Notices
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel 2003 - 2007 F250, F350 pickup and F350+ Cab Chassis, 2003 - 2005 Excursion and 2003 - 2009 van

Tranny/ Rear Diff fluid

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 8, 2008 | 12:48 PM
  #1  
WWBeast's Avatar
WWBeast
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 644
Likes: 0
Tranny/ Rear Diff fluid

Hey I know the owners manual says to change it every 60k but just wondering when do yall change them both and what do yall use?

Thanks Guys
 
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2008 | 03:42 PM
  #2  
4x4Mark's Avatar
4x4Mark
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 438
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs
I added a mag-hytec cover and the following:

20K - rear and Amsoil 75W-140
50K - front and Amsoil 75W-90.

I'll most likely change them again at 100k, and then every 100k after that.

Auto tranny, I drain and replace the fluid/filter every 30k. I don't do the flush as I feel the filter keeps the fluid pretty clean.

Mark
 
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2008 | 10:27 PM
  #3  
scafes's Avatar
scafes
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
From: Big Red country
There is plenty of research, including by GM, that shows there is a definite advantage to changing the diff fluid by 10K. So if you haven't already, I would change that for sure. The Torqueshift is another matter. I have OA's that show it is capable of going longer than 30K. The tranny has a bypass filter that does a great job, coupled with a cooler and great design and this tranny is awesome. None the less, for about $20-25 you can drain the pan and replace only that fluid and be set for another 25-30K. Its your dime and your truck.
 
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2008 | 10:51 PM
  #4  
bismic's Avatar
bismic
Fleet Owner
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,881
Likes: 3,595
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by scafes
There is plenty of research, including by GM, that shows there is a definite advantage to changing the diff fluid by 10K. So if you haven't already, I would change that for sure.
What is the advantage doing it that early?
 
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2008 | 11:05 PM
  #5  
scafes's Avatar
scafes
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
From: Big Red country
The studies (GM and LockheedMartin) showed that removing the break in particles that are present in the fluid greatly increased the life of the diff. Since the fluid isn't filtered, it makes alot of sense. Those metal particles are flowing around the gears getting mashed into the bearing surfaces.

My first thought though when I read the article was, who cares anyway, diffs last a long time! I have only had one fail and that was in a 3/4 ton van, Dodge BTW, loaded heavy most of the time. The side gears had severe galling and wear, but the van had about 120K on it. Who knows if it ever had a change of fluid since new.

Thing to remember though is that todays diffs operate in a harsher environment than they used to, yet they really haven't changed much over the years. More powerful engines, less cooling via air flow, bigger stock tires, etc.

I will look around and see if I can find the article lying around here, has to be somewhere, I don't throw things away.
 
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2008 | 11:08 PM
  #6  
scafes's Avatar
scafes
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
From: Big Red country
Actually, I know for a fact I have the side gears out in the garage. I would take a picture of those if I knew how to post one. I'm not much of a supporter.
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:01 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE