Did I screw up diff for good
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Did I screw up diff for good
A few years ago, the pinion seal was leaking and I replaced it and change the differential gear oil.
Instead of putting the recommended gear lube in, I went with the heaviest weight thinking that the diff would last longer.
Problem is, it's a limited slip diff and now I've noticed that traction is not what it used to be.
I need all the traction possible living in the country in Michigan with a 2wd.
Can I restore the limited slip diff by just going back to what Ford recommends or did I do permenant damage?
Instead of putting the recommended gear lube in, I went with the heaviest weight thinking that the diff would last longer.
Problem is, it's a limited slip diff and now I've noticed that traction is not what it used to be.
I need all the traction possible living in the country in Michigan with a 2wd.
Can I restore the limited slip diff by just going back to what Ford recommends or did I do permenant damage?
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From: Louisville,Ky.
Go to the Ford dealer and get a couple bottles of friction modifier. It helps the clutches work better. After you put it in, take the truck out and drive it in a figure 8 about 8 or 10 times to work it into the clutches.
Jimmy
Jimmy
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: SoCal
If it's been a few years since you did the work, and now you're noticing that the limited slip diff is now slipping, it's very probable that the clutches are worn out. I don't normally cruise this forum, so I don't know what kind of diffs are normally used in a F150. But it's pretty easy to replace the clutch packs in an 8.8" diff. Ford sells a kit that includes two sets of clutch and steel plates, shims, some new hardware, and a bottle of the friction modifier.
Most performance oriented people will re-order the clutch/steel plates by re-using one of the old clutch plates to replace one of the steel plates.
One other note: The friction modifier is intended to actually reduce the friction of the clutches. This is to prevent them from wearing out too quickly. If your diff is slipping now, adding the friction modifier will not help. But I do agree that you should install the correct type of lube with the friction modifier. I used Mobil 1 when I rebuilt mine, and I think it's lasted longer than the factory setup.
Most performance oriented people will re-order the clutch/steel plates by re-using one of the old clutch plates to replace one of the steel plates.
One other note: The friction modifier is intended to actually reduce the friction of the clutches. This is to prevent them from wearing out too quickly. If your diff is slipping now, adding the friction modifier will not help. But I do agree that you should install the correct type of lube with the friction modifier. I used Mobil 1 when I rebuilt mine, and I think it's lasted longer than the factory setup.
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: So Cal
Yeah, you should probably change the fluid since 1) it is old and 2) in Michigan you don't want the thickest fluid you can get.
Mix the modifier in with the fluid and get yourself one of those hand pumps to simplify putting the fluid back in. Beats the heck out of squeezing the bottle.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
Mix the modifier in with the fluid and get yourself one of those hand pumps to simplify putting the fluid back in. Beats the heck out of squeezing the bottle.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
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From: So Cal
Yeah, and you will probably need 3-4 quarts plus a couple tubes of modifier. Get a new gasket while you are shopping.
When you drop the cover, check the color of the fluid. You hope it is honey or brown color. black means really old and worn out. You also want to use your finger to flip any debris out from the bottom of the case. Check what the debirs is. You don't want to see a lot of metal chunks. A few bits the size of rice are normal. There should also be a magnet, usually donut shaped. It will probably have a light coat of grey or silver fuzz, normal. metal chunks in excess is not normal.
Look at the gears. They should not have any chunks missing and they should show nice even wear surfaces, ie shiney and even over most of the contact surface. You don't want to see a lot of gears surface with heat bluing on them. they should either be shiney or in places that don't contct, they should be brownish.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
When you drop the cover, check the color of the fluid. You hope it is honey or brown color. black means really old and worn out. You also want to use your finger to flip any debris out from the bottom of the case. Check what the debirs is. You don't want to see a lot of metal chunks. A few bits the size of rice are normal. There should also be a magnet, usually donut shaped. It will probably have a light coat of grey or silver fuzz, normal. metal chunks in excess is not normal.
Look at the gears. They should not have any chunks missing and they should show nice even wear surfaces, ie shiney and even over most of the contact surface. You don't want to see a lot of gears surface with heat bluing on them. they should either be shiney or in places that don't contct, they should be brownish.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
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