Differential Draining and Filling
Materials:
Motorcraft SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant XY-80W90-QL
Vehicles:
2019-2010 Ford Ranger
Draining:
1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. Refer to: Jacking and Lifting (100-02 Jacking and Lifting, Description and Operation).
2. Remove and discard the differential oil fill plug.
3. NOTE: Be prepared to collect escaping fluids. Remove and discard the differential oil drain plug.
4. NOTE: Make sure that a new component is installed. Install the differential oil drain plug. Torque: 20 lb.ft (27 Nm)
Filling
1. Fill the differential with clean differential gear lubricant. Motorcraft® SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant / XY-80W90-QL (WSP-M2C197-A)
2. Check the differential fluid level. The differential gear lubricant level should be to the bottom of fluid fill plug opening.
3. NOTE: Make sure that a new component is installed. Install the differential fluid fill plug. Torque: 20 lb.ft (27 Nm)
About The Author
Jim Oaks is the founder of The Ranger Station, one of the longest-running Ford Ranger enthusiast communities on the web. He has spent over three decades owning, modifying, repairing, and driving Ford Rangers on the street, trail, and cross-country routes.
Since launching TheRangerStation.com in 1999, Jim has documented thousands of real-world Ranger builds, technical repairs, drivetrain swaps, suspension modifications, and off-road tests contributed by owners worldwide. His work has been referenced by enthusiasts, mechanics, and off-road builders looking for practical, experience-based information rather than theoretical advice.
Jim’s hands-on experience includes long-distance overland travel, trail use, drivetrain and axle upgrades, suspension tuning, and platform comparisons across multiple Ranger generations. The content published on The Ranger Station is grounded in first-hand experience and community-verified data, not marketing claims or generic specifications.