1998 Ranger axle oil updated to 75W-140?

[Jay11]

1998 2.5 2WD XLT STD Cab 130k miles
Have driven this lil'capo since 69k miles. Pulled the axle plug out and found still very clean oil. Question is should I still change it considering the miles & age?
In the past while cursory browsing had seen something about an updated Ford bulletin that called for 75W140 synthetic on some older Ford autos. Can somebody confirm that that is good on the this truck?
Found a $9.89 deal at Tractor Supply here.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I haven’t heard anything about an update to the gear oil. I do know that the 2002 Explorers have it marked on the rear differential cover to use 75-140 synthetic only, but that’s also an IFS rear.

I’ve usually used regular gear oil because I buy it in 5-gal buckets. My F-150 and green Ranger I used 75-140 because I planned to work them hard. I’m also inclined to use synthetic of some flavor in the front axle on the 98-11 trucks just because it’s not easy to service.

 

[SenorNoob]

The 01 Explorer sport straight axle had tag for 75-140 too. AFAIK, it's a standard 8.8. I see no reason not to use that fluid in pretty much everything. (Only stocking one fluid is nice.)

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

The 01 Explorer sport straight axle had tag for 75-140 too. AFAIK, it's a standard 8.8. I see no reason not to use that fluid in pretty much everything. (Only stocking one fluid is nice.)

You know, it really does annoy me that 5-gallon buckets of Mercon V and synthetic 75-140 are not really available. I would like to stock those. I have no real opposition to using those frequently other than I can’t buy a reasonable quantity, it’s always gallons at best. Honestly I really wouldn’t be opposed to a drum of the gear oil. Not like there isn’t enough vehicles around here…

 

[sgtsandman]

For my 2011, standard axles called for 80W-90 and limited slip axles 75W-140. I've run synthetic 75W-90 with no issues. I've yet to see a difference in oil color with any of them that I've tried and fuel mileage never changed by a measurable amount. So, 80W-90 is perfectly fine, though more stinky than synthetic gear oil.

 

[cbxer55]

I'veused 75W-140 in the ass of my 1998 Ranger for years. I even use it in the final drive of my 2006 Suzuki M109R. though it calls for 80W-90. Never hurt a thing.