Notices
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel 2011-current Ford Powerstroke 6.7 L turbo diesel engine

Changing our rear diff fluid question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 28, 2017 | 12:40 PM
  #1  
Edgar7's Avatar
Edgar7
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Changing our rear diff fluid question

about to change our the rear diff. Fluid on two trucks
both are 2012 f350 Drw
i was at the dealer and asked the guy if i needed to add the friction modifier he seemed hesitant and said no so i wanted to ask y'all if these trucks need it.
Thanks in advance
 
Reply
Old Mar 28, 2017 | 12:56 PM
  #2  
BII Plow Truck's Avatar
BII Plow Truck
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 634
Likes: 2
Ford Friction Modifier is for limited-slip axles....your owners manual will tell you if it's needed and how much of it. (the bottles only service smaller axles like on the Mustang or Crown Vic, so you may need two bottles). To check if you have limited-slip, jack up the rear end, rotate one wheel, and if the other side turns the same way you have limited-slip. If it turns the opposite, you do not. Note, Friction Modifier is NOT for electronic locking axles!


Hope this helps!
 
Reply
Old Mar 28, 2017 | 01:00 PM
  #3  
senix's Avatar
senix
Super Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,384
Likes: 1,868
From: Frederick, MD
Club FTE Gold Member
what is the axle code on the door pillar? That will tell us if you have a LS rear end.
 
Reply
Old Mar 28, 2017 | 04:50 PM
  #4  
Just Strokin's Avatar
Just Strokin
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,748
Likes: 118
From: Tallassee, ALabama
If you do not know what rear end you have as for as open or limited slip, you can go to the ETIS Ford site to find out.

https://www.etis.ford.com/

click the vehicle tab at top and then enter your vin.

The DRW uses the Dana rear axle and calls for this fluid

Motorcraft SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant

If limited slip

Add 8 oz. (236 ml) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent meeting Ford
Specification EST-M2C118–A for complete refill of limited slip Ford axles. Ford design
rear axles contain a synthetic lubricant that does not require changing unless you submerge
the axle in water.

Here is a photo of my door sticker. I know my rear end is limited slip and would assume "L" in the 3L designates limited slip. Check your door sticker.


 
Reply
Old Mar 29, 2017 | 11:56 PM
  #5  
2civicrr's Avatar
2civicrr
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 302
Likes: 0
From: California
Pretty sure the drw F350 is still using the Dana 80 axle like my 2004 did.

When my 2004 F350 drw was new, it had a little 'chatter' from the limited slip. Ford put some friction modifier in & it went away.

When I changed the cover to a mag hytek, I refilled with Redline 75/90 GL-5 gear oil. No additional friction modifiers were needed.
 
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2017 | 01:54 AM
  #6  
Just Strokin's Avatar
Just Strokin
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,748
Likes: 118
From: Tallassee, ALabama
Originally Posted by 2civicrr
Pretty sure the drw F350 is still using the Dana 80 axle like my 2004 did.

When my 2004 F350 drw was new, it had a little 'chatter' from the limited slip. Ford put some friction modifier in & it went away.

When I changed the cover to a mag hytek, I refilled with Redline 75/90 GL-5 gear oil. No additional friction modifiers were needed.
Your rear end may have had enough residual friction modifier left in the housing/clutches after you changed to the Mag Hytek cover. I would suggest he add the modifier to be on the safe side if he has a limited slip differential.
 
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2017 | 04:55 AM
  #7  
senix's Avatar
senix
Super Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,384
Likes: 1,868
From: Frederick, MD
Club FTE Gold Member
Still using the Dana Super 80 axle.


That is what I have.
 
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2017 | 12:40 AM
  #8  
2civicrr's Avatar
2civicrr
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 302
Likes: 0
From: California
Originally Posted by Just Strokin
Your rear end may have had enough residual friction modifier left in the housing/clutches after you changed to the Mag Hytek cover. I would suggest he add the modifier to be on the safe side if he has a limited slip differential.
While that is a possibility, I don't believe that is the case. I cleaned out the housing pretty well. Of course, I have no way of knowing what might have been left on the clutches.

I should have been more informative about the Redline gear oil. From the description on their webpage:
Contains additional friction modifiers for suitability with clutch-type limited slip differentials - for most LSDs, no additional friction modifiers are required

Also, I'd rather add the friction modifier if needed, then end up with too much of it. If it chatters, I could put the modifier in to fix it. If I put it in from the start and it is too slippery, the lsd won't be as effective. I would need to start over with new oil. This is if you're going to use the Redline gear oil. Ford factory fill would be a different story.

As always, YMMV
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

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

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

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

 Brett Foote
Old Mar 31, 2017 | 05:44 AM
  #9  
dnewton3's Avatar
dnewton3
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 764
Likes: 30
Be aware that some aftermarket fluids already have the FM in the lube in the bottle.

This is like Goldie Locks and her porridge ...
Too little FM will cause chatter and unwanted nusance chirps, and undue wear.
Too much FM will cause the clutches to slip way too much, causing little to no L/S effect.
You want just the right amount.

If you buy a fluid with FM already in it (examples like Valvoline, Mobil, etc) then I'd not add any FM. Drive the truck after refilling and see how the performance is.

If you use a fluid that lacks any FM, add about 8oz to start with, then test and adjust as necessary if you need more.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Kschab123
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
2
May 2, 2016 01:51 AM
XBAJBUSX
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
11
Dec 3, 2010 07:06 PM
1_BIGMOFO
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
9
Nov 18, 2009 09:24 AM
weekendwarriorfsw32
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
3
Sep 22, 2009 09:57 AM
teg2_nv
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
1
Mar 23, 2007 10:40 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:41 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic 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 | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
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-9
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