10k Mile Report

[Manualman]

26 Lariat Hybrid 2k, acquired new at the end of March. Flawless operationally to date and 44 mpg lifetime computer reported mileage (Occasional hand calc spot checks suggest it fibs by 1-2 mpg on the optimistic side). Mostly commuter miles in Chicagoland suburban highways so far.
Break-in oil changes done at 1.5k, 5k and just last weekend at 10k.

So for the 10k oil change, I decided to bite the bullet and change AWD gear oils as well as rotate tires. Like many others have reported, the factory significantly under-filled the PTU and rear diff.

PTU: Fairly dark, good amount of black fuzz on the magnet and only 350ML came out. Required more like 550 to refill before it was spilling out the check/fill port. I used synthetic 75W90 GL-5. Not precisely the 75W85 Ford specifies, but I'll take that fluid at the RIGHT level over what For gave me any day.

Rear diff: Books says it requires over a quart, but I still had 400ML left after refilling to the spillout port level (flat ground surface). Ford sure is proud of this 75W rear Disconnect drive fluid at $75/quart, but I couldn't find an equal alternative (wondering if the Honda VTM4 fluid I had sitting on the shelf would have worked, but not willing to bet on it!).

Tires rotated front to back and found wearing evenly, running smooth and quiet. Ran out of time and haven't checked ATF level yet.

Great minitruck so far. Just sure wish Ford initial assembly left a better first impression. And would have been nice if I didn't have to apply my own Fluid Film and apply Mabett under-cavity covers here and there too....

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[HeyBales]

Don't forget the fun oil filter removal!

 

[Manualman]

Don't forget the fun oil filter removal!

You mean how the factory one is a silly little thing instead of a 910S? I found access to it quite simple. I like taking off the felt panel because I like to inspect everything when I change oil. The mild steel clips the screws go into are ridiculous, but I drowned them in enough Fluid Film to keep the rust gremlins off for a few years... The filter itself is child's play to remove with a generic strap wrench and is the first car I've even owned that's straight up and down such that I can prefill the new filter. I used to think that was paranoid, but this engine actually made a 1 second clatter the first time I changed the oil and did NOT prefill it. Added reminder to notebook: prefill the filter!

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