Str8axelyota

07 f150 5.4 v8 255k, I was doing some front end work and I put a little weight on the front diff and it seems to have broke the seal and it’s seeping a little bit now, never leaked before!!! Is there anything I can put on it besides trying to pull that cover off and replace it!!! Maybe some ultra black????

scobar

iTrader: (4)

Which seal is this? If it is on the input/pinion side then the seal needs to be replaced. If it is the cover, then change fluid and apply RTV.

Str8axelyota

it’s the cover, do they even make a gasket for it??

needsmoarturbo

yes you can probably get a lube locker or other gasket for a 8.8, or you can just do RTV and call it good.
Either one works when done properly, but it sounds like you may have bent the cover, so it might be worth sticking a straight edge on it while its off and making sure its flat.

scobar

iTrader: (4)

You can RTV it, this is how both of mine are done.

manicmechanic007

If you use a gasket, the next little disturbance will not cause it to leak profusely.

Str8axelyota

So a 8.8 like the rear will work for the front diff???

needsmoarturbo

The front is an 8.8
the rear could be a 9.75 or an 8.8 depending on the options.

stankyjeans

As others have said, YES.. they do make a gasket. I need to R&R mine as well bit I am dreading the job. Lube Locker supposed to be a very good gasket. Many people swear by them. They are around $25 I think. I am also considering getting a new cover with a damned drain screw (another Ford engineering blunder imo).

Good 'ol fashioned axle RTV works good too (that green stuff), but have fun keeping the job tidy. Most use a gasket because of how difficult it is to get that cover off/on. Too easy to smear the RTC all over the place, especially in your hair, arms, eyes.. lol.

I've watched videos on removing that cover. Some like to remove one of the steering rack bolts to give you a little more wiggle room. Either way it's going to be at least a 6-pack job. Maybe a half-rack? Good luck and let us know how it turned out!

GoneBallistic

My engine is out due to timing issues, so I pulled the front diff cover yesterday since I can get to it. It's very weird there is no drain plug. This is an '06 lariat. What a pain to get the fluid out if the engine is in place.

I degreased and wire wheeled it and repainted the outside with farm machine epoxy paint, but I'm worried about getting it resealed. Mine was rtv'd in place. It was either factory or whoever did it did a great job with it. No extra, very clean install. I'm going to try and find an 8.8 gasket at O'Reilly. I need to check my breather hose, the fluid was a much lighter color than I was expecting.

I don't know what weight to put back in it yet. Going to reseal and wait a couple days before I refill.