I just found the rear diff. cover rusted and starting to leak. The new cover does not have a drain or fill plugs. the owners manual says it's lubricated for life. I don't see any plugs to refill once I change the cover. Am I missing fill plugs somewhere? I have a 2000 f150 with 10 bolts on the cover.

 

i have a f150 7700 with a 12 bolt and the fill is on the side of the diff.

 

Thanks I'll check again

 

Thanks again, 7700. I guess I needed a better light, and knock off some rust.

 

no prob.

 

On the same note. My 2003 XL has 105k miles on it. I don't know if the differential fluid has ever been changed. What is the official Ford service interval for it (is it really lubed for life)?

 

I can tell you the '04 and up F150s are considered lubed for life. They use a synthetic from the factory. The fluid is only changed if the differential cover is pulled off, or if the axle is ever submerged in water. Not sure about the '03 and earlier trucks. Look in your manual. If your truck calls for synthetic, it's probably considered lubed for life.

Having said that, NOTHING is truly lubed for life. (opinion) That means lubed for the life of the part, not the life of the vehicle in my experience. I'd change that fluid every 50-60 thousand miles. It's not so much that the fluid gets old, (even though it does), but it gets those small metal particles out of there. Especially if you tow alot. It's cheap insurance, and takes a few minutes.