Differential fluid change - do I need friction modifier?

[Ruger]

I'd just like to say that old/used gear oil is stinky! LOL

Not for me - I have no sense of smell! I was congenitally prepared to be a Master Diaper Specialist as a young father, and my olfactory incompetence continues to serve me to this day.

Are the differences in the 2010-2012 and 2013 and later axels sufficient to explain the different gear oil specifications? I bet PirateAir could answer that with authority if he's still paying attention to this thread.

 

[Madcowranch]

OK. I do have a serious question. I know these diff covers have become a popular aftermarket add. They evidently hold more fluid/ are tougher/ may have a drain plug.

I also know that when I changed my diff oil at 40K miles, there was absolutely no sign of overheating. Wishing now I would have sent it off for analysis.

And I would be willing to wager that I have run my Raptor almost as hard as anyone out there. So why would I have any incentive to change to a higher capacity diff cover if the stock rear end in these trucks seems to be getting the job done?

Are people doing this upgrade more for the cosmetic effect?

 

[Ruger]

MCR, I plan to do it for one reason: I'm a maintenance fanatic, and I think that the absence of a drain plug on the differential cover is a cheap-ass, stupid, and damned inconvenient trick to play on the consumer. I don't care about the extra capacity, the "cooling fins," or the cosmetics. I just care about the plug.

See? I KNEW you liked this thread!

 

[pat'sRAPTOR]

I did mine for a few reasons one I could check the fluid ad make sure tere isn't any water getting into it from the axle feather hose second is the extra fluid is a good piece of mind along with the cooking fins it's one less thing to worry about off road. Lastly yea it looks good lol an takes a pounding

 

[FordService]

...We'll know soon because Crystal is on the job!

Hey, Ruger!

Just heard back. Here's the message I received after I sent your questions up the chain:

"There is no change in the axle assembly. It should still be using the 75W-140 axle fluid, 2010-2014. Friction modifier is not needed because it is an ELD (Electronic Locking Differential). The Owner’s Manual does not specify that, but friction modifier is only needed on limited slip non-ELD axles."

Crystal

 

[Yukon Joe]

75W-140 for the win!
Thanks Crystal.

Although part of the statement I don't agree with. The axle assembly was changed between 2011 & 2012.

Yukon Joe
www.RUNRAPTORRUN.com

 

[Ruger]

THANK YOU CRYSTAL! Really appreciate you running this to ground for us.

We are now going to argue about it, but that's because we're fanatics and not because we don't value your presence here!

Again, thank you!


MCR, what fluid did you use when you did your change-out? Geeze, I hope you don't have to do it again now!

 

[155mm]

Hey, Ruger!

Just heard back. Here's the message I received after I sent your questions up the chain:

"There is no change in the axle assembly. It should still be using the 75W-140 axle fluid, 2010-2014. Friction modifier is not needed because it is an ELD (Electronic Locking Differential). The Owner’s Manual does not specify that, but friction modifier is only needed on limited slip non-ELD axles."

Crystal

Well guys, I guesss both the 2013-2014 Raptor Supplements are wrong. I pulled screenshots of both manuals today from the owner.ford.com website:

2014 Raptor Supplement calls for 75w85 with no FM.

2013 Raptor Supplement calls for 75w140 but with 4 oz of FM.

Both are incorrect according to our Ford rep. What gets me is that since the there are no Raptors without the ELD, how the hell would they screw that up? Ah well, I guess it really doesn't matter. As we saw, the FM is meaningless anyway, and the difference in weight really isn't going to make or break things.

I'll chalk this up to another "what the hell was Ford thinking" along with stuff like the useless productivity screen with only transmission temp and the lack of a middle detent in the door check arm. At least the truck overall is still badass compared to the competition.

 

[prowakeskater]

75W-140 for the win!
Thanks Crystal.

Although part of the statement I don't agree with. The axle assembly was changed between 2011 & 2012.

Yukon Joe
GREAT LAKES RAPTOR EXCURSIONS

maybe she was talking moreso about the tech, not the actual specs?

---------- Post added at 11:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:35 AM ----------

75w85 would get more MPG

hmm.

i do need to order fluids soon

 

[Madcowranch]

MCR, what fluid did you use when you did your change-out? Geeze, I hope you don't have to do it again now!

75-140 Royal Purple-Helmeted Yogurt Slinger