Change Driveline Fluids Early!

[Callelk]

@CarbonSteel

Many thanks. Used my pass points for the cover and purchased the hardware from MMC. Amazon has the "-A" oil filter which I will use at my 1K oil change and then at 3K I will do the diff's, T-Case and engine oil. After that it will be 3K or twice a year for the engine oil change (don't drive much so whatever comes first) and then every other spring for the rest. Transmission will probably be at 10K with a new filter and deeper pan.

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[The Bronc]

I changed the fluids in all 3 yesterday. CarbonSteel was an excellent resource and help. I really appreciate you CarbonSteel and the contributions you have made to the thread and forum at large. Everything went textbook because of the detailed write ups and videos. I was able to easily remove and reuse the plastic brake clips because of the detailed explanations. My fluid looked okay. The rear differential fluid was the darkest. There was no magnet on the drain plug to the transfer case. I am not sure if that is normal or a mistake during my build. This is something anyone can do if they have the right tools and a few hours. Read and watch all the videos you can first. It will save you time and money in the long run.

Please beware...my transfer case drain plug did not have a magnet. The drain plug was identical to the fill plug. CarbonSteel has confirmed the drain plug should have a magnet. This is another reason to drain your fluids early. I will now order a drain plug with a magnet and change the fluid again.

 

[Ducati1098]

Please beware...my transfer case drain plug did not have a magnet. The drain plug was identical to the fill plug. CarbonSteel has confirmed the drain plug should have a magnet. This is another reason to drain your fluids early. I will now order a drain plug with a magnet and change the fluid again.

They must’ve changed the plug at some point. The majority of the ones I’ve seen, do not come with a magnetic plug. Mine didn’t have one either. Like yours, the fill and drain were identical.

 

[redone17]

Perhaps it’s just a difference between 4A and Part-Time?

Mine had a magnet. June 2021 build, part-time 4x4.

 

[Ducati1098]

Perhaps it’s just a difference between 4A and Part-Time?

Mine had a magnet. June 2021 build, part-time 4x4.

I considered that also. But @CarbonSteel has a Wildtrak just like me, so we both have the advanced transfer case. Yet his had a magnet and mine did not

 

[redone17]

Oh, weird.

 

[The Bronc]

I considered that also. But @CarbonSteel has a Wildtrak just like me, so we both have the advanced transfer case. Yet his had a magnet and mine did not

I am not sure if that is by design? Maybe it has to do with supply constraints? I will call my dealership tomorrow to inquire. I have not been able to find the OEM drain plug anywhere online.

 

[Ducati1098]

I am not sure if that is by design? Maybe it has to do with supply constraints? I will call my dealership tomorrow to inquire. I have not been able to find the OEM drain plug anywhere online.

I looked through the ford parts catalog and I cannot find the advanced transfer case drain or fill plug anywhere in the diagrams. So it’s hard to say if something was changed.
The only one I can find is for the part time transfer case which is completely different.

 

[The Bronc]

I looked through the ford parts catalog and I cannot find the advanced transfer case drain or fill plug anywhere in the diagrams. So it’s hard to say if something was changed.
The only one I can find is for the part time transfer case which is completely different.

Are you just going to leave it as is or try to get a plug with a magnet? I like the idea of a magnet taking out what metal it can collect.

 

[Callelk]

They must’ve changed the plug at some point. The majority of the ones I’ve seen, do not come with a magnetic plug. Mine didn’t have one either. Like yours, the fill and drain were identical.

I take it that they are 1/2 NPT............

 

[Ducati1098]

Are you just going to leave it as is or try to get a plug with a magnet? I like the idea of a magnet taking out what metal it can collect.

I’m probably just going to leave it personally. I’m not overly concerned about it.

I take it that they are 1/2 NPT............

Yep I believe so

 

[CarbonSteel]

They should be 1/2" NPT.

Here are some from McMaster:

Low-Pressure 316 Stainless Steel Plug with Hex Drive, Hollow with Magnet, 1/2 Pipe Size

https://www.mcmaster.com/1457N14

 

[swamp2]

They should be 1/2" NPT.

Here are some from McMaster:

Low-Pressure 316 Stainless Steel Plug with Hex Drive, Hollow with Magnet, 1/2 Pipe Size

https://www.mcmaster.com/1457N14

That's flangeless (and washer-less). Is that correct for the Advanced Transfer Case? Does the front diff use the same plug? TIA.

 

[Ducati1098]

That's flangeless (and washer-less). Is that correct for the Advanced Transfer Case? Does the front diff use the same plug? TIA.

Yeah that looks like it should work.
I’d have to double check, but I think the only difference is the factory TC plug is aluminum, while the diff plug is steel. Nevermind, they're both steel.

 

[CarbonSteel]

That's flangeless (and washer-less). Is that correct for the Advanced Transfer Case? Does the front diff use the same plug? TIA.

I am fairly certain the front axle, transfer case, and rear axle all use the same plugs.

They are flangeless and washerless because they have tapered threads that use a friction fit to tighten.

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