Ah... yeah... still whatever is going on is kicking my behind...
My take on the lube level is that it was still high enough to keep the gears lubed.
More to follow...

 

Yeah, I think your gears are ok, they just may be a little more hardened now lol

 

Did you ever get a chance to hit the rear end with a temp gun?

 

Glad I read this one. My 06 MMH with 283k miles was meticulously cared for by the previous (original) owner and serviced at the dealer but the rear end is something that could be overlooked. I will be sure and check mine asap.

 

The rear end fluid level is important to check, and change, as is the transfer case level and fluid change, both should be done regularly, they're very low capacity systems.

 

I might be wrong but I think both are lifetime lubes and doesn't get used up, the only loss is if it leaks.

 

The powertrain warranty is 60k miles. Coincidentally that's the change interval for those fluids typically. If you only want your vehicle to last for the warranty period by all means don't change it. No fluid is really good over 100k, not even 150k mile antifreeze since you're typically well over 5 years.

Even the transmission fluid should be changed, it's not "sealed" it just doesn't have a dipstick, it's a drain and fill to level hole just like on a transfer case. I changed mine and it was dark and some metal came out, not stuff I want to keep inside there indefinitely.

 

Read your "Ford Scheduled Maintenance Guide" pertaining to the rear axle lube.

 

Ive never trusted the " lifetime lubes " thing. Just ask the guys on the Jaguar forums about the sealed for life transfer cases on the X-Type.

trust, but verify

 

Apples to Oranges.

No surprises from this forum that thinks inflating tires to 60psi when they marked 45psi, exceed GVR with loads and exceed towing limits are just fine.