Change Driveline Fluids Early!

[BRBlue]

Just for clarity - Dana Spicer specifies 75W-140 in the Dana 44 Advantek axles. Many OEMs (including Ford) reduce that for CAFE (read this MPG) credits which does not equate to axle longevity. Given the heat and the metal these axles generate, I am more than comfortable deviating from Ford's recommendation--you may not be and that is OK too.

I understand your reasoning and it makes sense. It’s almost a separate issue from Ford’s own inconsistency on the two types of fluids specified for front and rear.

I’m just proud of myself for changing my own fluid I haven’t seen a single mention of recommended intervals for driveline fluid changes in the user manual or maintenance schedule. Maybe I just missed it. This will be my first change at 36k miles. Probably should have done it much earlier.

Sponsored

 

[CarbonSteel]

I understand your reasoning and it makes sense. It’s almost a separate issue from Ford’s own inconsistency on the two types of fluids specified for front and rear.

I’m just proud of myself for changing my own fluid I haven’t seen a single mention of recommended intervals for driveline fluid changes in the user manual or maintenance schedule. Maybe I just missed it. This will be my first change at 36k miles. Probably should have done it much earlier.

Yours should be fully broken-in at this point in time so I would look to do it every 25K or so from this point forward. Don't forget to change the transfer case fluid.

 

[telenerd]

Maybe someone could do a Youtube video on how to change the front/rear diff and transfer case on Bronco Sas.

 

[CarbonSteel]

Maybe someone could do a Youtube video on how to change the front/rear diff and transfer case on Bronco Sas.

I should have video'ed mine. I will be changing mine again very soon and will try to capture a video.

 

[Fonz54]

Nope. 75W-110 in the front for the reason you stated...less than 1QT capacity.

75W-140 in the rear based upon my experience with Dana 44 Advantek axles and Dana's recommendation vs. Ford's.

I need to change my F&R diff lube. I have two questions. First question, where did you find the Dana/Spicer lube recommendations? I did several searches but could not find anything. Second question is why does Ford receommend standard dino lube for the front diff and synthetic lube for the rear diff?

 

[CarbonSteel]

I need to change my F&R diff lube. I have two questions. First question, where did you find the Dana/Spicer lube recommendations? I did several searches but could not find anything. Second question is why does Ford receommend standard dino lube for the front diff and synthetic lube for the rear diff?

Here you go--these are for Jeeps, but with the exception of the IFS in the front they are the same axles (the rear is exactly the same except for mounting locations):

DS Front - https://d3qx1uccksbb2n.cloudfront.net/docs/SPECSHEET-JL-FRONT-UD44A-42019.pdf

DS Rear - https://d3qx1uccksbb2n.cloudfront.net/docs/SPECSHEET-JL-REAR-UD44A-D44A-42019.pdf

I am not able to comment on why Ford specs different lubes--but can say it makes zero sense.

EDIT - Dana covers the electronic locking differential (ELD), standard (STD), and Traction Lok (T/L) axles in this sheet. Only the Traction Lok requires friction modifier and most if not all synthetic gear oils have it already added.

 

[Fonz54]

Here you go--these are for Jeeps, but with the exception of the IFS in the front they are the same axles (the rear is exactly the same except for mounting locations):

DS Front - https://d3qx1uccksbb2n.cloudfront.net/docs/SPECSHEET-JL-FRONT-UD44A-42019.pdf

DS Rear - https://d3qx1uccksbb2n.cloudfront.net/docs/SPECSHEET-JL-REAR-UD44A-D44A-42019.pdf

I am not able to comment on why Ford specs different lubes--but can say it makes zero sense.

Thanks for the info. I will check it out.

 

[DefNotBuddyLee]

Nope. 75W-110 in the front for the reason you stated...less than 1QT capacity.

75W-140 in the rear based upon my experience with Dana 44 Advantek axles and Dana's recommendation vs. Ford's.

I see you attached proof, I had just not heard that spec recommended unless towing was involved. Interesting.

Sent me down a rabbit hole where I noticed @CarbonSteel 's profile on BITOG. I'm sold.

 

[da_jokker]

So this thread got me... I'll bite.

Picked up some Amsoil 75w-90 severe gear oil at Napa Auto for $20 a quart. Will be replacing BOTH front and rear Diff fluids this weekend on my Sasquatch.

I'm not concerned about running a -5w cold than spec in the front or a +5w hot in the rear and it keeps it all simple.

 

[CarbonSteel]

So this thread got me... I'll bite.

Picked up some Amsoil 75w-90 severe gear oil at Napa Auto for $20 a quart. Will be replacing BOTH front and rear Diff fluids this weekend on my Sasquatch.

I'm not concerned about running a -5w cold than spec in the front or a +5w hot in the rear and it keeps it all simple.

Agree--never understood why OEMs have these weird viscosities created versus taking off the shelf oil AND you are not gaining (or losing) anything by not running it.

Ford and Mopar appear to be the main ones that do this in various vehicles whereas with others they specify standard viscosities.

 

[BRBlue]

Did my rear diff today. I’m sure I’m overthinking this but what do you use to clean the reusable gasket and mating surfaces?

I know a lot of folks use brake cleaner but I’ve heard that it’s bad for rubber so concerned it could damage the gasket.

I ended up using a plastic scrapper and some diluted isopropyl alcohol I had from paint prep work.

 

[CarbonSteel]

Did my rear diff today. I’m sure I’m overthinking this but what do you use to clean the reusable gasket and mating surfaces?

I know a lot of folks use brake cleaner but I’ve heard that it’s bad for rubber so concerned it could damage the gasket.

I ended up using a plastic scrapper and some diluted isopropyl alcohol I had from paint prep work.

I would never use any type of cleaner and certainly not brake cleaner or any chlorinated solvent because it will also attack the seals in the axle. I always use Scott's paper towel because they are lint free with nothing on them. I have not seen a Bronco (or Wrangler) with D44 axles that had any type of sealant on the gasket surfaces.

Did yours?

 

[BRBlue]

I would never use any type of cleaner and certainly not brake cleaner or any chlorinated solvent because it will also attack the seals in the axle. I always use Scott's paper towel because they are lint free with nothing on them. I have not seen a Bronco (or Wrangler) with D44 axles that had any type of sealant on the gasket surfaces.

Did yours?

No sealant. Didn’t really need to scrape anything. Just used blue paper shop towels like you and a little bit of the diluted IPA. The reusable gasket is nice.

 

[CarbonSteel]

Ordered this to install on the next fluid change. I went with it because I wanted a drain plug versus having to pull the cover every time (though I will pull it to inspect occasionally).

 

[GroovyGeek]

For the idiots like me in the audience, who will be paying the stealership to do this - which are the fluids in question? Front and rear diff, and what else? TIA.

Sponsored