Hey! I have a 2007 Ford Ranger 4x4 and was wondering what the ACTUAL maintenance should be on it, particularly those fluids often forgotten about.
transfer case (1354 Borg Warner, I think)
manual transmission (Mazda M5OD-R1HD)
front differential (Dana 35)
rear differential (limited slip, 28-spline 8.8) Wondering what oil everyone has been using, too. It had 80w90, I once changed to 75w140, then went back to 80w90. Either oil seems fine. But there’s different opinions on that.
even the coolant... infact, I’ve heard that Ford even recommends changing the factory fill out at I believe it was 100,000 miles, then every 30,000 after that. Why would I have to change the Ford Gold coolant out that often? I thought it was a 5 year, 150,000 mile coolant??
Everything should be mentioned in your owner’s manual, down to the exact quantity & fluid specification, assuming your vehicle is fully stock.
https://manuals.co/workshop/ford/ranger/2007-ford-ranger-owners-manual/3676
This may be the owner's manual for your vehicle. Double and triple check that this manual matches your vehicle before following any instructions. Maintenance information can be found starting on page 222.
Often, those are not good intervals to follow. I was looking for real world advice.
why? Does it say sealed for life?
The factory repair manuals that I have I think suggest too long an interval. But maybe not. I know it’s not in their best interest to make their vehicles last past warranty, so I’m skeptical.
Infact, the owners manual doesn’t give change intervals.
You didn't mention your mileage in your original post. If Scotty does answer your question, he'll need that information to determine the recommended maintenance for your vehicle.
115,000 and I’ve kept up with the vehicle, I think. Just trying to fine tune the maintenance schedule. Some things I probably did too much and other things not enough. When I changed the rear differential fluid at around 40,000 miles, it was nasty looking.
axle fluids are probably the longest interval. There's no combustion happening. Not that much heat. And most of them don't have clutches. So they last a very long time.
The rear axle on this vehicle has clutches. It’s a limited slip 8.8, 28-spline with 4.10 gears.
that must be why the fluid was contaminated. (not all LS diffs have clutches though) So in that case I would change it more frequently. Same as you would an automatic transmission.
Scotty would say "Change your oil every 5000 miles, oil is cheap but an engine is not".
Here’s another thing... I drive alot now, as I work 30 miles away and use the truck for other things, too. So I put in Amsoil 25,000 mile/1year oil with an Amsoil 25,000 mile oil filter. I wanted to try Amsoil, I also wanted to try to push it maybe 20,000 miles/1year. As thats Probably around how many miles I’ll have one year from having changed it. I was thinking maybe I should test it around 12,000 miles. I do mostly highway driving, so 25,000 on that oil might be ok. I have heard very good things about it. But this is that engine (4.0 SOHC) known for timing chain cassettes coming apart and the engine getting trashed. That was MOSTLY on the 03 and earlier models. This is an 07, so I’m not as concerned. I also just bought new oem timing chain tensioners. There’s two of them, they’re removed from the outside of the engine. They’re spring loaded and get weak over time. This can contribute to the timing chains failure.
Well highway mileage is not as bad on your oil as city mileage, so that's that. As for the rest, I am in the unavailability to answer as I do not know what Amsoil is or know enough information about this engine and vehicle. Perhaps scotty could answer. Hope you find your answer.
I stand corrected, just checked my repair manual and it says to change the factory fill Gold coolant after 6 years/100,000 miles. And then every 3 years/50,000 miles after that. Why so often after the first change?