Vehicle Questions and Answers
Welcome to the Vehicle Q&A Hub. Find answers to your automotive questions, share your experiences, and get expert advice on vehicle maintenance, troubleshooting, and more!
4743 views
3 answers
Differential oil plays a crucial role in keeping the driveshaft and wheel axles of a vehicle well-lubricated. For the 2004 Ford F-150 heavy truck, a gear lubricant with a viscosity rating of 75W-90 is recommended. The rear differential, available in 8.8/9.75 inches, should hold 5.5 pints of fluid while the front differential should have 1.7 quarts. Warning signs that your differential requires attention include observing metal shavings in the oil, feeling road vibrations, hearing grinding noises when turning the wheel, or noticing whining and humming sounds. While Ford suggests changing the gear oil every 150,000 miles, if you detect any of the mentioned symptoms, it's advisable to head to a brake center for prompt inspection. Many vehicle owners opt to schedule maintenance at 100,000 miles to keep their differential in top shape, with an average cost of $140-$150 for parts and professional labor.
The manual recommends using Motorcraft SAE 75W90 fuel-efficient synthetic rear axle lubricant for both front and rear differentials. You will need 5.5 pints for the 8.8/9.75" axle and 6.9 pints for the 10.25" axle.
The recommended rear differential fluid for a 2004 Ford F-150 is Dex/Merc ATF, which is a conventional automatic transmission fluid.