Raptor / F150 Front Diff Oil Change

You guys asked for it, so here it is, How to change the oil on the front diff of a raptor.
Fill plug torque Spec: 22 ft/lbs
Gen 1 Oil - 80w90
Gen 2 Oil - 75w85
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[@dylantriplett1597]

Appreciate the step by step videos. Just bought a used gen 1 so I’m going to mirroring all these maintenance activities myself.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

We still have a ton to show you guys. Lots to follow

[@ChromesConsoles]

Thank you for the Specific way to do the oil maintenence! Now I and my dad know how to do front and rear oil dif oil change!

[@traxiii]

Glad you did this, most people forget about servicing the Front Diff. and Transfer Case fluids.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Both are important. First week we had this truck we changed engine, both diffs and transfer case oil. Transmission oil is next but we have a few plans for that first

[@fnxtugboat3541]

its easier to just pull the driveshaft and grease the slip yoke and while the drive shaft is off do the transfer case and front diff. that's what I did and it was a lot easier, at least with the transfer case.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

To change the transfer case oil? Transfer case oil changes are super easy. We have a video on the channel about it. Literally a 20-30min job mad

[@fnxtugboat3541]

Slip yokes need greasing, no zerks. Becomes an easy thing to do at the same time as transfer case. Easier to work under there without the driveshaft

[@amschind]

Thanks. I'm in exactly the same boat, but at least they included a drain plug.

[@traxiii]

Looking forward to see what you do with this truck after the maintenance items are taken care of, It looks to be a great example of Gen. 1 to start with.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Thanks man. Truck is in really great shape and going to get a ton of use

[@traxiii]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad No worries, Hope to see you out there in the Dezert sometime.

[@jmmart4]

I just bought a used Gen 1 and let me tell you it was not in good shape. First thing I did was change out the fluids then I did the ball joints and IWE twice. I got fed up with the IWE so I did a delete on them. I can’t wait for the rest of the videos. Oh and now my a/c is not blowing cold air like it used to. I got a lot of work to do on my dream truck.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Wow man. Really sad how some People don’t take care of their cars

[@johnvaras1764]

Love the head pillow. I do the same thing after many many neck cramps. Lol.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

I need it for sure. My back is all messed up from years of sitting at a computer

[@Codyd99749]

Subbing for gen 1 maintenance, thank you!

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Thanks

[@muntadar5210]

Right on time👌🏻, Thanks Man

[@DanPhillippi]

Thank you!

[@76bigbo]

I like the new intro! That Red Raptor is sweeeet!

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

It is pretty sweet. Looks even better running the trails.

[@bmx4life5549]

I've been looking into front diff covers as well with drain plugs hopefully you guys come across something

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Spicer makes an 8.8 diff cover we have been looking at. Just nervous about pulling the trigger and it not working

[@Ellacost831]

Did you end up changing the diff cover?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Not yet. I have the spider cover ready to go. But planning to do the change when I swap out the steering rack and upgrade the cooling on the truck. Been tough to find a shop willing to help me out make something custom for my needs. So hopefully soon we will get it done

[@amschind]

Update: Look at Purple Cranium. They sell stamped diff covers with a relatively cheap drain plug add-on. Mine was like $80 shipped with the powder coat.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Not worth it IMO. All those people cranium diff covers are no better than stock. Super thin and does not really help with increasing oil capacity or help with cooling. The Ford performance / spicer cover is much thicker, and increases the volume of oil. So you get improved protection and better cooling.

[@amschind]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad I completely agree that it's not any better than stock by those metrics, but that's sort of the point: nothing thicker than stock can fit in there (I have a '21, so my clearance issues may be even worse than yours). My sole reason for getting it is to get access to a drain plug: that's why I posted it here, so that if you grab one, you might be able to dispense with the vacuum thingy. I'll let you know if it works well once its on.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

I just got the spicer cover, so once I get a new steering rack I’ll be putting in the spicer one on my Gen1. I could see this working on a Gen2 though since clearances are so tight.

[@amschind]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad I "measured" 3/4" from the stamped diff surface to the EPS. I actually asked PML about an 8.8" cover they make that looks like it would fit, and they won't sell you their aluminum 8.8" cover if they think you'll put it on a front diff because folks have done so and then discovered that they could not turn left.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Could not turn? How is that even possible with the steering rack being self contained? I did a cheap cover on my Gen1 that is way too thickz even with making contact with the rack it does not limit movement. Gen2 racks are completely self contained even more and I don’t see how a diff cover could block it from turning.

[@eduardopadilla4331]

Keep them coming man !! 👍

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Thanks 🙏

[@SPAWNOFSATAN013]

Thank you so much 🙌

[@TheSpeedDGuy]

Because a skid plate protects it. How about drill and tap the bottom of the case with NPT threads and put in a magnetic plug?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

This has been asked before I think in the comments

[@TheSpeedDGuy]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad I saw your new diff cover video this afternoon. Haha. I wouldn’t have asked had I seen it. You have a lot of great products for the Gen 1.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Any asked about drilling and tapping the front. It’s honestly too thin for that. I personally would not do it and run the risk.

[@fenderboy08]

That steering rack looks new. Is it a reman? Im having issues with mine…

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Honestly don’t know as it came with the truck. Mine is starting to go out. Its getting harder to turn so here in the next 6months or so I’ll be replacing it with a remanufactured one

[@negan454ss]

Ford 8.8 Dana Spicer cover . Be just like rear one you just put on.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Yeah, I need to order it and take the risk to see if it fits

[@LPerez]

I ordered both the front and back from summit racing BUT still on back order. (10023538 for front)

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Yeah. Big parts and material Shortage making them hard to get.

[@chrishandsome5443]

​@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad have you seen if it fits? I saw a video where someone made it fit but I cannot find it anymore.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

It’s on my truck now and it has no clearance issues. Did not film it because I had it done when I had a shop regear the truck. Diff had to be dropped to change it out, but it works great on the gen1. Heard it won’t work on the gen2 though. Not enough clearance

[@thrRnz9496]

Remove the steering rack, then remove the diff cover, drill a hole and weld a drain plug into the bottom of the cover and reinstall with a lube locker gasket. It will save you such a headache for maintenance!

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Not really. The diff cover I was to thing for a plug and the housing is a little thing walled too and not ideal for a drilled plug. Not to mention if you place it wrong and it interferes with the gears.

[@thrRnz9496]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad The metal is thick enough. I drilled a hole and welded a plug to the outside of the diff cover over the hole so nothing was protruding inside to interfere with the ring gear. It's been great! I have not looked yet, however since the front axle is an 8.8 are there 8.8 rear axle covers that would fit that have a drain plug?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

There are for the Gen1 since it has more room. But not for the gen2. Electronic rack leaves no space for anything but a very thin cover.

[@ej99f1501]

Would drilling and tapping a pipe thread then putting a drain plug in the bottom of the housing work?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

I’m sure it could, but I would not recommend it. The rear diff is a solid 1/2 steel almost all around the housing. But the front diff is a combination of thin steel with some thick reinforcement. Even a welded on drain plug may interfere with the gears. And that’s if the body don’t crack during drilling.

[@ej99f1501]

Oh I gotcha, well hopefully someone makes a cover soon. I’m getting ready to do my first fluid change on the diffs soon. Great videos by the way!!

[@scryla2000]

Well, that goes that idea.... Thanks for the info!!!

[@scryla2000]

There goes

[@Gerardoalejandroo]

Es normal que cambie el color del aceite a gris ?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Si

[@tskinner2855]

What steering rack is installed on your truck?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

It’s a stock rack, but with a HOWE pump and reservoir

[@johnvaras1764]

Hey man. Sorry to bother you. My 18 raptor has a leaking passenger side axle seal. It’s not bad. Noticed it when I was changing my engine oil. Is that oil leaking out from the front diff or from the transmission ?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

If it’s from the seal, it’s from the front diff. Changing out the seal is relatively easy. Just a ton of work to test it all apart. Axle has to come out to change it

[@your.opinion.sucks.]

@KeepItDirtyOffRoad I'm currently sitting at the dealer googling about this leaking passenger side front axle seal on my 2019. Dealer will replace the seal under warranty but they're recommending a front diff service at the same time. I trust your opinion, is it worth it or are they just upselling me on warranty work? Thanks in advance!

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Depends on mileage and how you drive. Daily driver stick with the factory schedule with I think is 100k-120k miles. You definitely need a top off though. If you do heavy off-roading I would cut that maintenance in half and change diff fluids every 50k - 60k miles. I do mine at minimum every 50l because of the abuse I put my truck through

[@your.opinion.sucks.]

@KeepItDirtyOffRoad thanks for the quick reply! You definitely use yours hard than I use mine. Bought it used last year with 29k miles, now has 38k and I don't know how the previous owner maintained or drove it. Think I might just get the diff. service for peace of mind while they replace the axle seal. They've priced it at $180, seem reasonable?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Changing the oil on the front diff is relatively easy. I think we documented the process on one of our gen1 rehab videos. $180 seems fair. But you could do it yourself and put the money towards better quality oils for less

[@AtrocitusB]

Is there a way to drain the diff without a compressor? I need to do my front diff but I do not have air.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Not easily no. You need a way to suck out the fluid. And you can’t syphon it because it’s thicker oil. Small compressors are pretty cheap these days at harbor freight. Recommend getting a small one and their suction brake bleed kit to suck out all the fluid.

[@AtrocitusB]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad Ok, I will look into that. I am at 156k so it needs to do all my fluids....

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Yeah, I would say you’re overdue.

[@mikesubocz]

Yes, use the PITTSBURGH AUTOMOTIVE Multi-Use Transfer Pump at Harbor Freight, or similar product. It's what I use.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

@mikesubocz I’ve been wanting to get one of those. Could make oil changes so much cleaner if I could hook it up directly to the fumoto valve on my oil drain plug. Does it come with smaller diameter hoses on it? The standard hose seen in the pics will be too big to suction from a front differential. If not, it’s a matter of getting the right fittings and tubing. But was hoping it included different smaller diameter hoses so it’s an all in 1 solution

[@freethinkingamerican80]

I think you are going to be much happier with the Gen1. I loved my Gen2 and if you are keeping it pretty stock it's a great truck but I think Ford still really dropped the ball on it. I'm getting a Tremor this week and maybe one day I'll have a trailer queen to play around with. Good luck and keep on making these videos for us👍

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Thanks man. I think your right. Have not even hit trails with this truck and already having more fun with it.

[@Blue_Flame_Raptor]

I don't see why you couldn't get one of those autoparts store drain plug kits and drill out the cover. It won't be perfect but you could jack up the ass of the truck to get as much as possible out. Also if your truck has the torsen front diff it requires friction modifier if the amsoil doesn't already have it in it.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Front diff is not as thick as the rear so not sure the drill type would that good option. As for the Friction modifier, we checked the book and it’s not required. Checked with the dealer too and none was called out.

[@Blue_Flame_Raptor]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad hmm that's interesting, my raptor supplement states it requires friction modifier. I wouldn't expect it really since a torsen unit doesn't have clutches like a traditional limited slip. Ford also says to use friction modifier for torsen equipped mustangs. I guess it a case of you don't need it but it also won't hurt it either

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Yeah it weird. My 17 had no mention of the friction modifier. But when the dealer checked their side it was needed. But for the 14, it’s a different weight oil and no XL2. Same diff so not sure if there is more electronics in the new ones or what.

[@fouledout443]

Just take the cover off and buy a bung and/or a nut and drain bolt and have it welded on, it'll take no time

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Removing the cover requires either taking out the steering rack OR dropping the whole front diff. And it’s not as thick as the rear diff. You can’t just drill a hole or weld something to it either. It’s cast so the whole part has to be heated up for the welds to take. Easier to get a cover that does have a drain.

[@fouledout443]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad I understand it's not easy to remove the cover, the cover is stamped steel, not cast

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

The stock cover is too thin to support a plug. If you wanted to drill, it would have to be the housing.

[@fouledout443]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad look up a 4l80e transmission pan, or a jeep wrangler cover, both with drains. Either way, it's your money

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

They make diff covers for the truck with a drain plug. Less risk and issues. Problem is finding one that will clear the steering rack. Gen1 raptor has more room for sure. The Gen2 is super tight and more difficult to do.

[@BigWheelFab]

Couldn’t you just drill and tap the bottom of the diff.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Take a look at the structure and various levels of thickness of the front diff. I don’t think drilling would be the safe option. May interfere with the gears once the plug is in place

[@BigWheelFab]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad the reason I suggested this is the company I worked for 10 years ago did it to all their fleet trucks.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

We’re they solid axles or torsion linked? That’s they key there. Solid diffs have so thicker housing and better suited for drilling. The smaller torsion diff is not as well suited for it.

[@BigWheelFab]

But the didn’t have any Raptors just regular f150s.

[@BigWheelFab]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad 2007 thru 2010 f150 IFS

[@MrHossola]

Spicer 10023538