Notices
Large Truck My truck is bigger than yours. The forum for 2+ ton trucks (all years), COE's, Louisville's, Big-Job's etc.

2012 F53 rear axle fluid change

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 28, 2019 | 07:36 AM
  #1  
1 Excursion camper's Avatar
1 Excursion camper
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,097
Likes: 5
From: chicago northwest suburbs
2012 F53 rear axle fluid change

I'm assuming this would be the forum to post this question in? I'm planning on changing the rear diff fluid on my new to us class A MH. I'm assuming (again) that there are drain and fill plugs on the rear axle? I can't verify that anywhere and the MH is in storage until I bring it home next weekend for our last trip, so I can't climb under and look at it. IDE like to know so I am prepared to do it.

And yes I know it's filled for life, but I've never subscrbed to that way of thinking. I've seen filled for life trans fluid after 50k miles! And BTW I'm doing the trans and brake fluid also. The MH has 40k miles on it.
 
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2019 | 09:16 AM
  #2  
krewat's Avatar
krewat
FTE Leadership Emeritus
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,562
Likes: 424
From: Long Island USA
Club FTE Gold Member
Do you know what the GVWR is? That'll determine what axle it is, but it's definitely a Dana 80 or bigger.

Problem is, the way to drain a Dana 80 is to remove the diff cover. Dana 80 Differential Fluid Replacement & Axle Specs

With fluid that new, you might want to pump it out the fill hole. I've done it on a Sterling 10.5" that way, and even an 8.8" Ford in my ;'96 T-bird.

The fill plug should have a magnet on it - when you remove that, check for a lot of metal. A small amount that looks like paste is OK. But chunks are bad

The bigger axles, S110 and above, seem to have drain plugs: https://media.spicerparts.com/cfs/fi...mQtJg/LM072012...
 
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2019 | 12:09 PM
  #3  
1 Excursion camper's Avatar
1 Excursion camper
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,097
Likes: 5
From: chicago northwest suburbs
It's on a 24klb chassis. It's definitely not an 80. There is no diff cover. I did some research and it looks like an S110. If so it has a drain plug at the bottom of the axle housing.
 
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2019 | 12:56 PM
  #4  
Y2KW57's Avatar
Y2KW57
Super Moderator
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
Top Answer: 5
Top Answer: 10
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 13,363
Likes: 6,155
Club FTE Gold Member
It is neither a Dana 80, nor a Dana 110.

If the GVWR to your 2012 F-53 is 24K lbs, then the rear axle to your unit is a Dana S17060S.

This is a serious axle, rated for 17,500 lbs. This is the largest axle that Ford installs in a stripped chassis, which includes the 26K GVWR F-53 chassis.

A similar design and rated axle can be found on some models of the F-650, that is now made of a newer "lighter" structure (although is equally rated as far as GAWR).

The Dana S17060S is old school brute and brawn. This was the axle that Noah used under the Ark, before the rains came.

Prepare to buy axle fluid by the gallon. Multiple gallons, in order to fill it. Use a 500,000 mile (OTR) rated synthetic from Dana's approved axle lubricant list. Might set you back a few hundred dollars for the fluid, but you won't need to change it again.
 
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2019 | 02:36 PM
  #5  
1 Excursion camper's Avatar
1 Excursion camper
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,097
Likes: 5
From: chicago northwest suburbs
Ok thanks. That makes sense. I knew it was big and very heavy duty. Yes, I'm only changing it this one time because it's new to me. After this then I'll know all the fluids have been done.
 
Reply
Old Sep 30, 2019 | 05:44 PM
  #6  
Destroked 450's Avatar
Destroked 450
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Shutterbug
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,549
Likes: 331
From: Harned, Ky
Being a 2012 it should have 75-90 synthetic oil in the axle now which is a 250,000 plus mile oil, at 40k miles you can change it if you want but your just waisting time and money.
That axle should hold around 4-5 gallons, search shows 5 gallons costing around $125-150, that's $100 per bucket less than I was paying 15 years ago before I sold my last big truck.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
eagle1030
Excursion - King of SUVs
9
Jan 15, 2016 11:57 AM
PwerStroke99
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
7
Jan 4, 2010 02:24 PM
hop
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
3
Dec 14, 2008 05:54 PM
quality1construction
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
23
Jun 8, 2008 10:47 AM
yardbird
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
7
Apr 22, 2006 11:58 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:19 PM.

story-0
5 BEST / 5 WORST Ford Daily Drivers of the 21st Century

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford daily drivers of the 21st century.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-23 08:55:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Fords to Drive Before You Die

Slideshow: 10 Fords to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-22 14:29:44


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition

The latest Expedition is quite popular, but it certainly isn't perfect.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-22 14:23:19


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-5
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-7
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE