Front diff fluid amount question

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Apr 3, 2009 | 08:04 PM

cjcocn

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From: The Pas, MB, Canada

Front diff fluid amount question

I just changed my front diff fluid and, although I added the recommended amount (1.8L - 3.8 pints), I still cannot feel any fluid when I stick my pinky in the filler hole. I cannot fit my pinky in that far, my ring finger is a size 14 so my fingers are not small.

Am I good to go or should I buy more fluid and add it until I can feel fluid through the filler hole?

My front diff tag reads:

3 73 ?YC35 JB
?610893-1

The question marks represent inverted triangles.

I should have a Dana 50 in the front, correct? I recall seeing a 50 on the diff housing.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Apr 3, 2009 | 08:12 PM

DieselCamper01

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From: BLT, MN

I am sure I put in over 2 quarts but cannot remember for sure. Let me do a little digging.

Edit: Here is a link. Says it is a Dana 60. 5.7 pints which if my math is correct is just under 3 qts.

http://www.guzzle7pt3.com/fdiff.php

Apr 3, 2009 | 08:21 PM

cjcocn

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From: The Pas, MB, Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselCamper01

Thanks for the link. I read it as Guzzle having an F350, which is why he referred to the Dana 60.

I thought that my F250 would have a Dana 50?

Apr 3, 2009 | 08:47 PM

DieselCamper01

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From: BLT, MN

You may very well be correct. My mistake. I also have a 350. I will see what else I can find.

Apr 3, 2009 | 09:00 PM

DieselCamper01

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From: BLT, MN

My manual does not tell me there is any capacity difference between a Dana 50 & 60. I think you need to pick up more fluid and fill until it starts to run out the fill hole. My manual says capacity is 5.9 pints

Apr 4, 2009 | 08:08 AM

cjcocn

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From: The Pas, MB, Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselCamper01

That's different from what my manual says. On page 222 (Capacities and Specifications) mine lists the F250/350, Dana 50 axle at 1.8L (3.8 pints) and also lists the F350/450/550, Dana 60 axle at 2.7L (5.8 pints).

Normally I would just fill with 75W-90 until the fluid reached the fill hole, but in this case the manual states that I should only add 1.8L (3.8 pints).

Does anyone out there only run with 1.8L (3.8 pints) in their front diff?

If I put in that extra bottle of gear oil it will only take my fluid level to half (that's where the fill plug is). Will this be too much and cause seals to blow out when I use 4x4?

I am in a bit of a bind here ..... help please!

Apr 4, 2009 | 03:22 PM

triskit16

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From: VA

I think I put 3qts in mine. Ive got the same year and model as you do, Chris. Ive always been told that the fill hole is used to check the level and if its not there you need to add more or see where its leakin from!