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What kind of oil does a Ford Ranger rear diff take?


As a proud owner of a Ford Ranger, understanding the maintenance needs of your vehicle is crucial for its longevity and performance. One important aspect of this maintenance is ensuring that the rear differential is filled with the correct type of oil. In this article, we will explore the recommended oil specifications for the rear differential of a Ford Ranger, along with some tips for maintaining this essential component.


Recommended Oil Type


The Ford Ranger typically requires a specific type of oil for its rear differential, which is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. The recommended oil type is:



  • 75W-90 Gear Oil: This is the most commonly recommended oil for the rear differential of Ford Rangers, providing excellent lubrication and protection under various driving conditions.

  • 75W-140 Gear Oil: In cases where the vehicle is subjected to heavy towing or off-road conditions, a thicker oil like 75W-140 may be recommended for added protection.


Always check your owner's manual for the specific recommendations for your model year, as specifications may vary slightly between different models and production years.


Why Proper Oil is Important


Using the correct oil in your Ford Ranger's rear differential is essential for several reasons:



  • Lubrication: The right oil ensures that all moving parts within the differential are properly lubricated, reducing friction and wear.

  • Heat Dissipation: Gear oil helps to dissipate heat generated during operation, preventing overheating and potential damage.

  • Corrosion Protection: Quality gear oils contain additives that protect against rust and corrosion, extending the life of the differential.


Neglecting to use the correct oil can lead to premature wear and costly repairs, so it's vital to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations.


Maintenance Tips for Your Rear Differential


To keep your Ford Ranger's rear differential in top shape, consider the following maintenance tips:



  • Regular Inspections: Check the differential oil level regularly and look for any signs of leaks.

  • Change Oil Periodically: Follow the recommended service intervals for changing the differential oil, typically every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.

  • Use Quality Products: Always opt for high-quality gear oil that meets or exceeds the specifications outlined in your owner's manual.


By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your Ford Ranger's rear differential remains in excellent condition, providing you with reliable performance for years to come.


Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of oil goes in the rear differential?


There are two basic types of differential fluid: Mineral oil, which is a natural, crude oil-based fluid. Synthetic differential fluid, which is created with chemicals and can be fine-tuned for optimal performance.



How often does Ford recommend changing differential fluid?


In our example above, Ford recommends changing differential fluid every 150,000 miles in normal service. But they drop the change interval significantly – to every 30,000 miles – when towing frequently at wide-open throttle and driving at temps above 70ºF.



What oil is in a Ford Ranger differential?


Ford Ranger Front Differential Oil 75W-90 (1 Litre) ->2022.



What happens if you never change differential fluid?


Most differentials need a fluid change at about 50,000 miles. 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.



What kind of fluid does a Ford rear differential take?


Rear Axle Oil SAE 80W-90 C2.



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.



Is gear oil the same as rear differential fluid?


The differential fluid, also known as gear oil, is specifically formulated to lubricate and protect the gears and bearings within the differential housing. On the other hand, transmission fluid is responsible for lubricating and cooling the intricate components of your vehicle's transmission system.



What kind of rear differential fluid does a 2019 Ford Ranger take?


80W-90 fluid
The owner's manual for the 2019 model year states 80W-90 fluid and 3.04 pints for a locking axle.



How often do you change the differential fluid on a Ford Ranger?


every 30k to 60k miles driven
Differential Fluid usually lasts longer than most other fluids. The life of differential fluid is variable but a major difference between for example oil and differential fluid, is differential fluid usually is not filtered. Usually, differential fluid is changed after every 30k to 60k miles driven.



What kind of oil does a 2017 Ford Ranger diff take?


Nulon Limited Slip Differential Oil 80W-90 1Ltr - LSD80W90-1E.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.