newbie F250 SD owner

[Bazring]

Hi All,

just got myself a 1999 F250 4x4, with the 7.3 powerstroke diesel and 6 speed manual. Having been a Landcruiser HDJ80 driver for many years i have finally made the jump to a proper truck! Living in the UK means that fueling it is an expensive ordeal!! but the get up and go of the engine is worth it! puts a smile on my face every time i boot the throttle:-)

The truck has got a superchip tuning module, hi flow intake and a Banks wastegate at the moment, along with a straight through exhaust so it sounds amazing.

i have a couple of questions,
what oils should i use in the engine, gearbox, transfer case and axles?
The clutch feels quite heavy, is that normal?
Any parts on the truck that are prone to problems that i should check?

Thanks

Baz

[jesilvas]

The best oil to use would be a 5W40 synthetic oil, but depending on your temperatures, you can get away with a 15W40, which is normal.
For the axles and all else, synthetics are always 'better' but not required unless the manual states so.
The truck is prone to oil leaks. The high pressure oil pump line's and plug's orings can go out, losing a lot of oil quickly. The dip stick tube oring, oil cooler orings, exhaust back pressure valve actuating rod oring and turbo pedestal orings are all common and well documented, including the fixes for them.

Do you know what intake it has on it?
Personally, I run the DIY intake using a Baldwin filter.
I would also get a set of gauges to monitor the motor so you don't melt something, especially since it has a superchips on it.

[Bazring]

ok thanks for the pointers, i have done a 100 miles in it and no signs of leaks anywhere, all very dry underneath.

it has a superchips flashpac system, i had a fiddle today and changed the setting from performance to economy! drives nicer and less black smoke :-) i will try it on that setting for a while to see how it goes, will work through all the settings to find the best one for me.

what oils in the gearbox? gear oil or ATF? and the same in the transfer case?

i also have the door ajar light problem to look at.

Its fitted with 35" tyres, can i run it standard ride height with these or does the lift kit need to stay?

Baz

[jesilvas]

The manual should say what fluids to run.
For a Dana 50/60 front axle - Motorcraft SAE 75W-90 Premium 4x4 Front Axle Lubricant (Basically GL-5 75W-90)
D50 - 3.8 pints
D60 - 5.8 pints
For a Sterling 10.50 rear axle, and Dana 80 cause mine takes this also - Motorcraft SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant (Synthetic 75W-140)
Sterling 10.50 - 6.9 pints
You'll also need 4-8 oz. of Limited Slip friction modifier if it has a LS in it. Manual says 8.oz. I put 4oz. and was good a while, but now I think it needs some more.
Transfer Case - Motorcraft MERCON ATF (Plain ole' DexIII) 2.0 qts
The ZF-6 manual - Motorcraft MERCON ATF (Plain ole' DexIII) 5.8 qts