Notices
2009 - 2014 F150 Discuss the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Ford F150
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Moser

front and rear diff oil change

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 28, 2014 | 10:34 PM
  #1  
awq134's Avatar
awq134
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 790
Likes: 3
From: Ontario, OH
front and rear diff oil change

This might be a bit early for some, but my haynes manual suggested changing front and rear diff. oil at 60,000 miles or 48 months. I am currently at 51,000 miles on my 2010 4.6L 2v STX but have owned the truck just over 4 years now. I was going to originally pull off both the front and rear covers to change the oil, but opted for the easier method of using a suction tool to remove it through the fill holes. I know this isn't as thorough as removing the cover, but i figured i'd remove the cover at the 8 year/100,000 mile mark. both front and rear oil looked pretty good. I was more worried about the rear than the front, as i have launched a jet ski a few times which had the rear axle submerged. I thought that the rear fluid looked better than the front. The front has a milky/honey look to it (apparently normal compared to what others have experienced.) The haynes manual says that the front diff has a drain plug, but i didn't see one so i used the fill hole to drain mine.

i was almost done when my wife pulled into the driveway. she walked past me and commented on how bad the gear oil smelled(she doesn't even like the smell of used engine oil). I can agree with her on the gear oil, but not so much on the engine oil. With that said, i threw away the entire outfit i was wearing during the oil change. Hopefully the little bit i got on the garage floor won't stink up the garage for too long.
 
Reply
Old Mar 29, 2014 | 05:57 AM
  #2  
tseekins's Avatar
tseekins
Super Moderator
15 Year Member
Veteran: Coast Guard
Community Builder
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,024
Likes: 1,519
From: Maine, Virginia
Club FTE Gold Member
The axles have a 150K mile service point. Submerging the axle shouldn't be an issue. If it keeps oil in then it'll keep water out.

I've never been opposed to more frequent service intervals. Peace of mind is priceless.
 
Reply
Old Mar 29, 2014 | 08:20 AM
  #3  
Tom's Avatar
Tom
Super Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
Club FTE Gold Member
awq134, you would do well to throw out the Haynes manual and get a factory shop manual. You can get something like an AllData subscription for only a few bucks a year, and unlike Haynes it's written by those who designed the truck.

www.alldatadiy.com

Your front differential doesn't ever turn unless you're in 4WD. I think I use my 4WD more than most, and I would be lucky to have used it for 100 miles in the last year. That means my front differential oil has only 100 miles on it, not the 14,500 the rest of the truck has on it.

Originally Posted by tseekins
The axles have a 150K mile service point. Submerging the axle shouldn't be an issue. If it keeps oil in then it'll keep water out.
Unfortunately that's not true Tim. There's no maintenance interval specified, they say it's lubricated for life. And every axle has a vent tube on top that water can enter through. If it gets submerged it really needs to be changed.

Below is from page 397 of the 2013 Owner's Guide.
 
Attached Images  
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2014 | 10:17 AM
  #4  
fishbones182's Avatar
fishbones182
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 489
Likes: 0
From: Plant City, FL
Depends on deep you submerge it. The vent tube on the rear axle goes up to the floor bracing on the bed of the truck. The front diff vent tube runs up into the engine compartment. As far as the suction tool to remove the fluid its a good idea if you dont have to the time to drop the rack out of way so you can remove all the front diff bolts.
 
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2014 | 02:26 PM
  #5  
tseekins's Avatar
tseekins
Super Moderator
15 Year Member
Veteran: Coast Guard
Community Builder
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,024
Likes: 1,519
From: Maine, Virginia
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by Tom
awq134, you would do well to throw out the Haynes manual and get a factory shop manual. You can get something like an AllData subscription for only a few bucks a year, and unlike Haynes it's written by those who designed the truck.

ALLDATAdiy.com Leading Source of Factory Automotive Repair Information

Your front differential doesn't ever turn unless you're in 4WD. I think I use my 4WD more than most, and I would be lucky to have used it for 100 miles in the last year. That means my front differential oil has only 100 miles on it, not the 14,500 the rest of the truck has on it.



Unfortunately that's not true Tim. There's no maintenance interval specified, they say it's lubricated for life. And every axle has a vent tube on top that water can enter through. If it gets submerged it really needs to be changed.

Below is from page 397 of the 2013 Owner's Guide.
You are correct on the submerged portion of your statement Tom. However, page 433 of my 2011 owners guide says to change front and rear diff oil at 150K miles. The OP's truck is a 2010. The owners guide for my 2004 Expy says the same thing. So, on the scheduled maintenance portion, things have changed a little.
 
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2014 | 10:59 PM
  #6  
montecarlo31's Avatar
montecarlo31
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Tom
Below is from page 397 of the 2013 Owner's Guide.
I am at a complete loss here, what does a 2013 manual have to do with a 2010 truck?

Taken straight from Ford's website and if you actually read your manual and paperwork you would know that ford's service guide supersedes the owners manual.


http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Fo.../10frdmg2e.pdf

150,000 miles
❑ Change engine oil and replace oil filter
❑ Change engine coolant (see Engine Coolant
Change Interval on page 6 and Coolant
Change Record on page 48)
❑ Replace cabin air filter (if equipped)
❑ Replace climate-controlled seat filter (if equipped)
❑ Replace engine air filter
❑ Replace fuel filter (except Escape, Mariner,
F-Series [non Super Duty],
Expedition/Navigator [short wheel base only],
E-Series and Transit Connect)
❑ Change automatic transmission fluid and filter
(filter not required on 6F35). (Except vehicles
equipped with the TorqShift transmission).
❑ Change manual transmission fluid
❑ Change rear axle lubricant on all rear wheel
drive (RWD) vehicles (see pages 41 and
47).
❑ Change transfer case fluid (4x4 only)
❑ Change front differential fluid (4x4 only)
❑ Replace wheel bearings (if non-sealed bearings)
❑ Replace accessory drive belt(s) if not
replaced in the last 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
❑ Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tie
rod ends, driveshaft, and U-joints (lubricate if
equipped with Zerk fittings)
❑ Torque the rear U-bolts (Transit Connect only)
❑ Inspect engine cooling system and hoses
❑ Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake
lines and hoses and parking brake system.
❑ Inspect half shaft boots (if equipped)
❑ Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
❑ Inspect and lubricate 4x4 front axle U-joints
❑ Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure
tread depth
❑ Inspect the wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness, or drag
❑ Perform multi-point inspection (recommended)
 
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2014 | 06:36 AM
  #7  
Tom's Avatar
Tom
Super Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by montecarlo31
I am at a complete loss here, what does a 2013 manual have to do with a 2010 truck?
Since you're at a complete loss, perhaps I better explain. The 2013 F150 has the exact same rear axle as the 2010 F150 does. As in, no differences whatsoever. And, by sheer coincidence I'm sure, the 2010 Owner's Guide says the exact same thing.

But don't just take my word for it, I've attached the entire page from the owner's guide.

Did I clear things up for you, or should I explain further?
 
Attached Images
File Type: pdf
unititled1.pdf (53.9 KB, 295 views)
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2014 | 10:00 AM
  #8  
gDMJoe's Avatar
gDMJoe
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 45
From: Timbuk3, MI
.
Need a maintenance schedule?
Maintenance Schedules ««« -click-
------------------------------

-click- the pic'
Goth 150
< This space intentionally -blank- >
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-3

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-5

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-9

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Mar 31, 2014 | 01:29 PM
  #9  
montecarlo31's Avatar
montecarlo31
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Tom
Since you're at a complete loss, perhaps I better explain. The 2013 F150 has the exact same rear axle as the 2010 F150 does. As in, no differences whatsoever. And, by sheer coincidence I'm sure, the 2010 Owner's Guide says the exact same thing.

But don't just take my word for it, I've attached the entire page from the owner's guide.

Did I clear things up for you, or should I explain further?
You really should learn to read before typing so much. Regardless of the same rear end or not manufactures change suppliers mid year and will also change lubricants mid year for many reasons. By the way the owners manual does not over ride the ford service guide for scheduled maintenance and warranties. Read the service guide. I already posted a link but you were too busy bsing to bother reading it.
 
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2014 | 08:32 PM
  #10  
tseekins's Avatar
tseekins
Super Moderator
15 Year Member
Veteran: Coast Guard
Community Builder
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,024
Likes: 1,519
From: Maine, Virginia
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by montecarlo31
I am at a complete loss here, what does a 2013 manual have to do with a 2010 truck?

Taken straight from Ford's website and if you actually read your manual and paperwork you would know that ford's service guide supersedes the owners manual.


http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Fo.../10frdmg2e.pdf
No where in my owners guide does it actually state this or even use similar wording. However, on page 426 of my 2011 owners guide it clearly states: "failure to perform scheduled maintenance specific in THIS guide will invalidate warranty coverage on parts affected by the lack of maintenance."

I'm not seeing how Ford can publish a printed owners guide, include it with the new vehicle, state that it's your responsibility to follow the contents of this guide and then hold you to another set of standards on their website.

The link you provided states that it's a second printing and so does my owners guide.
 
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2014 | 08:35 PM
  #11  
montecarlo31's Avatar
montecarlo31
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by tseekins
No where in my owners guide does it actually state this or even use similar wording. However, on page 426 of my 2011 owners guide it clearly states: "failure to perform scheduled maintenance specific in THIS guide will invalidate warranty coverage on parts affected by the lack of maintenance."

I'm not seeing how Ford can publish a printed owners guide, include it with the new vehicle, state that it's your responsibility to follow the contents of this guide and then hold you to another set of standards on their website.
Do you know what supplement means? It came with your truck and I bet you even signed that you received it when you purchased the truck.
 
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2014 | 08:43 PM
  #12  
tseekins's Avatar
tseekins
Super Moderator
15 Year Member
Veteran: Coast Guard
Community Builder
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,024
Likes: 1,519
From: Maine, Virginia
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by montecarlo31
Do you know what supplement means? It came with your truck and I bet you even signed that you received it when you purchased the truck.
Are you going to stand on your soap box and tell us that the owners guide is an insufficient reference to properly maintain our trucks when it states word for word what your link states?
 
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2014 | 09:17 PM
  #13  
montecarlo31's Avatar
montecarlo31
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by tseekins
Are you going to stand on your soap box and tell us that the owners guide is an insufficient reference to properly maintain our trucks when it states word for word what your link states?
:facepalm: you really really need to read YOUR WARRANTY PAPERWORK. That's all I will say.
 
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2014 | 09:42 PM
  #14  
tseekins's Avatar
tseekins
Super Moderator
15 Year Member
Veteran: Coast Guard
Community Builder
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,024
Likes: 1,519
From: Maine, Virginia
Club FTE Gold Member
OK fine. We're not going to spar over this any longer.

To the OP, I apologize for allowing your thread to run off course.

Back on topic please.
 
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2014 | 10:36 PM
  #15  
bigdaddyII's Avatar
bigdaddyII
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,155
Likes: 0
From: Southern Louisiana
I will probably do my axle and transmission around 75,000 miles. I don't believe anything is lubed for life. Apparently in Fords mind "life" actually means 150,000 miles.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ETKMS
6.4L Power Stroke Diesel
30
Nov 29, 2015 08:10 AM
kevin.ford-trucks
Excursion - King of SUVs
6
Sep 8, 2011 01:45 AM
Steemer
2004 - 2008 F150
8
Feb 21, 2007 12:52 PM
swandog
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
1
Apr 22, 2005 09:30 AM
mstarr
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Mar 9, 2005 12:53 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:58 PM.

story-0
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-2
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-4
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-6
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-8
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE