Reason for Concern?
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2003
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Reason for Concern?
I recently replaced the rear shocks on my truck, which is 2000 F-150 4x4, 5.4 L, auto, 86K miles, 3.55 LS rear end. I removed the spare tire for more working room which gave me a good view of the diff cover. I noticed it stood out because it seemed so much more rusted than the parts around it. Is this a sign of trouble? Excessive heat, maybe? I never tow anything and have stock size tires. It’s never given me any trouble or ever dripped one drop of fluid. I’ve never opened up the diff and changed the fluid, it’s the original syn 75W140 from the Ford factory. She’s tight and quiet. Should I be concerned at all based on what the cover looks like? I don’t really care if it’s rusty although I been eyeballing those Mag Hy-Tek diff covers because they look cool, although the spare tire would cover up some of it. Maybe it's time for fluid change and new cover or leave well enough alone (if it ain't broke ...). Waddaya think? Thanks
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 3
From: So Cal
Yeah, when you change the fluid, a lot will be answered about the condition of the pumpkin.
Rust on the diff is pretty normal. And at least on my 250, the axle tubes don't get very bad. I am guessing it is the type of metal used in the diff versus the tubes.
Unless you saw leaks or the rust had eaten away big chunks of the diff, I wouldn't worry about the outside except to be pretty. Once spent all day cleaning and painting my 67 Dodge pumpkin when I was a kid, and yes is was orange, uh I mean racers orange, made the car go at least 10mph faster. Shocks were orange too.
Worry about the insides, the outsides for looks most of the time.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
Rust on the diff is pretty normal. And at least on my 250, the axle tubes don't get very bad. I am guessing it is the type of metal used in the diff versus the tubes.
Unless you saw leaks or the rust had eaten away big chunks of the diff, I wouldn't worry about the outside except to be pretty. Once spent all day cleaning and painting my 67 Dodge pumpkin when I was a kid, and yes is was orange, uh I mean racers orange, made the car go at least 10mph faster. Shocks were orange too.
Worry about the insides, the outsides for looks most of the time.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
