out all the fluid that you can, and replace it with new fluid. Might as well...it probably hasn't ever been changed. My truck only had like 84k on it and was UGLY!! was milky creaming green lookin' crap! It was sweeeet. lol.

 

Then again shane u've done alot of 4 wheelin in u're trucks day haha

 

true true.....but still....swap that fluid if you adding new stuf in anyway...why not do it right? know i'm sayin'?

 

when you fill it back up do you just fill it till it comes out of that hole?

 

Probably a stupid question. But....

I have some gear oil with the LS additive. I can use it for the front differential as well. Right?

 

Fill it til it dribbles out the fill hole. Drive the truck down the street and back in 4wd, then come back and top it off. Gets the fluid in the tubes where it should be and to proper level. Thats the way I do it.




Seed60....i think you're fine running that pre-ls additive'd fluid in the front. Don't take my word on it though.

 

I don't see were it would hurt. But wasn't sure. Thanks.

Anybody else wanna chime in?