1992 F150 4x4 what is the torque pattern and specs for replacing the diff cover after fluid change? As well as approx. how much to fill it up.

Thanks,
Kallie

 

I think it takes about 2 1/2 qts ...i usually buy three and it's enough.

On level ground fill it to the top of the fill hole.

There is no real sequence that I've seen, I usually just use RTV silicone and tighten them snugly. They're small bolts so with a 3/8" ratchet you can't burry them, just snug them up.

 

If you don't know the pattern, I just look at the cover as if it were a clock and consider the bolts as the hours. I then take two opposite, or even better 4 opposite bolts and torue them in sequence and then go to the bolt next to the next hour. For example if it were a clock, I might do 12, 6, 3, 9. Then I would do 1, 7, 4, 10, then 2, 8, 5, 11. Then start again to finish.

I would tighten then to just barely snug to start, especially if I used a gasket. Then on the second pass I would do them hand tight, being very careful to notice if the gasket starts to squeeze out.

Torque specs are usually in inch pounds, something like 50 to 80 inch pounds or so. That's not a lot. I could be wrong about the numbers tho so check a manual. Hand tight is usually good enough.

Buy yourself one of those hand pumps that screw into the top of the bottle of fluid. Makes the job MUCH easier than trying to squeeze it in with the nozzle. Most of us pump until a little dribbles out of the fil hole. I would guess 2 to 3 quarts is enough.

If you have limited slip you might need some limited slip additive, some diff fluids don't need it. Comes in 8oz toothpaste tubes usually. 4-8 oz is usually enough for smaller diffs. I add until the chatter goes away when doing slow tight turns. If the diff chatters(feels like the tires are dragging on the wheel well), then you need additive. Don't use too much of the Limited slip, slips too much.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson

 

I take the tip of a bottle and cut it, than squeeze the fluid into the axle and get about as much out as I can. Then I refill that same bottle and do it over and over until it's full. Works easy enough for me.

 

The hand pumps are much easier, faster and your hands won't get as tired( at least with old fashioned heavy dino oil). They are relatively inexpensive($10??) and at least mine has lasted maybe 25 years so far. I did the "squeeze out of the bottle" for years and once I got the pump, never looked back. This is one of those tool investments that gives back way more than you paid.

They are a simple plunger type pump, usually plastic with a ring or T handle. About as big around as a broomstick and maybe a foot long including handle. They usually come with several feet of rubber hose so you can get into almost any diff. And you can pump while the bottle is flat on the ground which gives you way more leverage than squeezing a bottle.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson