Differential fluid replacement

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Nov 7, 2007 | 07:38 PM

wresleu

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Differential fluid replacement

My rig is long overdue for the front and rear diff fluids to be replaced. Problem is the Ford dealer only does the suction type of fluid exchange, I'm not too fond of this at least in transmissions, but I'm sure it's fine for diffs. Wouldn't it be best for me to take it to a shop to drop the pumpkin and then a person can actually get a visual if there is an excessive amount of metal shards in there? Or is it really that big of a deal?

Nov 7, 2007 | 09:50 PM

ATC Crazy

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From: SW VA

Can't you do it yourself? All you need is the gear oil and a tube of black RTV sealant and an hour of your time. Very easy to do.

Nov 8, 2007 | 01:07 PM

steve(ill)

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you dont drop the axle, you pull the 10 bolts off that hold on the rear sheetmetal cover and clean inside, reseal with RTV , and install new fluid... front is a little different.

Nov 8, 2007 | 01:33 PM

wresleu

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I've done it myself in the past on other vehicles. However, at this point in my life sometimes it is more convenient to have it done. I'm not rich by any means, but I'm also not poor, and if I can afford to get it done in half the time it would take me then I'm down with that. Quite honestly it gets to be a hassle finding ways to get rid of old fluids. It's just as easy to stop in the dealer and have them change my oil for $22 (hell you can barely do it yourself for that) and I don't have to worry about how to get rid of the old fluids.
Steve, I know you don't have to drop the axle, but you have to pull the cover...I guess I wasn't very clear on my description.

Nov 8, 2007 | 09:07 PM

DBKER31

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From: texas

do you need a air socket for the removal of the bolts? cuz i tried removing my bolts and broke a bolt!

now i have to take it into a shop!

Nov 9, 2007 | 06:37 AM

wresleu

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No you should be able to get them loose with either a 3/8" or 1/2" ratchet/socket.

Nov 9, 2007 | 10:15 AM

DaBossF250

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how many bottles of diff fluid will I need to do a 99 F150 2WD?

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Nov 9, 2007 | 01:29 PM

ATC Crazy

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From: SW VA

Heh...My 8.8 took about 2.9 quards including the 4oz bottle of friction modifier.

Nov 9, 2007 | 07:09 PM

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superdutymj

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From: La Crosse, Kansas

who needs diff fluid changes? my truck is still running on the same diff oils it had off the showroom floor! 218,000 miles later it doesn't squeal, ls does'nt slip, and no leaks! Maybe i should get around to changing them someday...