differential fluid
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
differential fluid
I have a 2011 F350 SRW with 3.55 differential. I'm was going to change the fluid, however, what type do I use? The manual calls for 75-90 with the Dana rear end or 75-140. How do I know which rear end I have? Is there a build sheet with code on the vehicle anywhere?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 6
From: Whitecourt AB, Canada
SRW rear axle is going to be the Sterling Heights 10.5" ... I'm reasonably sure the only Dana Rear axles are the DRW models.
Also, the axle code is on the B-pillar sticker as a 2-character code.
Also, the axle code is on the B-pillar sticker as a 2-character code.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,665
Likes: 164
From: Cartersville, Ga
Nothing wrong with doing it to see what it will look like. I did on my 6.0. Dropped it at 50k miles. Looked brand new. If you haven't submerged it in water or have a leak, I would leave it alone.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 5
From: Maryland
I swapped the diff oil in my 2006 at 56,000 miles. It wasn't that the oil wasn't up the demands of the bearings, it was the lousy Trac Lock limited slip differential that was picky about the oil. Fresh oil and friction modifier always seemed to tight the trac lock up.
Since these trucks don't have a limited slip with clutches, I'm not in a big hurry to change the diff oil. Who knows, I may do it this Summer at something like 65,000 miles since I have had the oil on the shelf for like 4 years now. I will probably add a Mag-Hytech cover in the process since my rear axle is loaded pretty heavy with the toy hauler.
Since these trucks don't have a limited slip with clutches, I'm not in a big hurry to change the diff oil. Who knows, I may do it this Summer at something like 65,000 miles since I have had the oil on the shelf for like 4 years now. I will probably add a Mag-Hytech cover in the process since my rear axle is loaded pretty heavy with the toy hauler.
Trending Topics
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,379
Likes: 1,863
From: Frederick, MD
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 6
From: Whitecourt AB, Canada
I did mine earlier because I got it wet when I ripped off the breather tube by accident with some use/abuse. Then considered an aftermarket diff cover, then realized my diff is plenty cold as it is and doesn't need heatsink fins.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 1,190
From: Door Cty/Florida
** old thread warning **
How often does Ford recommend changing differential (front/rear) fluids? Transmission and transfer case fluids?
With engine oil, seems like half the FTE members wait for the light, while the other half have their own schedule that is shorter on miles. Considering the Ford recommendations how often do most here change each of these fluids?
How often does Ford recommend changing differential (front/rear) fluids? Transmission and transfer case fluids?
With engine oil, seems like half the FTE members wait for the light, while the other half have their own schedule that is shorter on miles. Considering the Ford recommendations how often do most here change each of these fluids?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 11
From: Greenwood, SC
Good question. My 2011 had over 200,000 towing miles on it, never touched any diff or trans fluids. Not once. Trans fluid always looked new and it always shifted same except a little chirp going from 4-5.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10,157
Likes: 8,003
From: Texas
I have come to the conclusion that by doing all this scheduled maintenance on diffs and trannys, that we really are doing the next owner of the vehicle a huge favor!!!!! 
And they should reward us!
And they should reward us!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,778
Likes: 153
After the first change, you can make the oil last almost forever by gluing a rare earth magnet on the bottom area but out of the way.
The magnets are about the size of a dime only thicker and they are STRONG. This will catch all the fine metal from wear, oil will look new a 100k later
The magnets are about the size of a dime only thicker and they are STRONG. This will catch all the fine metal from wear, oil will look new a 100k later