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Xan did you get any water in your diffs? For $10.- of vent line I ran my rear up to the top of the box behind the brake light and the front under the hood thinking if the water is that high its game over anyway.That was on my last truck,one more thing I forgot about and didn't do to the current yet.
Originally posted by eckart Xan did you get any water in your diffs? For $10.- of vent line I ran my rear up to the top of the box behind the brake light and the front under the hood thinking if the water is that high its game over anyway.That was on my last truck,one more thing I forgot about and didn't do to the current yet.
I'm betting it did--I'm changing the diffs this weekend. I couldn't get to it any sooner. Anybody know what size hose the vent lines are so I can go ahead and lay in some replacements? Any local-type parts shops (NAPA, O'Reilly) have a breather I could use? Finally, I'm not sure I can remember seeing where the vent tubes attach to the pumpkins. Anyone know?
Originally posted by HerbertKornfeld Thanks Xan - it's amazing how many forum readers live in the Houston area!
I guess in an emergency, you could go a little deeper before hitting the air intake or sensitive electronics?
James
You would have to go pretty damned deep--say midway up the headlights--before you had air intake problems (remember, the cold air inlet there by your driver headlight behind the grill). The PCM would be what I would worry about. It's on the driver floor behind the kick panel. I figure another 4" to 6" deeper and I would have been in trouble. (I don't have a lift--yet).
It so turns out you were all right. Within the last few days I noticed that my X was working a little harder than usual to accelerate. I also noticed that my RPMs weren't in the same spot that they are normally at when I'm at a specific speed. I checked my diff as you all suggested and the fluid looked more like thick caramel than it did normal fluid. But before I did this, I went to autozone and bought the fluid for the diff. An associate there told me that they didn't have they gastket for the diff. I went to two Autozone stores and neither of them had it. He suggested that I don't use a gasket and use some kind of substitute in a black tube. I don't remember what it's called, but I'll post once I get the tube. This may be a stupid question, but is not using a gasket a bad idea? If so, where can I get the gasket for the diff? It's a 3.73 no LS.
I've never had a problem with it. I like "the right stuff" made by permatex it cost more, $20.-cdn for a 1/2 caulking tube, but does a great job. its black and drys to something more like rubber than silicone.
My differential didn't have a gasket when I pulled the cover. I used Permatex RTV Black, I'm not sure if it said "The Right Stuff" on the tube or not. Seemed to work fine, no leaks.
Just changed mine, yes, Pematex black. Works great-no leaks.
Also, be sure to use the right amount of Ford anti friction modifier XL-3 additive. (Read the fine print-the parts guy gave me XL-7 by mistake, same size bottle and color)
Use oil-75/140 high performance synthetic.
Modifier is supposedly not needed when using Amsoil and some other synthetics.
The tubes coming from the vents actually have a check valve at the top. Not very good ones but they are there. I have been an off roader for awhile and even your door seals will last for several minutes before they will start leaking. Assuming your truck is new,,or in new condition. And for clerifacation,,,I have had lots of water in my truck before(1994 F-350) 4X4 44" Swampers.
I have a crew cab now and will not be in the mud but I would not hesitate to drive through water up to 3 feet or so if the current is not too swift.
Permatex is what they gave me, but I don't think I have synthetic oil. The guys over at Autozone gave the Coastal brand. I think it's the 74/140 I'm supposed to have but, I don't think it's synthetic. Where can I get the performance synthetic oil you all speak of?
It must be synthetic and if you have a limited slip differential you must use the appropriate amount of friction modifier or you'll hear some bad noises from your rear end.(hahaha)
Anyway, I found only two sources for the 75/140, Ford and Amsoil. I went with the Ford 75/140 high perf synthetic with the XL-3 modifier. Amsoil claims that you don't need the modifier.
Thought I would stick with Ford products as I'm still under warranty.
The Coastal brand that Autozone gave me is indeed the high performance synthetic that I should have and use. BUT, is it a good idea to use that seeing as I only want the best for my X?
One last thing, those of you who used permatex to make a gasket for the diff, how long did you let it sit before you filled the diff and drove?
Last edited by Toreador_Diesel; Dec 3, 2003 at 10:19 PM.
I used the Permatex Black and let mine sit overnight. It was getting late and I was getting tipsy so I thought 8-10 hours cure time would be good for it and me.
It's been a about 6 weeks, no leaks.
I just changed the fluid in my diff last night and....wow.....what a difference. When I compared the old, contaminated fluid to the new fluid I was shocked at what I saw.:-staun It had lumps and looked like the Mississippi Gumbo you encounter on while mudding on a cold, wet day. It's done now and my X drives ALOT better than it did before. Thanks to you all for lending a helping hand in all this! I appreciate it!