03 Rear Diff Problem - Urgent
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New User
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Pacific Northwest
03 Rear Diff Problem - Urgent
Alright, I've got an 03 F350 SRW, with I'm assuming a Sterling 10.25" The rear pinion seal is leaking when I park it nose downhill so I know the rear diff is low on oil. I crawled underneath today to check it and there is no hole in the diff cover to check it through. How do I check the oil level and how do I fill it up?
There are two tags on the diff, on the drivers side the tag says "75W140 Synth Oil Only" and on the pass side it says "3V423F 5L73 10 5 2J13" I'm guessing this is a limited slip can anyone decipher the rest.
I'm supposed to leave on Thursday for a 10 day elk hunting trip and need to know I'm not going to get stranded. I don't have time to replace the pinion seal before I go so I was just going to top it off and watch it.
Thanks
There are two tags on the diff, on the drivers side the tag says "75W140 Synth Oil Only" and on the pass side it says "3V423F 5L73 10 5 2J13" I'm guessing this is a limited slip can anyone decipher the rest.
I'm supposed to leave on Thursday for a 10 day elk hunting trip and need to know I'm not going to get stranded. I don't have time to replace the pinion seal before I go so I was just going to top it off and watch it.
Thanks
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,741
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There should be a plug in one side or the other of the diff, in front. It should have a 3/8 square hole in it, so you can unscrew it with a 3/8 drive ratchet. On level ground, fill the diff till the oil runs out of the hole.
(I think I got that right.)
-blaine
(I think I got that right.)
-blaine
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 111
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From: bridgeport ca
Look Above The Yoke On The Diff, Thier Is A Plug In The Diff Carrier Housing.
you will probably need a friction modifier addative if you have a limited slip rear end.ford part # xl-3
you will probably need a friction modifier addative if you have a limited slip rear end.ford part # xl-3
Last edited by mxfam4x4; Sep 10, 2007 at 05:10 PM.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 365
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From: Alberta, Canada
The level/fill plug is on the drivers side of the housing next to the pinion. You can probably nurse it along, but check the level often and keep it topped up, if the level of friction modifier gets too low you may get some chatter when turning but nothing catatrophic will happen.
Is it just the pinion seal gone or has the nut come loose? Give the shaft a wiggle to make sure the bearings are OK as well.
Is it just the pinion seal gone or has the nut come loose? Give the shaft a wiggle to make sure the bearings are OK as well.
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New User
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Pacific Northwest
Yes, I think its just the seal. I pulled the drive line with it up on stands and inspected the nut, no sign of it backing out, the yoke was tight and it turned smooth, so I don't think there is a bearing issue. I'll be tearing it down to replace the seal and further inspect the bearings, change the fluid and possible put an aluminum or even an oversized diff cover on when I get back from my elk hunt.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 365
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From: Alberta, Canada
Good deal, if you're doing the repair yourself make sure that you have a good service procedure, there are definitely a few tricks that you need to know for the 10.5"...
I put a Mag-Hytec cover on mine and love it, more fluid capacity and an easy to use dipstick.
I put a Mag-Hytec cover on mine and love it, more fluid capacity and an easy to use dipstick.
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New User
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From: Pacific Northwest
I was thinking the Mag-Hytech as well, I was a little concerned about how far out behind the axle that sticks and possibility of smashing it on a rock?
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 365
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From: Alberta, Canada
Well they're a pretty stout piece of hardware and you'd have to really smack it to hurt it I think even though it's aluminum. On my X I think I'd wreck the fuel tank before I hurt the diff cover.
Although if you drag your diff over a lot of stones I can see how you'd be concerned.
Although if you drag your diff over a lot of stones I can see how you'd be concerned.
