Is There a Safe Cleaner to Use in the Rear Diff and/or A4LD Auto Trans?

[rangerenthiusiast]

Hey, folks.

Just picked up a ’92 Ranger Custom (4.0, A4LD auto trans, 8.8” rear differential) and am going through the process of changing all the fluids. When I change the fluid in the rear diff and transmission, are there any cleaners that are safe to use, or am I limited to just wiping out the gunk with a clean rag after draining the fluids? If I remember right, I used a bit of brake cleaner to wash out the rear diff on the ’86 F150 that I had 20 years ago. Just wondering if this would be safe to use in the diff on my Ranger and if there are any safe cleaners at all for an A4LD auto trans. Thanks!

_RE

 

[adsm08]

You can use brake cleaner on any metal parts. Just make sure you get the heretical non-flammable chlorine free stuff for use on anything you plan to weld on.

The same goes for your transmission. If you just want to clean out the pan you can use brake cleaner and a rag to wipe it down.

 

[rangerenthiusiast]

You can use brake cleaner on any metal parts. Just make sure you get the heretical non-flammable chlorine free stuff for use on anything you plan to weld on.

The same goes for your transmission. If you just want to clean out the pan you can use brake cleaner and a rag to wipe it down.

Hey, thanks man. Yeah, I always get the non-chlorinated stuff anyway. No particular reason, they just always seem to have it at the parts store.

Gotcha about cleaning the trans pan only.

Thanks again.

RE

 

[rangerenthiusiast]

Follow-up question: Do you guys usually bother with buying a replacement gasket for the pumpkin when draining the rear diff completely, or just use RTV? I feel like when I had my ’86 F150 a few decades ago, I used a gasket, but it leaked and ended up using black RTV instead. If RTV is the better way to go, does it change the torque settings that should be used?

Many thanks!

 

[Spott]

Follow-up question: Do you guys usually bother with buying a replacement gasket for the pumpkin when draining the rear diff completely, or just use RTV? I feel like when I had my ’86 F150 a few decades ago, I used a gasket, but it leaked and ended up using black RTV instead. If RTV is the better way to go, does it change the torque settings that should be used?

Many thanks!

I used black RTV on mine without issue. The torque specs are the same regardless of gasket methods, because torque is for the bolts themselves.

 

[rangerenthiusiast]

I used black RTV on mine without issue. The torque specs are the same regardless of gasket methods, because torque is for the bolts themselves.

Thanks, Spott.

I guess that my question about the torque was actually kind of a silly one to ask. New vehicle jitters, I guess. I’m starting to really like the truck and want to do things the right way every time. Been getting some really great advice here on the site.