Proper Fluids

[Steve Hunt]

Wanted to ask the various forum Gurus about the proper fluids to use. Looking to go through it all and freshen the fluids. I prefer to stick with Ford OEM fluids but when I went to talk to my local Ford Dealer all he seemed programed to do was ask for my VIN# and wouldn't help beyond the steering fluid, ATF and coolant even though I had the following Ford info. My van is 2008 V10 5 speed. Weight 8500lbs. Not currently cause I have a older dually but I might sell it and then the van could see pulling a 5000lb trailer occasionally.

What fluid and weight should I use? Thanks !!

-FRONT axle is a 2014 F-350 front axle with factory 4:30 gears. On the diff cover it has the Dana logo, under that is 47707, Rev-N, 012599, 4 30 DC34-FB, 2015893-3

-REAR axle is 2015 F250/350 Sterling 10.5 factory 4:30 gears and factory E-Locker

-NP271 Transfer case 2005-2010 F250/350 manual shift 34 spline input. There is a somewhat tattered bar code type sticker on the transfer case that says TC#: 7A195 NPG part#55506

[ScrapIron]

Cant you just go here and look up the capacities and type for each one?
https://www.ford.com/support/owner-manuals/

[86Scotty]

Originally Posted by ScrapIron

Cant you just go here and look up the capacities and type for each one?
https://www.ford.com/support/owner-manuals/

That's what I would do. I have my manual in hand so I just use it. In fact, I hate buying a vehicle without it's manual and usually order a printed copy on day 1 of ownership. No quicker way to figure out where that damn fuse that just blew is IMO, Lol.

- As per the other thread right now on transmission fluid I would recommend Motorcraft transmission fluid.
- Brake fluid I just use a good synthetic. The biggest thing is to actually change it, which no one ever does. It makes a big difference hauling these heavy things to a stop coming down a mountain in August.
- Transfer case I use whatever the case specs, since no vans came as 4x4.
- Axles I let a professional do. I ask them what they'll use and double check it.
- Oil I use Motorcraft semi-synthetic but am not averse to Mobil1 or Castrol Syntec synthetics if they are cheaper.
- Coolant I do not remember but check spec and use it. Coolants, like transmission fluid, have gotten wonkey over the last few years. You can't just trust that the old green stuff is best anymore, however I do think it is safe to use in a pinch so long as you replace with spec soon.

[Steve Hunt]

Originally Posted by ScrapIron

Cant you just go here and look up the capacities and type for each one?
https://www.ford.com/support/owner-manuals/

Thanks, I found info for the axles. The link only goes back to 2014. Is there a different link for older than 2014? Transfer case is 2005 to 2010 F250

Sure seems like the Ford Dealer could have mentioned this or better yet, looked it up and sold me the fluids.

[ScrapIron]

yes, just type in whatever vehicle you are looking for in your search engine press enter and the ford owners manual link for that vehicle will usually be one of the first search results. For example type "2006 ford f350 owners manual"

[doublevan2]

Maybe it's just me - but too many people in too many positions just want to do the least amount of work to get you to "move on" so they can get back to the mundane thing they were doing before you bothered them -- sad all the way around -

[doublevan2]

Regarding Steve H's post

[marret]

Originally Posted by doublevan2

Maybe it's just me - but too many people in too many positions just want to do the least amount of work to get you to "move on" so they can get back to the mundane thing they were doing before you bothered them -- sad all the way around -

Yep, not just you, I see it a lot.

[1der]

Originally Posted by marret

Yep, not just you, I see it a lot.

Customer Service - lost art.