How to Pick the Right 2004 Ford F250 Rear Differential Fluid
To replace the 2004 Ford F250 rear differential fluid, start by picking the right gear oil—then follow our simple guide.
Written by Melissa Harvey
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
To replace the differential oil on your 2004 Ford F250, you'll need to get a synthetic SAE 75W-140 GL-5 gear oil that meets Ford’s requirements. Actually replacing the fluid is fairly straightforward and generally can be done without a mechanic.
Ford trucks are all about getting the job done, from the construction site or ranch to dropping the kids off at school. Many owners are all for getting a little grungy in the shop and doing their own Ford maintenance. However, there’s one job that many F250 drivers overlook, and that’s the rear differential fluid.
If replacing your 2004 Ford F250 differential fluid is a new experience, you’ve come to the right place!
Jerry
, the super app that saves drivers money on car insurance
and more, has created this handy guide for selecting, using, and replacing the 2004 Ford F250 rear differential fluid. We've also included a tip for how to reduce your Ford F250 insurance costs
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The best 2004 Ford F250 rear differential fluid
Without question, the best rear differential fluid for your 2004 Ford F250 is the
Motorcraft SAE 75W-140
Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant recommended by Ford
. What if you can’t find the Motorcraft oil or want a cheaper version? Any synthetic gear lubricant that meets the same specs will do. If it lists “75W-90,” then the oil will have the correct viscosity, and the “GL-5” indicates the level of sulfur-based additives in the oil that will help the lubricant do its job under pressure.
Check out these alternatives:
What is rear differential fluid—and why does your 2004 Ford F250 need it?
Just what, exactly, is rear differential fluid? What does it do for your F250, and why does it need to be replaced?
Rear differential fluid is a type of motor oil that helps your truck run efficiently by lubricating your F250’s rear axle. It delivers variable torque to the rear wheels to help you get the job done without sliding or rattling. Most importantly, it enables the rear wheels to run at different speeds. This is especially important for turning corners (especially under load) and off-roading.
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversHow often to change Ford F250 rear differential fluid
It’s easy to overlook your rear differential fluid because it doesn’t do the heavy lifting that your F250’s supercritical
engine oil
does. Surprisingly, you may not find a specific rear differential changing interval in your owner’s manual. - Straining, whirring, or howling noises
- Unusual vibrations—especially under strain
- A burning smell from the rear gearbox
You should be on the lookout for low or contaminated differential fluid symptoms. Even better, stay ahead of potential problems by changing the fluid every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Ford recommends that you shoot for changing the fluid every 30,000 miles to extend the life of your truck, especially if:
- Your truck is under a lot of strain, either from towing, hauling, or off-roading.
- If you notice any of the above symptoms before you reach the 50,000-mile mark, it's better to change the fluid sooner than later.
Ready to get your hands dirty? Let’s replace your oil!
How to change your 2004 Ford F250 differential fluid
Consulting your owner’s manual is the best place to start for this job. You’ll want to confirm the exact specifications for your truck. We’ve provided a
PDF copy here
to help you out. Next, you’ll need to gather the following tools:Step 1: Jack up your truck to get to the rear differential. If your vehicle has enough lift, you may be able to skip this step.
Step 2: Remove the fill plug first—it can be tough to open—you don’t want to be surprised by a jammed fill plug after you’ve drained your differential.
Step 3: After removing the fill plug, remove the drain plug and let the old fluid drain into your pan. If you can smell rotten eggs—don’t fret! The scent comes from the sulfur-based modifiers that have been working hard!
Step 4: Replace the drain plug and use your pump to refill the differential. You’ll need about 3 quarts of fluid, and you’ll know if you’ve overfilled it if the liquid starts draining out. But, ideally, you want the fluid level to be just below the brim.
Step 5: Button up the fill plug, and you’re all set!
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How to find affordable Ford insurance
The best way to extend your 2004 Ford F250s longevity and reduce your
Ford car insurance costs
is to keep up on your regular maintenance—including maintaining your rear differential fluid. Want an easier way? Download the Jerry
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