I'm due for a rear differential fluid change. My oil change place quoted me a ridiculous price of $80.00 to do it. Is this something that can be done fairly easily in the driveway?

Thanks.

 

Welcome! El-cheapo synthetic and sealer would cost you $35. The remainder for their service doesn't sound ridiculous to me. Yes, it's a simple procedure to take on. Pull up a quick search in the "Other Powertrain" area of the board for pages of information, details, photos, lubes and tips.

 

Chainging the rear diff fluid is not hard as long as you have the right tools for the job. Since there is no drain plug, you'll have to remove the entire cover. You must be EXTREMELY careful when taking it off so as not to bend it. I bent mine and it turned out to be a big PITA. I ended up buying a Mag Hytec cover to replace it. Also, I would not recommend using "el cheapo" fluid. Ford wants an asinine amount for their 75w-140 synthetic ($20+ per qt), so I wouldn't recommend it. I used Redline and am extremely pleased. It was $10 a quart and there no need to add the friction additive stuff that you have to with Motorcraft oil. Buy some Redline 75w-140, get some gasket goo, a torque wrench, and go to town.

-Craig

 

I didn't and wouldn't either. My intended point was that $45 is not a ridiculous price for labor.

 

I see what you mean now, Max. Sorry. I agree that $80 is not a rediculous price for a diff service, but it is fairly easy to do it yourself.

-Craig

 

Well it's a ridiculous price if you can do it yourself without dificulty

 

Price seems OK. Depends on what your time is worth in not doing it.