Rear diff covers and oil

[Machete]

Mine is looking ratty and am getting ready to change it and front transfer case oil.

I’m thinking of either an OE diff cover or something like this:

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Perform...MI0_LxyNz-7gIVmPDjBx2SiQYpEAQYCCABEgJjjvD_BwE

Also, what would be an upgrade to motorcraft rear diff and front transfer case oil?

Im getting ready for summer heat and towing.

Thank you!

 

[LAexpy]

I saw looking into a Mag-Tec diff cover for the rear axle, and came across video on the Banks Ram-Air Differential Cover. Here's the video:
It shows you what goes on inside the differential when using one of the aftermarket covers. After seeing this, I will just stick with the OE cover

 

[mnachreiner86]

Depends what uses and preferences are but I can’t see why an OEM cover wouldn’t be fine. Any quality fluid is fine. I’ve always just used the Motorcraft stuff and it’s been great. Make sure you grab a 4oz bottle of friction modifier if you have a LS rear. Happy towing!


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[rjdelp7]

I did mine, it was dripping/rusted. It takes (don't quote me) 2.7qts 75W140 synthetic. It's not cheap. The Diff is not a limited slip. It's a basic open gear set. It doesn't need the posi modifier additive. Make sue you remove the fill plug, before starting the job. The sealant used on the cover needs a 1 hour set time. Beware, the OEM ford cover came unpainted. I had to paint it. The after market are nice, but the only one that can see them are the guys who put it on a lift. The Steel cover worked this long, why change? Save your money.

 

[mnachreiner86]

I did mine, it was dripping/rusted. It takes (don't quote me) 2.7qts 75W140 synthetic. It's not cheap. The Diff is not a limited slip. It's a basic open gear set. It doesn't need the posi modifier additive. Make sue you remove the fill plug, before starting the job. The sealant used on the cover needs a 1 hour set time. Beware, the OEM ford cover came unpainted. I had to paint it.

That’s not necessarily true. Some are open and others have LS. He has to check the door tag or the tag on the diff. My 00 Eddie Bauer was 3.55 limited slip and if you don’t add the friction modifier you will absolutely know it.


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[rjdelp7]

Mine has A4WD and the tow package with 3.73. Maybe the 2wd have the limited slip.

 

[mnachreiner86]

Ford built them in many combinations


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[ExplorerTom]

My 3.55 geared a4wd 2000 had the limited slip.

As others have said, your factory cover will work just fine. Sure the aluminum one you posted has cooling fins (which will also keep it cold in the winter) but it also has a drain plug. The benefit of a drain plug is not having to clean off the gasket surface every time you change the fluid. Is that worth $100 to you? How many more times are you going to change the fluid before you get rid of it? Only you can answer.

 

[Machete]

Well the price difference is $30 vs $96 so for $60 does it make any difference? Prolly not. And at 221,*** after this change it will probably be the last.

So I guess OE for cover and gear oil is most prudent.

 

[markfrei]

When you check your Diff tag it will read either 3.55 (open) or 3L55 (Trac loc), or whatever gear set you have. Only need friction modifier it it's got the "L" for trac "Loc".

 

[mnachreiner86]

When you check your Diff tag it will read either 3.55 (open) or 3L55 (Trac loc), or whatever gear set you have. Only need friction modifier it it's got the "L" for trac "Loc".

Or if your door tag has a letter next to the number under axle


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[Aspen03]

2nd gen here but 3.73 LSD. The letter in the axle code is usually the dead giveaway like mentioned above. Mine is the H6. The 16 would be the open diff version of the 3.73 which came on the 2nd gen vehicles that have advance trac as the LSD was not an option with it. I have 4WD as well, that has basically no bearing on what rear end you may have.

The axle codes are different from one generation to the next. Quick Google will give you a comprehensive list of all available configurations.