Front differential leaking, safe to drive in 2WD mode with front hubs unlocked?

[sebastian323]

My front differential on my 1996 4.0 4x4 5spd manual ranger xlt is leaking heavily , probably from the pinion seal. Can I leave the front hubs unlocked and 4x4 off and drive around even if the fluid in the front diff is low/empty while I get around to fixing the leak? Also, does transfer case share fluid with the manual transmission ?

 

[Curious Hound]

Yes to the first question. With hubs unlocked and t-case in 2-hi, nothing rotates in the front differential. So that’s ok.

second question - No. they do not share fluid. Transmission and t-case each have their own fluid, drain plug and fill plug.

 

[Ranger850]

No. they do not share fluid.

But, do they take the same type of fluid?

 

[Blmpkn]

But, do they take the same type of fluid?

From what I read, atf in both the trans and the transfer case.

What I read COULD be wrong though..

 

[Curious Hound]

I think so. But not positive. I can check my owners manual after work tonight. I also have m5OD and 1354e. So it should be same.

 

[Ranger850]

I was just trying to clarify. Sometimes vocabulary differs from area to area, and "Share" could have "both" meanings of using the same type, and using the actual same fluid sloshing into the transfer case from the transmission.

If that makes sense?

 

[Curious Hound]

I was just trying to clarify. Sometimes vocabulary differs from area to area, and "Share" could have "both" meanings of using the same type, and using the actual same fluid sloshing into the transfer case from the transmission.

If that makes sense?

Yup. I know they are separate cavities. I think they take the same type of fluid

 

[Shran]

Yes ATF in both the t-case and transmission.

 

[Ranger850]

Yup. I know they are separate cavities

Yes ATF in both the t-case and transmission.

Clarified.

 

[sebastian323]

I think so. But not positive. I can check my owners manual after work tonight. I also have m5OD and 1354e. So it should be same.

do you know how much torque/power this transmission can hold ? in case I turbocharge my engine or do a swap for something more modern.

I was just trying to clarify. Sometimes vocabulary differs from area to area, and "Share" could have "both" meanings of using the same type, and using the actual same fluid sloshing into the transfer case from the transmission.
If that makes sense?

by share the same fluid I meant if the fluid can flow between transfer case and transmission. I take it the front differential takes some type of gear oil and not ATF.

 

[Dirtman]

Technically the trans takes Mercon V ATF, the transfer case takes Ford transfer case fluid aka straight Mercon ATF so not the same fluid. Not shared or same type. Mercon V should not be used in shift on the fly transfer cases.

Front diff takes regular gear oil. 80w90 is spec from the factory but that was superceded by 75w140 by Ford now. You can still put either or in, it doesn't matter.

If the reaf diff is limited slip that takes 80w90 with a friction additive or 75w90, or 75w140 both of which already have the friction additive. Otherwise pick anything, don't matter.

 

[Roert42]

Technically the trans takes Mercon V ATF, the transfer case takes Ford transfer case fluid aka straight Mercon ATF so not the same fluid. Not shared or same type. Mercon V should not be used in shift on the fly transfer cases.

Mercon V is the direct replacement for Mercon ATF (discontinued) , are you sure you are not confusing Mercon LV ( Low Viscosity ) and Mercon V?

 

[Dirtman]

Mercon V is the direct replacement for Mercon ATF (discontinued) , are you sure you are not confusing Mercon LV ( Low Viscosity ) and Mercon V?

Mercon V is indeed the direct replacement for Mercon in automatic, manuals,, and power steering... everything EXCEPT transfer cases. Ford sells a specific transfer case fluid now which is just rebadged Mercon. Mercon V is a better fluid all around but doesn't work right with older shift on the fly transfer cases for some reason. Pretty sure it even says that on the back of the Ford Mercon V bottle.

 

[Roert42]

Very interesting...

 

[sebastian323]

Mercon V is indeed the direct replacement for Mercon in automatic, manuals,, and power steering... everything EXCEPT transfer cases. Ford sells a specific transfer case fluid now which is just rebadged Mercon. Mercon V is a better fluid all around but doesn't work right with older shift on the fly transfer cases for some reason. Pretty sure it even says that on the back of the Ford Mercon V bottle.

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thanks for the information. My transfer case has a manual selector lever next to the manual 5spd shifter. I take it its not a shift on the fly unit ? If i don't have a shift on the fly, I take it I can run Mercon V