Notices
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DP Tuner

What do I do?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 21, 2003 | 08:47 AM
  #31  
eckart's Avatar
eckart
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 582
Likes: 5
From: Kelowna B.C.
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.
 
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2003 | 03:35 PM
  #32  
xanthias's Avatar
xanthias
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 335
Likes: 1
From: Houston, TX
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?
 
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2003 | 03:37 PM
  #33  
xanthias's Avatar
xanthias
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 335
Likes: 1
From: Houston, TX
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).
 
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2003 | 08:24 AM
  #34  
Toreador_Diesel's Avatar
Toreador_Diesel
Thread Starter
|
FTE Leadership Emeritus
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,253
Likes: 763
From: Houston, Texas
Club FTE Gold Member
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.
 
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2003 | 09:24 AM
  #35  
eckart's Avatar
eckart
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 582
Likes: 5
From: Kelowna B.C.
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.
 
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2003 | 10:33 AM
  #36  
Shake-N-Bake's Avatar
Shake-N-Bake
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,096
Likes: 27
From: Mesa AZ
Club FTE Silver Member

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.
 
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2003 | 12:21 PM
  #37  
HeatStroked's Avatar
HeatStroked
Fleet Mechanic
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,780
Likes: 98
From: Phoenix, AZ
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.
 
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2003 | 10:35 PM
  #38  
FoMoCo136's Avatar
FoMoCo136
Tuned
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 303
Likes: 2
From: Kentucky
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.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

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

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

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

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Dec 3, 2003 | 01:57 PM
  #39  
Toreador_Diesel's Avatar
Toreador_Diesel
Thread Starter
|
FTE Leadership Emeritus
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,253
Likes: 763
From: Houston, Texas
Club FTE Gold Member
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?
 
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2003 | 02:34 PM
  #40  
HeatStroked's Avatar
HeatStroked
Fleet Mechanic
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,780
Likes: 98
From: Phoenix, AZ
I'm surprised that Auto Zone carried it.

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.
 
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2003 | 09:57 PM
  #41  
Toreador_Diesel's Avatar
Toreador_Diesel
Thread Starter
|
FTE Leadership Emeritus
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,253
Likes: 763
From: Houston, Texas
Club FTE Gold Member
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.
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2003 | 11:23 PM
  #42  
HeatStroked's Avatar
HeatStroked
Fleet Mechanic
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,780
Likes: 98
From: Phoenix, AZ
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.
 
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2003 | 12:34 PM
  #43  
Toreador_Diesel's Avatar
Toreador_Diesel
Thread Starter
|
FTE Leadership Emeritus
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,253
Likes: 763
From: Houston, Texas
Club FTE Gold Member
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!
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:49 AM.

story-0
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-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

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


VIEW MORE