Newbie with Question

Off the Grid · 10-23-2008, 12:37 PM

My 03 SC 4WD has 66K miles and there's a leak (not cracked) on the front differential. Anyone out there know what kind of labor I'm looking at to remove and replace the seal. I'm a optimist and hope there is no internal damage. Thanks

97ranger4x4 · 10-23-2008, 12:49 PM

Well if it just needs the cover taken off, replaced, and filled back up, it will take you longer to get your tools out then to do the procedure.

Just curious, but do you know how its leaking, and where at? Any pictures? I am pretty sure you have a live axle which means that diff is always turning. If thats the case, you need to get that fixed ASAP or at least make sure there is fluid in that diff.

Check the fluid level by pulling the fill plug. the fluid should be right up to that hole.

exbass94 · 10-23-2008, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97ranger4x4

Well if it just needs the cover taken off, replaced, and filled back up, it will take you longer to get your tools out then to do the procedure.

Have you seen where the front diff is on the newer trucks? It's right behind the engine crossmember, practically right up against it. You need to remove, or at least lower, the entire differential to get the front cover off.

97ranger4x4 · 10-23-2008, 01:51 PM

well in that case it sounds like a PITA. Sorry bad info. I didnt realize its such a PITA design. Could you even fill up the differential without lowering it?

exbass94 · 10-23-2008, 02:17 PM

The fill plug is in a pretty easy accessible location, but to change the fluid, you have to siphon it out through the fill plug like on TTB.

Off the Grid · 10-23-2008, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97ranger4x4

well in that case it sounds like a PITA. Sorry bad info. I didnt realize its such a PITA design. Could you even fill up the differential without lowering it?

Sorry for my ignorance.

97ranger4x4 · 10-23-2008, 02:53 PM

PITA= Pain In The Ass.

snake · 10-24-2008, 10:10 AM

It may not be leaking from the cover (front). He said the seal. I'm guessing the seal where the yoke/drivesahft comes out of the diff?

10-23-2008, 12:37 PM	#1
Off the Grid New Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: In the Hills above Mendo County Year: 2003 Make: Ford Model: Ranger super cab 4WD Class: 4x4 Used For: transport and driving around the ranch Posts: 10 Rep Power: 0 iTrader: (0)	Newbie with Question My 03 SC 4WD has 66K miles and there's a leak (not cracked) on the front differential. Anyone out there know what kind of labor I'm looking at to remove and replace the seal. I'm a optimist and hope there is no internal damage. Thanks
	Tweet

10-23-2008, 12:49 PM	#2
97ranger4x4 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sacramento Year: 1997 Make: Ford Model: Ranger XLT Engine: 4.0 Class: 4x4 Used For: going from point A to B and lots of places in between Posts: 1,038 Rep Power: 14 iTrader: (0)	Well if it just needs the cover taken off, replaced, and filled back up, it will take you longer to get your tools out then to do the procedure. Just curious, but do you know how its leaking, and where at? Any pictures? I am pretty sure you have a live axle which means that diff is always turning. If thats the case, you need to get that fixed ASAP or at least make sure there is fluid in that diff. Check the fluid level by pulling the fill plug. the fluid should be right up to that hole. __________________ 97 Ford Ranger 4x4 XLT 5R55E 131k and counting 31" BFG AT KO 3.73 w Open diffs Warn Hubs K&N Filter Flowmaster exhaust Pioneer stereo "don't **** with my truck, thats how people die." "Do I love Rangers? Does a bear shit in the woods?"
	Tweet

10-23-2008, 01:51 PM	#4
97ranger4x4 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sacramento Year: 1997 Make: Ford Model: Ranger XLT Engine: 4.0 Class: 4x4 Used For: going from point A to B and lots of places in between Posts: 1,038 Rep Power: 14 iTrader: (0)	well in that case it sounds like a PITA. Sorry bad info. I didnt realize its such a PITA design. Could you even fill up the differential without lowering it? __________________ 97 Ford Ranger 4x4 XLT 5R55E 131k and counting 31" BFG AT KO 3.73 w Open diffs Warn Hubs K&N Filter Flowmaster exhaust Pioneer stereo "don't **** with my truck, thats how people die." "Do I love Rangers? Does a bear shit in the woods?"
	Tweet

10-23-2008, 02:17 PM	#5
exbass94 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Guilford, CT Year: 2006, 1994 Make: Ford Model: Ranger, Explorer Engine: 4.0 SOHC, 4.0 OHV Class: 4x4 Used For: Pavement Poundin' Posts: 3,078 Rep Power: 21 iTrader: (0)	The fill plug is in a pretty easy accessible location, but to change the fluid, you have to siphon it out through the fill plug like on TTB. __________________ 2006 Ford Ranger Sport 4x4 2-dr Extended Cab, 46k miles 1994 Ford Explorer Sport 2-dr 4x4, 179k miles
	Tweet

10-23-2008, 02:53 PM	#7
97ranger4x4 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sacramento Year: 1997 Make: Ford Model: Ranger XLT Engine: 4.0 Class: 4x4 Used For: going from point A to B and lots of places in between Posts: 1,038 Rep Power: 14 iTrader: (0)	PITA= Pain In The Ass. __________________ 97 Ford Ranger 4x4 XLT 5R55E 131k and counting 31" BFG AT KO 3.73 w Open diffs Warn Hubs K&N Filter Flowmaster exhaust Pioneer stereo "don't **** with my truck, thats how people die." "Do I love Rangers? Does a bear shit in the woods?"
	Tweet

10-24-2008, 10:10 AM	#8
snake Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: canyon lake tx Year: 2002 Make: Ford Model: The mighty Ranger Engine: 4.0 Class: 2WD Used For: cruising for chicks Posts: 1,286 Rep Power: 14 iTrader: (0)	It may not be leaking from the cover (front). He said the seal. I'm guessing the seal where the yoke/drivesahft comes out of the diff? __________________ 2002 XLT in wedgewood blue, 4.0 auto, 4 doors (no waiting) MP3, 3:55 limited slip rear, payload package, factory installed trailer hitch, side step bars. Built 7/31/2002, shipped 8/19/2002, purchased 9/25/2002 sold 8/2011. 2011 F-150 crewcab ecoboost twin turbo. Purchased 7/13/2011
	Tweet

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode