I have a 2002 F-250 SD that needs to have the rear differential oil/lubricant changed (75,000 miles)... I have inquired at the 2 local oil change bussiness in my area and they have quoted me a price of $140.00 for the job. They say it is not the labor but the high cost of the lubricant and quantity required plus a new rear pan gasket. Is this a job that the normal handyman can do or is the price that they are asking in line? I gave up changing my own oil years ago as it was a pain in the rear BUT.. might consider this job if I can save considerable $$$.

 

You can do it yourself for around 70$ or less. Its really easy jacking the truck up and putting it on jack stands makes the job easier so does removing the spare tire.

First thing you do is remove the bolts holding the cover off you may have to pry it off be careful not to bend the lip and let the fluid drain. Next I clean the mounting surface and the lip of the cover and use black rtv silicone all the way around the cover and reinstall back on the truck finger tight. I then usually grab something to eat and come back about two hours later and torque the bolts down. Lastly just fill it with the right fluid and if you have a limited slip add the friction modifier. Lastly grab a beer with the money your saved.

 

or buy a fluid sucker and suck it up out of the wheel speed sensor hole in the top of the diff.

 

The chart I use says that there were 3 different diffs used - a Ford 10.5 and a couple Danas. What fluid you use and how much it holds depends on which rear you have. If it's one of them that requires 75W140 full synthetic, that stuff does cost about 15 bucks a quart. The Ford rear requires that, and it holds 3.5 quarts. If it's limited slip, you also need friction modifier.

 

x2 thats the best way hahaha

 

Make sure you can get the fill plug out before taking off the cover though. That's really about the hardest part of it though.

 

The only rear diff in the F-250 was the 10.5 Sterling. It needs about $40-50 in fluid. Most premium fluids include the friction modifier. No gasket is needed, just black high temp RTV sealant.

 

I dont trust royal purple or anything that says it already has the FM in it. If i dont put a bottle of FM in it myself then i dont know its in there.

Ive seen royal purple destroy clutches on a dodge (yea i know a dodge) because FM wasnt used with the gear oil

 

Also, there is no gasket, just a bead of RTV sealant around the cover. For less than $140, you ought to be able to replace the fluid and the cover with the 2008 and newer finned aluminum one. The aluminum cover will require new stainless allen-head cap screws and washers, but for $150, I bought all the parts including the o-rings for my front hubs that I tore down to lube the needle bearings at the same time. Here is a good reference for both jobs: http://www.guzzle7pt3.com/index.php