2015-2017 F150: Front Differential Fluid Change (easy)

How to replace the front differential fluid on a 2015-2017 Ford F150. Fluid type, capacity, and other useful specs. Using a fluid extractor and bucket pump makes the front differential fluid service on the Ford F150 pretty simple.
Visit www.masterjacks.com/videos/20... for Amazon part & tool links
Amazon Affiliate Links
Motorcraft 80W-90 amzn.to/3HGUFZu
Brakleen amzn.to/3x5Zh6h
Fluid Extractor amzn.to/3RJugi5
Bucket Pump amzn.to/3RWDSX7
Bottle Pump amzn.to/42CaDgy
NOTE The front diff calls for 80W-90 Gear Oil. The rear diff calls for 75W-85 Synthetic. This video shows 75W-85 in the front.
Job Details:
Parts: Motorcraft 80W-90 Premium Gear Lube, brake/parts cleaner
Tools: 3/8 ratchet, fluid extractor, bucket pump (or bottle pump), 13mm (for skid plate)
Time: approx 30 minutes
Skill Level: easy
CHAPTERS
0:00 Access
0:33 Fluid Extraction
1:37 Adding Fluid
1:58 Checking Fluid Level
2:25 Cleanup

[@macjaxjax2604]

Another awesome quick and to the point video. Thanks

[@MaximumButts]

You guys are about to save me a whole bunch of price gouging from my local dealership. Thank ye kindly.

[@Todjcam]

I drilled and tapped the bottom of the casing on my ‘13 XLT. I installed a short bolt (short enough to not interfere the gears of course) and a nylon washer as a plug. Now I can easily drain my front diff at any time

[@mcmuskie2563]

I’m tempted to do the same. I just sucked it out but it was a pain in the hole.

[@charleywalker2982]

Thanks for the video. My 16 just rolled over 100,000 so I’m watching your transmission and transfer case videos too.

[@back2basics668]

Great video- camera work is awesome

[@RickSmiley]

1:35 - Thank you for your honesty. That's what I am using - 75W90 because of the reasons you stated. Thanks for the videos on changing fluids on the '16 F150. Exact same year F150 I am working on.

[@BreakdownswithBrian]

Great videos man

[@hillbillyhangover]

Thank you for the vid!!!

[@manuelamaya826]

Thanks.

[@magmag9999]

Thanks

[@humilitybeforehonor]

Great video. Quick, concise, and with lots of detail. I've been trying to get a hose into the differential but it's blocked by something. I'm going to try a smaller hose. Did you notice a difference between how easy it was to get a hose in the rear diff versus the front diff?

[@MasterJacks]

Yeah, it doesn't have the same clearance as the rear! A smaller hose certainly helps.

[@ChowHound1337]

How small of tubing. Tried using some but i can't jimmy it down

[@mikimiki195]

Ok wait is there a drain bolt or not? How hard would it be to pop cover off and reseal it?

[@HumbleHotshot]

Would it be possible to drain the fluid by loosening the differential cover and creating a gap at the bottom even though the cover doesn't come completely off? Re-sealing the cover might be a bit of a trick, but I imagine one could sneak the tip of an RTV tube in there. I don't have a fluid extractor and that process doesn't exactly seem like a breeze either. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts! Thank you & God bless!

[@Madkilljoy]

An extractor pump is like $13 at Harbor freight or you can buy the one that he has in the video for $70 from Northern tool and then to put the fluid back in. They have transmission fluid that comes in a bag and it’s super easy to just squeeze in there.

[@shaunmaxwell2745]

How easy would it be to just put a dang drain plug on the bottom?

[@ryandavis7783]

I'm gearing up to change my Diff Fluid for the first time. the only thing available at local stores is the 75-90w. Should I Order 75-85 or just go with the 75-90w? Would it cause any issues?

[@MasterJacks]

I wouldn't hesitate to use the 75-90.

[@bv2010]

Do front diffs need some friction modifier as well?

[@MasterJacks]

Nope, you're good without it. That's for limited slip applications found in some rear diffs.

[@ronsmith8434]

Hello... I have a 2015 f150 44k miles 3.5 v6 standard engine..I don't haul things. When should ATF be changed? Thx

[@MasterJacks]

30-60k is pretty standard. I'd pull the fill plug dipstick and see how the fluid looks/smells. New ATF is red/pink. When it's broken down, it has a burnt smell and is more brown and dark.

[@Myksgarage]

What part of Utah are you from?

[@MasterJacks]

lol, south eastern Idaho

[@Myksgarage]

Cool! I Live in Northern Utah, Thanks for the Video, Im going to try this on my 2016 F150

[@cg9608]

2016 Manual calls for 80W-90 fluid in the front axle...75W-85 is for the rear. Maybe you go these mixed up? :D Doubt it matters though

[@MasterJacks]

You're right, thanks for noticing. Looks like I put 75W-85 in both front and rear.

[@cg9608]

@@MasterJacks Happens! Only downside is the stuff is literally liquid gold. Super expensive haha

[@MasterJacks]

@@cg9608 lol, I know! I added a correction to the video notes. Hopefully it will save the few that notice a little money. Thanks again.

[@mbrick]

Interesting, 2018 manual says 75W-85 in both front and rear. I think it has changed viscosity a few times in the pursuit of fuel economy.

[@lancebangwell]

Does the front diff turn when on normal 2WD ?

[@MasterJacks]

It shouldn't. The front axles are decoupled from the hubs and the transfer case is routing power flow to the rear in 2x4 mode.

[@adamsooker3667]

I had my front differential fluid changed on my 2013 ford f150 4x4 fx4 and the dealer used a product called "BG full synthetic 75W-140". The service manager assured me that this fluid is ok in lieu of the 80W-90 motorcraft fluid and that this fluid will not void the vehicles extended warranty. Should I be worried? Thanks.

[@MasterJacks]

Sorry for the late response. 75w-140 has a broader protection range, especially at higher temps. It will perform as a 75 weight oil at cold temps and a 140 weight oil at high temps. The 80w90 has a narrower protection range. The 140 protection is meant more for high temp applications (rear diff/heavy towing application), but it will be fine in your front diff.

[@ronsmith8434]

PLEASE help...I have a 2015 F150 with 6 cylinder... 3.5 standard engine. I can't find my front differential location!!! Thank you

[@jakebudde3967]

@ron smith If your truck is a regular 3.5, not an ecoboost 3.5, that means that it is in a 2wd truck, and you do not have a front differential. This video is only for 4x4

[@Coyote-wm5op]

If you don’t have 4 wheel drive you don’t have a front differential. Lucky part is, it’s less expensive for you.

[@ronsmith8434]

@@Coyote-wm5op Yea I heard this earlier

[@andrewneidinger3726]

@@jakebudde3967 I have a 2016 3.5 naturally aspirated engine and it is a four wheel drive.

[@jakebudde3967]

@@andrewneidinger3726 I was replying to @ron smith

[@kinazz19]

What’s the process on a 2014 f150 3.7?

[@robertcampbell5605]

drive it off a cliff

[@chrissilcox8932]

Amsoil website gives 80w-90 as an option for front diff. Would this also be okay?

[@MasterJacks]

Yes, that would be just fine.

[@chrissilcox8932]

@@MasterJacks thank you

[@darceyweimer3171]

Ford quoted me $1800.00 to do that.

[@Chris-bz9pg]

Really??? that is insane

[@benmartin6476]

Just go buy a ram or gm Drain plug!!!!

[@jakebudde3967]

Instead of a bucket pump, you can use a marine lower unit fluid pump. It will screw right on the bottle and allow you to get fluid up and in that fill hole with less waste than a bucket pump. Here is an example on Amazon, but Walmart and a lot of auto parts stores carry them too. amzn.to/3eTPers

[@MasterJacks]

Yes, thanks. I wish someone would make a a metal/high quality version of these. I hate when the hose pops off or the pump breaks.

[@jakebudde3967]

@@MasterJacks I agree! I used to have one I made out of a old bicycle tire pump, and I got years out of that one before I left it under a vehicle and accidentally ran it over...

[@MasterJacks]

@@jakebudde3967 lol, you should build another and show us how you did it!