Front differential
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Front differential
Any reason to change the front diff fluid on a '00 f-250 with 86K, obviously it is a 4x4 but used in 4 wheel only occasionally???
Last edited by Jerrod; Apr 12, 2004 at 05:18 PM. Reason: addition
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Yes, hubs are always unlocked except for when using the 4 wheel drive which has been maybe a total of 250 miles out of the 86k. Any need to change the fluid....if so....how do you do it?? I see no drain plug!
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Removing the cover seems like a pain...I opened the plug and the fluid looked like fresh oil yet(same color). Assuming it is pretty good yet. When would you look at changing it? Just to clarify for myself someone please explain what is happening in the front diff with hubs unlocked, hubs locked, and hubs locked with 4 wheel engaged. Can you truly use 4 wheel drive without hubs locked in? Just never really understood the whole system I guess. Thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Denton,TX
I would change at 100K. It's not really that much of a pain to remove the differential cover. Make sure when you remove it you get some gasket maker for when you reinstall. I just recently changed my rear fluid and it didn't take long at all.
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I just did the rear today with mag hytec pan! A whole lot easier!!! What is involved in resealing the cover????
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Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Denton,TX
Originally Posted by Jerrod
I just did the rear today with mag hytec pan! A whole lot easier!!! What is involved in resealing the cover????
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Post Fiend
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From: Denton,TX
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Seaside NJ
Jerrod, hope this answers one of your questions
hubs unlocked- wheel spins free, your diff and u-joints and front drive shaft should not turn.
hubs locked- front diff, u-joints and drive shaft will turn, but the system is still disconnected at the transfer case
hubs locked and 4x4 engaged- the whole system is engaged including the transfer case and you have a 4x4.
This is how it works on my 97' hope it helps. It is also not recommended to run with your transfer case engaged and hubs unlocked, although I forget why. It is however ok to run with the hubs locked and tranfer case not engaged, I just wouldn't do it for long periods of time and not on a highway.
hubs unlocked- wheel spins free, your diff and u-joints and front drive shaft should not turn.
hubs locked- front diff, u-joints and drive shaft will turn, but the system is still disconnected at the transfer case
hubs locked and 4x4 engaged- the whole system is engaged including the transfer case and you have a 4x4.
This is how it works on my 97' hope it helps. It is also not recommended to run with your transfer case engaged and hubs unlocked, although I forget why. It is however ok to run with the hubs locked and tranfer case not engaged, I just wouldn't do it for long periods of time and not on a highway.
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So this being said.....with the hubs unlocked is there really any reason to ever change your front diff fluid since it is only used maybe a 1000 miles or less during the life of the truck for most people??
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Elverson, PA
If you ever get in water as deep as the hubs or deeper - yes. Otherwise as long as you can check it through the fill hole and it looks ok - probably not. Personally I will do mine whenever I do the rear 'cause I leave my hubs locked in most of the winter, unless I'm taking a long trip, just so I'm ready.