2004 F150 rear end ?'s
 

Truck is 2004 F150 Supercrew 4x4 Lariat. It is time to service the rear, and change the axle bearings /seals. The right seal has been weeping for a few years, and now leaking.

I'm confused on what rear end it actually has. Tags say V956F. It has the 9.75" 12 bolt cover, 3.55 limited slip. When ordering replacement bearings, the choice is for 8.8 or 9.75 w/ 916, 918, 919 codes. (1.66" axles). Or 9.75" with V953 code (1.7" axle). No mention of V956 codes.

A quick google search for V956F brings back nothing. I assume my truck has the standard 1.7" axles for the 9.75" differential, thus using the same bearing as the 953 code. Can anyone confirm this?

I am planning on using Timken bearings and seals. Anyone have opinions on Timken vs SKF vs Motorcraft? I have always used Timken on my other vehicles. After all, the stock ford ones didn't last 85,000 miles. Timken are half the price of Ford.

When adding the XL3 friction modifier, do you use the whole 4 oz bottle?

Gasket or no gasket for the diff cover? I have bad luck with seeping gaskets on diff covers. Anyone use "right stuff" with no gasket for diff covers?

Thanks for the help!

Timken bearings came in my front motorcraft hubs.
Yes, use the whole bottle of FM.
I use a gasket. When I used the rtv, I had a leak. If you apply it properly and let it cure like recommended maybe you won't have a leak. No leakage with the gasket.

I just checked rockauto. They listed the axle codes when I ordered mine but no longer.

If you have bad bearings, the axle bearing surface may be scarred requiring the replacement of the axles.