Folks,

I was under the impression that the metal ears on the diff cover would tell me if I had a limited slip diff, but I can't read anything on these ears except "synth only"... With a 2005 Lariat, do I need the friction modifier?

I am using Amsoil Severe gear (thanks Especial), so how much modifier do I need? Bi have this thing unstrapped and my garage door is open, it took forever to get the damn old gasket off, so here I am...help please!

 

I was told to always put friction modifier in the rear diff when changing the fluid, so I always do. I think it's 8 ounces.

 

Just put 8oz in it can't hurt if you don't have limited slip

 

This should be the codes on the door sticker:

 

Owner's manual specifies 4 oz of MC XL-3 FM for a 9.75" Traction-Lok.

Stuff attracts moisture so advisable to use the least amount possible.

Gotta change the diff fluid every ~ 30K or ~3 years anyway on an LS due to this to minimize the risk of corrosion.

MGD

 

After scurrying around like a rat, I found the original window sticker...3.55/limited slip. So I just pumped just short of three quarts after mixing 4oz of XL3.

Whoever said that changing the diff fluid was easy was on crack. Getting the old gasket off was nothing short of epic. As the temperature dropped, I had to warm the fluid before pumping it in, and I am terribly glad for my 5 buck Harbor Freight hand pump! I hope the new gasket is leak free...what a hassle! But it's done, for now.

Thanks for the responses, I appreciate it

 

Last question(s)...

I didn't see this anywhere...the permatex gasket goop, you place the bead on the cover, and screw the cover down till it starts to squish out of the slot, check.

You leave it an hour to set up, check. You go back and screw the cover down a quarter to half turn ...wait, the Hayne's manual says a 33 pound torque, which is a heck of a lot more then a quarter turn...what's up with that?

Now, if the squish happens outside, it must happen inside, the pumpkin, right?

How long do I need to wait to drive this thing? To cure the gasket stuff, do I need to wait the 24 hours on the instructions before whipping this stuff up in the differential?

 

Put the sealant on, 33 ft lbs in a cris-cross tightening pattern, allow set-up for an hour, fill, you are done.

?

I waited 'till the next day to drive.

 

Have you had any leaking? One thing I found surprising was that the cover holes were larger than the bolts, thereby guaranteeing that the cover slops around when putting in the bolts, unless you have three hands. That is nuts...and really should be listed in a how to, along with the curing time of the gasket...

 

I used Permatex Ultra Black gasket maker... cleaned cover, put the gasket maker on, waited an hour, filled... never had an issue in over 2 years. I think I actually waited an hour and a half to be nice to it. I only had one vehicle at the time so I couldn't wait any longer.

I remember the holes being larger too... but then again, try taking the cover back off after that gasket maker cures... I don't think it's going to move .