Diff fluid change
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Linden, MI
Diff fluid change
I am going to change the front and rear fluid tomorrow and I have some questions about the front. It seems that most of the gear oils have friction modifier in them for limited slip. My guess is I probably shouldn't use this in the front since it isn't limited slip? Is this correct?
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From: Cypress TX
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From: Isanti, MN
I wouldn't bother changing the front differential oil unless you think it's been contaminated. The front diff doesn't spin at all unless the truck is in 4WD. Even if you have some HEAVY use of the four wheel drive you'd be lucky to put on 1,000 miles per year on the front axle. No way that oil is worn out!
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Mt. Shasta California
The only problem you could have with the front one is water contamination and just regular 90 wt. will work in there. The rear won't need modifier unless you have a limited slip and won't necessarily need it then. Most oil doesn't have modifier but read the label. Ford doesn't recommend changing the rear oil for 150K miles. The main thing is to make sure they are full and not contaminated.
Bleed Ford Blue
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Anchorage Alaska
I wouldn't bother changing the front differential oil unless you think it's been contaminated. The front diff doesn't spin at all unless the truck is in 4WD. Even if you have some HEAVY use of the four wheel drive you'd be lucky to put on 1,000 miles per year on the front axle. No way that oil is worn out!
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Mt. Shasta California
But the strain is divided between the front and rear. Front diffs get very little use any way you look at it.
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Bleed Ford Blue
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Anchorage Alaska
@ 132k now and as far as i know on factory diff fluid. i plan on re-gearing and adding a tru-trac to the rear so it'll get new fluid then.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: Salem, VA
Any reason to change it in the rear for preventative maintenance? I have a little over 100k and am 2wd only. I assume it's just
Remove cover + brake clean + check for damage + rtv + reinstall cover + refill + let sit overnight = profit?
Remove cover + brake clean + check for damage + rtv + reinstall cover + refill + let sit overnight = profit?
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
The mag Hytec includes an O ring no need to wait to drive her away
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Mt. Shasta California
Just sayin' you can cut that mileage in half.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Mt. Shasta California
150k..........it's in the manual.
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From: Isanti, MN
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 26,410
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From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Sort of. DON'T use brake cleaner. I think it's supposed to not leave a residue, but it's possible that it could contaminate your new fluid and damage your differential. You don't spray brake cleaner in your oil fill when you change the engine oil, and there's no reason to do that to your differential.
Eh, I don't see the point of the Mag-Hytec cover. If you want the aluminum look you can get a factory '08+ cover for around $50. And a gasket is less than $10 at any parts store.
Eh, I don't see the point of the Mag-Hytec cover. If you want the aluminum look you can get a factory '08+ cover for around $50. And a gasket is less than $10 at any parts store.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
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From: Mt. Shasta California
Nothing you use to clean the diff is going to contaminate anything, it's not like its your drinking water. Also, the stock cover is fine unless you want to impress the local alley cats.
A good slug of water will contaminate it.
A good slug of water will contaminate it.