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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 09:14 PM
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Rear diff fluid

I have a 2002 psd and looking to change the diff fluid in the rear, does anyone know the capacity or how often your suppose to change fluid? How to tell if I have limited slip rear? thanks
 
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 09:29 PM
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Originally Posted by diesel7.3power
I have a 2002 psd and looking to change the diff fluid in the rear, does anyone know the capacity or how often your suppose to change fluid? How to tell if I have limited slip rear? thanks
IIRC my dually took about 4 bottles of oil. The srw axle may take less.
Jack up the rear end and spin a tire, If they both move in the same direction you have a LS, if they move in opposite directions you have an open rear.
Not sure about the change interval. I would also like the answer.
 
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 09:53 PM
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Here's a great write-up. Welcome to guzzle's Rear Differential Maintenance Web Page

The Sterling 10.5 diffs (SRW) take 3.5 quarts of 75w-140 synth gear oil.
 
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 10:23 PM
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And the DRW Dana diffs take 4 quarts of 75W-90 synth gear oil. Just in case you have a dually. I followed guzzle's instructions and ended up back at the auto parts store swapping 75W-140 for 75W-90, after I noticed my diff cover looked different than the one on guzzle's page.

Also, for the DRW, the filler is the plug in the middle of the diff cover, not on the front part of the diff like the Stirling units.
 
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 10:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Ponyboychris
Here's a great write-up. Welcome to guzzle's Rear Differential Maintenance Web Page

The Sterling 10.5 diffs (SRW) take 3.5 quarts of 75w-140 synth gear oil.
Plus two bottles of friction inhibitor if it is a LS. While your at it get a '08 finned aluminum cover from clay.
 
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 10:45 PM
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As far as change interval... Ford says not to touch the things. They are "lifetime"...

However, I, along with most people, thing that all fluids should be changed. I did mine at 150k miles and it looked good. It really doesnt need to be done often, but shouldn't be forgotten.
 
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 11:08 PM
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I agree with Trey. I did mine at 147k miles and it looked good, as well. Not even much on the magnet. I'll probably do mine again in 150k miles just because.
 
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 11:11 PM
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I think the interval really depends on a lot of factors, like type of driving, towing heavy, deep water crossings, and maybe even climate (wet, dry, dusty, etc). I just change my diffs every 40k or so, I use the Mobil 1 75w-140 synthetic in the rear that comes with friction modifier and I've never had to add any more, and M1 75w-90 synthetic up front. It always comes out looking good, but it's cheap insurance IMO.
 
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 11:37 PM
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While youre under there, do the front too (if you are 4x4). Also, since you are draining the fluid anyway.. might as well do something about the diff cover. You can replace it with many aftermarket options, or the 08 Diff cover will fit (you will need new bolts) and offers superior heat dispersion.

Or, if you arent worried about heat and just want it to last longer, you can do what I did and that is just paint the covers with some good rust preventing paint.

My little after the fact, post. Has some cool before/after photos.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-bit-diff.html
 
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 07:34 AM
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Originally Posted by diesel7.3power
I have a 2002 psd and looking to change the diff fluid in the rear, does anyone know the capacity or how often your suppose to change fluid? How to tell if I have limited slip rear? thanks
6.9 pts (approx 3.5 qts, as mentioned) The recommended interval is every 60k miles. That's how often I do mine. The number on the differential ID tag will have an "L" instead of a "dot" on the ratio when it is equipped with a LSD. If adding the friction modifier to a LSD, start out with a small amount first and test drive. Gradually add more until chatter is eliminated while turning. Too much is not a good thing and will reduce the grip of the clutches.
 
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 08:07 AM
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Originally Posted by mueckster
6.9 pts (approx 3.5 qts, as mentioned) The recommended interval is every 60k miles. That's how often I do mine. The number on the differential ID tag will have an "L" instead of a "dot" on the ratio when it is equipped with a LSD. If adding the friction modifier to a LSD, start out with a small amount first and test drive. Gradually add more until chatter is eliminated while turning. Too much is not a good thing and will reduce the grip of the clutches.
Another thing to note, if you get a high end fluid, like mobil one, red line, or amsoil. You might not need the friction modifiers, I didn't in my 2002 with red line.

Also an 08 diff cover, like 60-65 bucks at most dealers, and some 5/16-18x1.25 bolts and your good. Great addition, I recommend it to anyone!
 
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Old Aug 31, 2011 | 06:59 PM
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Thanks for the input guys. My thought is if your towing especially heavy loads its a good idea to change the fluid. I understand when they say lifetime fluids but you have no idea what kind of life that truck is going to have, you can't simulate real world situations. My buddy has the same truck i do 02 psd ext cab sb, when the truck is unloaded and no trailer, he gets a howl from like the driveline it sounds like around 60 mph. On the gas you can hear it when you let off its quiet, do you think he might need a diff fluid change?
 
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