mpd13078

Those that have done this, is that the bolt (26mm) that drops the steering to get to the top bolt on front diff. cover?

Other end of bolt. Sprayed both ends with loosener. Square piece was turning a little as I started to loosen bolt, then I decided to stop.

Removed fill plug to check state of oil quality. Decided to change it.
2011 F150 XLT 4WD, almost 67k miles.

Tothemax

Looks like thats water in your oil

mpd13078

I answered my original question: bolt in in pic & bolt on passenger side - used a 32mm axle nut socket on it, fit great luckily. I agree about the water.

FLXLT

You bury the front diff in water?

mpd13078

Don't know about the previous owner, but I got it with 33k miles in 2015 & I don't off road or mistreat it. Going to change rear diff. as well.

PerryB

The 10th gens had a drain plug. Apparently the bean counters decided FoMoCo couldn't handle the financial burden of this opulent luxury and deleted it. When I do my front diff. I'm going to drill and tap it for a 3/8 pipe plug.

mpd13078

This top bolt is almost impossible to remove. Lowered steering rack some with floor lift. Can't fit 3/8" or 1/4" drive ratchet/socket onto bolt head because of not enough clearance due to that silver ridge case, actuator of some kind? Have to use 13mm gear wrench 2 clicks at a time. Unaware of a super shallow socket. Let you know how re-assembly goes. May tap/thread drain plug after cover is removed.

mpd13078

Job complete. Needed extra hands to move steering rack up & down to allow cover to go on smoothly. Otherwise, the cover won't go on. There is a specific RTV gasket maker made for differentials, listed on package. I was unaware.

montanaman

I put on a front cover with a drain plug when we put in the LS - it's nice to have a drain plug.

SALEEN961

iTrader: (1)

I welded a bung onto my rear diff cover so I could service it more easily but with front differentials I typically just siphon the fluid out through the fill hole and refill it. It works fine as long as it's reasonable warm out so the fluid flows, but if you have really contaminated fluid you're probably better off opening everything up and thoroughly cleaning it anyway.