1995 F350 Differential Lube
#1
01-26-2017, 01:51 PM
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1995 F350 Differential Lube
Hi, I think that I need some help from the community about what may or may not be the proper lubrication for the differential of my 1995 Ford F350 pickup truck. The tag on the differential says SS168N 4.10 10 2 5B21. From what I have found, this is what it means:
First S - This must have been a mistake, yet without question, it is clearly on the tag.
Second S - Indicates that it is a Ford differential that was made in Sterling
168 - The model number of the differential
N - The revision number
10 2 - Indicates that the ring gear is 10.25"
5B21 - 1995, February, 21st day
The Axle code from the VIN tag on the door is 45, which indicates a 7,400 lb axle / 4.10 / NOT limited slip
The truck is a dually that is driven about 4,000 miles per year, and pulls a trailer 100% of the time. The trailers weigh from 4,000 lbs to 12,000 lbs when loaded. I live in Ohio, so the climate is not that warm.
I talked to a local Ford dealer, and they told me that the differential was a Traction-Lok limited slip, and that it needed 6-1/2 pints of N2C197-A 80W90 gear lube, and 8 ounces of XL-3 friction modifier. I didn't have a chance to go to the dealer to purchase the supplies, but a week later, I was near another Ford dealer and stopped in. This dealer said that the differential was not a Traction-Lok, and to use only 6-1/2 pints of N2C197-A 80W90 gear lube. However, he did not have it in stock. Last night, I stopped in at dealership #2 to see if the 80W90 had arrived yet, and there were three counter people who now insisted that 80W90 was not the correct gear lube. They said that without question, the proper lube was 75W140. BTW - Each Ford representative that I talked to, was given the complete VIN number of the vehicle, as well as the differential tag number.
I realize that I could just put in some 80W90 and be done with it, but, if lubrication technology has actually improved since 1995, and the new Ford recommendation really is to use 75W140, then I would like to go that route.
Also, I would like to try out the LubeLocker LLR-F105 differential cover gasket, instead of using the Ford F7TZ19554AA black silicone seal.
Lastly, dealer #1 said the differential cover bolt torque spec called for a 28 lb-ft initial and 38 lb-ft finish.
Does anybody have any thoughts on any of the above?
Thank you,
Greg
First S - This must have been a mistake, yet without question, it is clearly on the tag.
Second S - Indicates that it is a Ford differential that was made in Sterling
168 - The model number of the differential
N - The revision number
10 2 - Indicates that the ring gear is 10.25"
5B21 - 1995, February, 21st day
The Axle code from the VIN tag on the door is 45, which indicates a 7,400 lb axle / 4.10 / NOT limited slip
The truck is a dually that is driven about 4,000 miles per year, and pulls a trailer 100% of the time. The trailers weigh from 4,000 lbs to 12,000 lbs when loaded. I live in Ohio, so the climate is not that warm.
I talked to a local Ford dealer, and they told me that the differential was a Traction-Lok limited slip, and that it needed 6-1/2 pints of N2C197-A 80W90 gear lube, and 8 ounces of XL-3 friction modifier. I didn't have a chance to go to the dealer to purchase the supplies, but a week later, I was near another Ford dealer and stopped in. This dealer said that the differential was not a Traction-Lok, and to use only 6-1/2 pints of N2C197-A 80W90 gear lube. However, he did not have it in stock. Last night, I stopped in at dealership #2 to see if the 80W90 had arrived yet, and there were three counter people who now insisted that 80W90 was not the correct gear lube. They said that without question, the proper lube was 75W140. BTW - Each Ford representative that I talked to, was given the complete VIN number of the vehicle, as well as the differential tag number.
I realize that I could just put in some 80W90 and be done with it, but, if lubrication technology has actually improved since 1995, and the new Ford recommendation really is to use 75W140, then I would like to go that route.
Also, I would like to try out the LubeLocker LLR-F105 differential cover gasket, instead of using the Ford F7TZ19554AA black silicone seal.
Lastly, dealer #1 said the differential cover bolt torque spec called for a 28 lb-ft initial and 38 lb-ft finish.
Does anybody have any thoughts on any of the above?
Thank you,
Greg
#2
01-26-2017, 02:40 PM
Hi, I think that I need some help from the community about what may or may not be the proper lubrication for the differential of my 1995 Ford F350 pickup truck. The tag on the differential says SS168N 4.10 10 2 5B21. From what I have found, this is what it means:
First S - This must have been a mistake, yet without question, it is clearly on the tag.
Second S - Indicates that it is a Ford differential that was made in Sterling
168 - The model number of the differential
N - The revision number
10 2 - Indicates that the ring gear is 10.25"
5B21 - 1995, February, 21st day
The Axle code from the VIN tag on the door is 45, which indicates a 7,400 lb axle / 4.10 / NOT limited slip
The truck is a dually that is driven about 4,000 miles per year, and pulls a trailer 100% of the time. The trailers weigh from 4,000 lbs to 12,000 lbs when loaded. I live in Ohio, so the climate is not that warm.
I talked to a local Ford dealer, and they told me that the differential was a Traction-Lok limited slip, and that it needed 6-1/2 pints of N2C197-A 80W90 gear lube, and 8 ounces of XL-3 friction modifier. I didn't have a chance to go to the dealer to purchase the supplies, but a week later, I was near another Ford dealer and stopped in. This dealer said that the differential was not a Traction-Lok, and to use only 6-1/2 pints of N2C197-A 80W90 gear lube. However, he did not have it in stock. Last night, I stopped in at dealership #2 to see if the 80W90 had arrived yet, and there were three counter people who now insisted that 80W90 was not the correct gear lube. They said that without question, the proper lube was 75W140. BTW - Each Ford representative that I talked to, was given the complete VIN number of the vehicle, as well as the differential tag number.
I realize that I could just put in some 80W90 and be done with it, but, if lubrication technology has actually improved since 1995, and the new Ford recommendation really is to use 75W140, then I would like to go that route.
Also, I would like to try out the LubeLocker LLR-F105 differential cover gasket, instead of using the Ford F7TZ19554AA black silicone seal.
Lastly, dealer #1 said the differential cover bolt torque spec called for a 28 lb-ft initial and 38 lb-ft finish.
Does anybody have any thoughts on any of the above?
Thank you,
Greg
First S - This must have been a mistake, yet without question, it is clearly on the tag.
Second S - Indicates that it is a Ford differential that was made in Sterling
168 - The model number of the differential
N - The revision number
10 2 - Indicates that the ring gear is 10.25"
5B21 - 1995, February, 21st day
The Axle code from the VIN tag on the door is 45, which indicates a 7,400 lb axle / 4.10 / NOT limited slip
The truck is a dually that is driven about 4,000 miles per year, and pulls a trailer 100% of the time. The trailers weigh from 4,000 lbs to 12,000 lbs when loaded. I live in Ohio, so the climate is not that warm.
I talked to a local Ford dealer, and they told me that the differential was a Traction-Lok limited slip, and that it needed 6-1/2 pints of N2C197-A 80W90 gear lube, and 8 ounces of XL-3 friction modifier. I didn't have a chance to go to the dealer to purchase the supplies, but a week later, I was near another Ford dealer and stopped in. This dealer said that the differential was not a Traction-Lok, and to use only 6-1/2 pints of N2C197-A 80W90 gear lube. However, he did not have it in stock. Last night, I stopped in at dealership #2 to see if the 80W90 had arrived yet, and there were three counter people who now insisted that 80W90 was not the correct gear lube. They said that without question, the proper lube was 75W140. BTW - Each Ford representative that I talked to, was given the complete VIN number of the vehicle, as well as the differential tag number.
I realize that I could just put in some 80W90 and be done with it, but, if lubrication technology has actually improved since 1995, and the new Ford recommendation really is to use 75W140, then I would like to go that route.
Also, I would like to try out the LubeLocker LLR-F105 differential cover gasket, instead of using the Ford F7TZ19554AA black silicone seal.
Lastly, dealer #1 said the differential cover bolt torque spec called for a 28 lb-ft initial and 38 lb-ft finish.
Does anybody have any thoughts on any of the above?
Thank you,
Greg
Considering synthetic lubricants were not really in circulation back when these trucks were built, any synthetic 75-140 lubricant will exceed and lubricate better than any fluid that was recommended/produced at the time. Synthetic or not put 75-140 in, 80-90 is not correct. For those on here that tow all the time, they will agree the heavy synthetic is the way to go. I would not worry about being brand specific from ford on the lubricant, any synthtic from you local parts store is more than sufficient. I wouldn't waste your money at the dealership. Adding the friction modifier in a Non LS rear end will do absolutely no harm.
Gasket, Choose what you want. If you truly are towing all the time you may want to consider a finned diff cover primarily for the capacity, drainplug, view glass, etc as its hard to heat the fluid enough to worry.
I change every 60-70k and use Lucas and a XL-3 friction modifier in a 4.10 LS. Mag Hytec diff covers on all of our trucks. You can buy it all off amazon, or drive down to NAPA/OREILLY and choose your lubricant. Half of these counter boys/parts guys don't even understand what the first numper indicates, or the second in 5w30. Last time i was in ford they had "hiring now- no experience needed" its common these days almost everywhere. Including the dealership. I had a ford certified diesel mechanic insist my truck was intercooled in 95 as well....
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#3
01-26-2017, 08:19 PM
#4
01-26-2017, 11:17 PM
You can use an '08+ finned aluminum diff cover with longer 5/16" bolts. Part # 8C3Z-4033-A
And some other sources for axle info:
http://www.fordification.com/tech/rearends_ford10.htm
http://www.drivetrain.com/parts_catalog/ring_and_pinions/what_rear_end_ratio_do_i_have_in_my_ford__is_it_po si.html
And some other sources for axle info:
http://www.fordification.com/tech/rearends_ford10.htm
http://www.drivetrain.com/parts_catalog/ring_and_pinions/what_rear_end_ratio_do_i_have_in_my_ford__is_it_po si.html
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