Another 2002 Ford F-150 4x4 Maint. question

[Dragonsm]

Alrighty.....yet another question in regards to my 2002 F-150 FX4 4x4.....

Recently I had the transmission flushed and I also got a quote on what it would cost to have the front and rear differential fluid changed along with the transfer case.

I have been told by some that it is an "easy" task and to just do it myself. Again, I am not a mechanic but if it is something that a guy who changes the oil and can replace shocks can do.....I am willing to try. If I am able to knock this out on my own....the labor savings for this task would get moved to the "100,000 tune-up spark plug fund" which I won't even attempt that (at least the two way in the back from what I hear)

Also, do you recommend replacing the fluid with Ford OE fluid or go with something more along the lines of amsoil...etc?

[Scott K]

The transfercase is really easy, a drain plug, and a fill plug. Regular Merc V in it. The rear diff, you just need to pull the rear cover off the differential, clean it up, put on new silicone, then fill it full of Either Fords 75w140 with additive if it is limited slip, or just use the Amsoil in it. As for the front diff, to do it correctly, you will need to disassemble the front diff, and drain it. But you can just suck out whatever fluid is in it, and refill it with OE fluid. Thats not the best way, but it is cheaper, and easier, and better then not doing anything at all

[Jeremy airjer W]

Make sure you can get the fill plugs out of the transfer case, and front/rear diffs before pulling the covers/drain plugs!

Get yourself a decent fluid transfer pump. It will make your day a lot easier. There are two common ones a red one and a black one. The black one will have an option to screw it unto the top of the bottle. The red one just has a suction hose and a discharge hose. Get the black one. We have both and the red one is not worth the money.

[Jack Peterson]

Sometimes it doesn't hurt to buy twice as much of the type of fluid you need, so you can flush out the differentials or transfer case. Drain the fluid, put the drain plug in, add 1.5 or 2 quarts, whatever it holds, drain it again. This will get rid of anything that could damage your transfer case, like metal shavings.

This isn't necessary, but if you own a Chevy, some take Dexron III in the transfer case (if I remember right), and it's cheap insurance to flush out the gearbox.