02 ST rear end lube

[Brad Carroll]

Getting some growl from the rear end when I slow down -- so I was going to change the gear oil.... but there's NO drain plug on the housing. Is this a dealer service?? At 158,000 miles I figure its due.... Any ideas??

 

[Steve McKellop]

Unbolt the cover and let it fly! Ford says use RTV instead of a gasket but I prefer a gasket with a thin coat of RTV. FelPro makes a gasket for the 8.8.

 

[Bob McDonald]

You might also consider getting an after-market cover that does have the drain plug for the 'next' time.

:grin:

 

[Johnny O]

You can also use a Lube Locker gasket, which I think is reusable as well.

On my other trucks and the front diff on my Gen 2 I just take it to the Valvoline Quicky-Lube where they do it through the fill plug with a suction machine. For $40 it's not worth the bother of doing it myself. .02.

 

[Roger Batts]

Just make sure you put in the XL1 friction modifier before you add the 75w140!

 

[Alan Peters]

Ditto Roger. Very important to use XL1 modifier in the rear diff.