2020+ Explorer front differential fluid guide

[EDWYER]

I cannot find 75w85 in my area.

I ordered AMSOIL 75w85.

 

[wifeys-ST]

I’m about to do the first front differential fluid drain refillon my 2020 Ford Explorer XLT.

i’ve studied the photos of the front differential and it looks like if I lift up the front passenger side tire to access plugs and drain.
After I reinstall the drain plug, I would let the jack down as low as possible, so I could still get under there and use a jack stand for safety. Then refill with exactly 0.6 of a quart, which is 19.2 ounces.

My concern is, I won’t be able to CORRECTLY check the diff. level because it will still be jacked up slightly on the front passenger side.

But my thought is, it’s drained BEFORE I add 0.6 of a quart, Then I can lower the vehicle to level for several moments to let any excess drip out of the fill hole. Then lift it back up, install the fill plug and clean the area. Job done

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

After filling, I lowered the car on the hydraulic jack and turned the car in “trail” mode so i could see the angle from front to back and left to right. I think i got them to 0 and 1 degrees as best i could and let the diff drain before lifting it back up to cap it and clean up. I think I put it in trail mode without starting the engine by just pressing the start button without foot on the brake.

so yes, with the front end up, it will overfill. And with the right side up, it will overfill. When you bring the front end down and right end down it will drain.
And yes it’s super important to not overfill. because my first time doing it i had the front end up and didn’t bring it down to drain and it ruined the passenger side axle seal. I had to do the job a second time and pull the axle to replace the seal. And when i went to check the fluid level after i overfilled with the car level a bunch of extra fluid came out. Live and learn

 

[Wohop]

After filling, I lowered the car on the hydraulic jack and turned the car in “trail” mode so i could see the angle from front to back and left to right. I think i got them to 0 and 1 degrees as best i could and let the diff drain before lifting it back up to cap it and clean up.

so yes, with the front end up, it will overfill. And with the right side up, it will overfill. When you bring the front end down and right end down it will drain.
And yes it’s super important to not overfill. because my first time doing it i had the front end up and didn’t bring it down to drain and it ruined the passenger side axle seal. I had to do the job a second time and pull the axle to replace the seal. And when i went to check the fluid level after i overfilled with the car level a bunch of extra fluid came out. Live and learn

That’s a good idea using trail mode