Rear axle lube
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: Princeton, WV
Rear axle lube
I want to change my rear axle gear oil but some bottles say to use with Traction loc/aka limited slip and some say to only use as a top off. Well, how do I determine if my 95 F-150 4x is traction loc or not?
Last edited by Iron Horseman; Jan 27, 2006 at 04:15 PM. Reason: spelling
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 3
From: So Cal
There is usually a tag on the cover of the differntial. If I recall correctly it will have a lot of info but include something like 3.73L Which would tell you you have a 3.73 limited slip gear. I could be wrong about specifics so if you like you can post what you find on the tag and one of the guys will know how to decode it. Or if you have your manual, you can decode the VIN and find the gear set etc.
Alternatively, if you do have limited slip and it is low on LS additive, it will "chatter" in tight slow speed turns on dry pavement. Chattering feels like your tires are dragging in the wheelwell or kind of grabbing. This happens in tight slow figure 8s, or my big tip off is when I back out of a parking spot while turning tight. When it chatters, you need some additive.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
Alternatively, if you do have limited slip and it is low on LS additive, it will "chatter" in tight slow speed turns on dry pavement. Chattering feels like your tires are dragging in the wheelwell or kind of grabbing. This happens in tight slow figure 8s, or my big tip off is when I back out of a parking spot while turning tight. When it chatters, you need some additive.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,984
Likes: 2
Jack up both rear wheels. Then with the transmission in neutral, turn one of the wheels in a forward direction. If the other side turns in the same direction, you have a limited slip diff. If it turns opposite, it's an open diff.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,860
Likes: 4
From: Metro Detroit (Redford)
Another way to find out (and might I add, the fun way) is to dump the clutch or brake torque it to peel out. If you leave two strips of rubber it likely is limited slip. If you leave one strip, it likely is a one-legger. But the sure way is the advice given above. I think the tag thing might be stamped with a space where the decimal point should be (like "3 73"), but if limited slip is "3L73." Not sure though. Confirm the tag with the wheel rotation thing. While it's up on the stands you can check the rear brake adjustment.
Last edited by TallPaul; Jan 27, 2006 at 10:57 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 5
From: Running Springs CA
On the GVW plate in the drivers side door jamb there is an axle code. If it has a letter in it, like "H9", it is limited slip, if all numeric, like "19", it is not. Those happen to be the codes for a 3.55 ratio 8.8 Ford axle. Mine did not have a tag on the axle housing itself.
Jim
Jim
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ridealong34
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
Sep 25, 2016 08:30 PM
frank5079
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
Jul 24, 2015 06:40 AM
Turbo Dog
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
36
Mar 5, 2015 04:03 PM
7d2 Custom
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
14
Dec 9, 2008 09:22 PM
