My First Post - Need Fluid Help!!

[Jman]

I've got a new to me '01 250 7.3 and I'm in the process of making many changes. But first, I want to start all over with the fluids so I can put it on a regular diet, so to speak.

Here is my issue: I'm wanting to change out all of my fluids since I don't know the history on this vehicle.

I reckon I've got

- 2 differentials
- Auto transmission
- Transfer Case
- Engine Oil
- Coolant

A few questions:

Does this '01 have drain plugs at the diffs or do you need to open the covers?

I've heard LOTS of good things about Royal Purple. I'm open to other brands but I'm not driven by price - I want to do this right. What Royal Purple "models" do I use and which "hole" does it go in?

The shop said they can "flush and rinse" the tranny fluid. That seems to make more sense than just drain and fill. Should I also recommend that for my coolant?

The shop I've used for other vehicles is not a Ford specific shop. But the guys are experienced wrenches and they are confident in working on my truck. They've always done me right before.

Any and all other input is appreciated.

Strokin' in Texas!!!!!

[Banshee34]

Good Gawd Another Texan???

Welcome!! Others that can answer all your questions should be posting shortly!

[Marty]

Originally Posted by Jman

Here is my issue: I'm wanting to change out all of my fluids since I don't know the history on this vehicle.

I reckon I've got
- 2 differentials - Dana 50 front, Sterling 10.5" Rear. In the front use Dino gear oil 80/90 and in the rear use 75W90 synthetic. You may need to add friction modifier if it doesn't already have it in there if you have a limited slip.
- Auto transmission - 4R100 - Mercon/Dextron III -- I think there was a TSB advising it was ok to use the NEW MerconV but I looked at 3 stores until I found Mercon/Dextron III because I wasn't taking any chances.
- Transfer Case - Same as tranny fluid
- Engine Oil - Depends on if you go synthetic or dino - I use dino 15W-40
- Coolant - Depends if you have green or gold to help you there.
A few questions:

Does this '01 have drain plugs at the diffs or do you need to open the covers? There are plugs that you can use to insert something like a siphon or you have to open the covers. Use the BLACK RTV to reseal the diff.

The shop said they can "flush and rinse" the tranny fluid. That seems to make more sense than just drain and fill. Should I also recommend that for my coolant? It's certainly much easier to have the shop do both but hey do it yourself so you know what is done and what is in there. Plus it's cheaper.

The shop I've used for other vehicles is not a Ford specific shop. But the guys are experienced wrenches and they are confident in working on my truck. They've always done me right before. The PSD isn't like most other trucks. The coolant isn't a drop in and go type thing - to avoid cavitation you need to have the correct PH and other stuff so you might want to check on the procedure and then cross reference it with their knowledge before entrusting your truck to them. That's my my 2cents.
Any and all other input is appreciated.

Strokin' in Texas!!!!!

Hope that helps!

Here are my links to pics of stuff I've done...
TransmissionService pictures
Changing Rear Differential Fluid pictures

Actually this may be more helpful...
Welcome to guzzle's Ford PSD Web Page

And of course I forgot about Marc's maintainence schedule!

And uh... WELCOME TO THE SITE!

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Last edited by Marty : 04-16-2007 at 03:35 PM.

[mschn99]

maintancence schedule

[westcoaststrokin]

to the org!!

[Jman]

Originally Posted by Banshee34

Good Gawd Another Texan???

She's the sweetest little rosebud that Texas ever knew,
Her eyes are bright as diamonds, they sparkle like the dew;
You may talk about your Clementine, and sing of Rosalee,
But the yellow rose of Texas is the only girl for me.

Good stuff fella's. I've got a 4x4 and I'm going to pretend like this is school and assume there are no stupid questions. Therefore, how would I know if I've got a limited slip diff? Can I do some simple VIN research?

So Royal Purple as engine oil only and stick to the Ford factory stuff for the trans?

Oh, and I just peeked under the lid and my fluid is green. Normally, I'd take a pill for that but I guess green is good for the truck.

Thanks and like Arnold, I'll be back............

[ABOBB]

Welcome to Powerstroke.org

[stump0331]

were in texas are you at?

[Marty]

Good stuff fella's. I've got a 4x4 and I'm going to pretend like this is school and assume there are no stupid questions. Therefore, how would I know if I've got a limited slip diff? Can I do some simple VIN research?

So Royal Purple as engine oil only and stick to the Ford factory stuff for the trans?

Oh, and I just peeked under the lid and my fluid is green. Normally, I'd take a pill for that but I guess green is good for the truck.

Thanks and like Arnold, I'll be back............

No stupid questions - you could search to find the answers or just have one of us here at the ORG answer it for ya!

You will know if you have an LS if you check your diff tag it will say 3 LS 73 if you have one or 3 73 if you don't. The 3 73 denotes your gear ratio which was standard in an F250 of that year. Of course if you don't have the tag you can pop the cover off and check. Royal purple gets good reviews on other sites and I don't see why NOT to use it. If you want to.. then do it!. LOL @ take a pill... and the green can be changed w/ any green coolant - but you still need to check for pH and stuff - ask Marc for instructions if you REALLY want to do it yourself. It involves flushing it a few times just so you know... basically choose a warm day

[Big AL]

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