Bob B

Newbie here as I have just bought a 2001 f150 Crewcab 2WD with a 5.4L. My question is that looking at the Owners manual it talks about putting a boat in with making sure to disconnect the electrical but then says the truck has to have the axle oil replaced when ever it is submerged. Is this a for real thing or am I reading into it wrong. Thanx, Bob

fleetnuts

Yes, it's to make sure if water gets in the diff that it doesn't burn up the gears and cause failure. But that if the diff is completely under water. Getting water splashed on it won't hurt. Man to get you diff in the water you must use a long shallow ramp?

Bob B

Thanks for the info. The place I go does have a long shallow ramp. Wish I had known this before getting the truck. Guess I will just have to tow the travel trailer and whenever we go to the lake rent a boat. Too old to be messing with changing axle oil all the time. Not my idea of fun. A real shame!

superdave150

Jeep guys solve this problem by attaching a valved breather vent, via hose, at some high location.

It is not an issue with only Ford but all makes. My Toyota had an issue with this. However Ford just is honest about it.

Steve Osborne

2 things both quick and easy about 10-15mins to do....

just extend your vent line or install one of these new vent bubbles...seals and expands/contract as needed..

extending-
http://www.4wdaction.com.au/forum/vi...14040&p=225535

bubble:
http://www.trail-gear.com/creeper-breather

bobkyle2

If your vent hose is on there and ran high you will be fine.

SharkboyEI

I know this is an old thread but my truck has 51,600 miles on it and as far as I know the rear diff fluid has never been changed. Im not sure how high my breather is but my grandfather usually backs my truck in as far as the picture above. I need to get a oil change in around 300 miles so should I tell them to go ahead and change my rear diff oil? I know on my truck its about $120 for both axles with the limited slip additive or should I just get them to change the rear?

Rontbeamer

The vent hose on my 98 was tucked up under the bed. It was never an issue for me. Check your rear axle vent location.

smokeywren

Ford says your axle (differential) lube oil is good for 150,000 miles, unless the axle has been dunked in water. So if your diff has not been dunked in water above the vent tube, then no need to change the diff lube until at least 100,000 miles.


But if you suspect the diff has been dunked in water above the vent tube, you should change the diff lube immediately. Water in the diff lube will ruin the diff in a very few miles.

Rontbeamer

Having just traded in my 06 at 170,000 miles for a blown up rear end, I think Ford is a bit optimistic with the rear maintenance schedule.