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1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Slick Sixties Ford Truck

Fluid change

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Old Oct 26, 2023 | 07:11 PM
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Fluid change

I am new to this truck. I am going to change all the fluids . I don’t know what fluids to use . I want to change
F250 2 WD 292 v8 4 soeed
oil / filter
4 speed tran
front and rear diff
radiator
brake fluid
What fluid brand , weights , type synthetic/conventional

all help is appreciated
Tony
 

Last edited by Tbounds02; Oct 27, 2023 at 06:53 AM.
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Old Oct 27, 2023 | 12:12 AM
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I'm sure the members here know the answers to your questions right on top of their heads, however, I would purchase an owner's manual (reproduction of the original). Service manual is better, but maybe you don't need that just yet. Keep in mind that some of the lubricants from the 60's may not be exactly available and some have improved. You will also probably hear some debate regarding motor oils....multiple choice. Here's what I use:
Radiator: 50/50 Prestone and distilled water. (Some may debate the use of distilled water)
Brake Fluid: Standard Dot 3 (any brand), as long as you're sure there is no silicone fluid (Dot 5) in the master cylinder....which is likely not. To be sure you can dip your finger in there. Dot 3 will wash off and dissolve in water. Dot 5 will not mix with water or wash off your finger.
Motor Oil: I use Shell Rotella 20-50W. I would not recommend any synthetics in any of the areas you're questioning, due to its propensity to leak. (Lot of varying opinions here). I like the Motorcraft (Ford) oil filters.
Trans and Differentials, I would have to look up in the service manual. I'm sure some solid information will follow here shortly.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2023 | 05:10 AM
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Originally Posted by Tbounds02
I am new to this truck. I am going to change all the fluids . I don’t know what fluids to use . I want to change
oil / filter
4 speed tran
front and rear diff
radiator
brake fluid
What fluid brand , weights , type synthetic/conventional

all help is appreciated
Tony
Welcome to FTE!
You need to post a little more info about your truck. Year, 2wd or 4wd, engine etc
I would add that Rotella T4 is the one you want,, it still has zinc that these old engines need. It is available in 30W, 10W-30, 15W-40, 20W-50. Your choice depending on the milage on your engine but as a one size fits all choice, I would lean toward 15-W40.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2023 | 05:21 AM
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I'll 2nd getting an owner manual and repair manual. Also, need to identify the engine and tranny you have. With these trucks being around 60 years old, there is a chance something was swapped. For instance, 6R80 trannies can now be mated to FE engines or you may have a chevy engine and tranny combo. Some engines that were originally flat tappet have been converted to roller cam. Gotta verify.

If you have the original 4 speed manual and transfer case, then 50 weight motor oil is what the '65 owner's manual says to use. I would avoid high zinc oils (like racing oil) in the tranny, because that may eat on the brass pieces. I use regular 50 wt motor oil in mine.

Brakes, cooling, and differential are pretty standard for what you use and were already mentioned.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2023 | 06:56 AM
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I updated info . I thought conventional with high zinc also , where is best place to purchase a reproduction owners manual
 
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Old Oct 27, 2023 | 07:53 AM
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Originally Posted by Tbounds02
I updated info . I thought conventional with high zinc also , where is best place to purchase a reproduction owners manual
I would say E-bay is the cheapest place to find one. You didn't say what year your truck is. You can also find them at most of the re-pop sellers.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2023 | 03:42 PM
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+1 for the good old Rotella T4. It is cheap and does the trick.
Dot3 brake fluid
I use Sea-Lube 85W90 gear oil for my T-18 4 speed. You want GL4, not GL5. GL5 will damage the syncros. Check your tranny first to know what you have.
Diff oil depends on your application, if you plan to go for heavy towing you need a different oil compared to easy cruise with better mileage.
Coolant mixture depends on your location. Keep in mind water improves cooling but can freeze and corrode the engine. The mixture depends on the lowest temperature you expect to see.
 
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Old Oct 29, 2023 | 03:19 PM
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It has the original granny 4 speed , with 292 v8 engine 50,000 miles .
how many quarts of rotella t4 10W40
Dot 3 brake fluid
still not sure about transmission fluid and rear differential oil
its 2 WD .
I haven’t found a website that has a part’s diagram for 1964 F 250
 
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Old Oct 30, 2023 | 11:21 AM
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Originally Posted by Tbounds02
It has the original granny 4 speed , with 292 v8 engine 50,000 miles .
how many quarts of rotella t4 10W40
Dot 3 brake fluid
still not sure about transmission fluid and rear differential oil
its 2 WD .
I haven’t found a website that has a part’s diagram for 1964 F 250
The odometers in these trucks go to 99,999 then start over unless you know the original owner it could be 150,000 miles or 250,000 miles.
Most take around 5 quarts with a filter. Just pour a pint in the new filter and 4 quarts in the engine, run it then top it off. You will have plenty since Rotella comes in 1 gal, jugs.
You need to figure out what transmission and rear axle you have. Post a picture of the warranty plate maybe someone will decode it or post a link for you to do it.
There isn't a website with parts diagrams. You can buy a Master Parts catalog, "good luck figuring out how to use it" or do advanced searches using NumberDummy in the username. Bill posted a million-part numbers over the years.
 
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Old Oct 30, 2023 | 02:50 PM
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This was grand fathers truck he bought it new in 1964 and it’s been in family whole time . I am very sure it is original mileage. It has a V8 292 but I don’t think is original motor .
 
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Old Oct 30, 2023 | 02:56 PM
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What do mean by number dummies in username?
 
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Old Oct 30, 2023 | 03:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Tbounds02
What do mean by number dummies in username?
NumberDummy is the username of the local parts nut on FTE who worked in Ford parts (I believe) for a loooooong time and is pretty good at coming up with actual part numbers

If you have the T98 tranny then 50 wt motor oil will work fine.

For the differential, Lucas 80w-90 heavy duty (or similar other brands) will work fine.

These are what I've used in my '65F250 (with its NP435 tranny and Dana 60 rear) for almost 20 years. I drive mostly freeway, haul some firewood, and tow a trailer now and then.
 
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Old Oct 30, 2023 | 03:17 PM
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I am not sure what rear gears but they are higher than 4:50 and granny 4 speed , 40-50 mph is about it rpm’s are high at 50
I was hoping some body could look at bun plate and tell me what it means
 
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Old Oct 31, 2023 | 05:09 AM
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Originally Posted by Tbounds02
I am not sure what rear gears but they are higher than 4:50 and granny 4 speed , 40-50 mph is about it rpm’s are high at 50
I was hoping some body could look at bun plate and tell me what it means
For rear gear ratio, you can check for a metal tag on your differential housing cover though choosing a gear oil based on gear ratio is probably the finer points of lubricant choice and not tremendously important.

You likely have the T98 tranny and if so, "T98" is cast on the tranny case. If not, a website like "Novak Adaptors" gives info on identifying 4 speed manual trannies.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2023 | 03:33 PM
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According to the warranty plate pictured - truck is a late 1962 build for the 1963 model year. Rear end is a 4.56:1 ratio so you could gear it for higher speed with a rear end swap/gear/carrier change. No front differential on a 2WD truck so no fluids to change there. A few grease zerks and that's good to go.

F25 = F250-4 x 2

C = 292 2V

D = Dallas, TX assembly plant

350185 = November 1962 assembly month - 1963 model year

122 = wheelbase in inches

A = Raven Black

F250 = F250-4 x 2 - 7,500 lbs gross vehicle weight rating

81A = Standard Cab

F = T98A 4-speed transmission

24 = Dana 60 4.56:1 ratio non-limited slip

7400 = GVWR

135 = Horsepower @

3800 = RPM

64 = New Orleans, LA district sales office - not a special order truck
 
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