How much fluid does a 2008 f250 differential hold?
The differential fluid capacity on a 2008 Ford F-250 depends on which axle you have. In general, the front differential holds about 2.0–3.0 quarts, and the rear differential holds roughly 3.0–4.0 quarts. Exact figures vary with the specific front and rear axles (and whether a limited-slip or special differential is installed). Always verify the precise capacity using your axle code or the owner’s manual.
Understanding the 2008 F-250 axles
The 2008 F-250 Super Duty line used different front and rear axles depending on trim and drivetrain. The front typically uses a heavy-duty Dana/spicer axle configuration, while the rear uses a larger ring-gear axle (commonly around 9.75 inches) for towing and load-bearing work. Because these axles come in a few variants, capacities are not identical across every truck.
Front differential capacity
Estimated fluid capacities for common front axles on the 2008 F-250 are:
- Typical front differential capacity: 2.0–3.0 quarts (1.9–2.8 L).
- Fluid type and additives: use a GL-5 gear oil in most cases (commonly 75W-90 or 80W-90); if your front diff uses a limited-slip mechanism, follow the manual for any additive requirements.
Note that actual capacity can vary by front axle model (e.g., Dana 60 versus other variants) and by the presence of a limited-slip differential. Always consult your axle tag or manual for the exact figure.
Rear differential capacity
Estimated fluid capacities for the rear differential on the 2008 F-250 are:
- Typical rear differential capacity: 3.0–4.0 quarts (2.8–3.8 L) for the standard rear 9.75" axle.
- For trucks with larger or alternative rear axles (in rare configurations), capacity may approach 4.5 quarts; check the exact specification for your model.
As with the front, the exact rear capacity depends on the axle type and whether a limited-slip differential is installed. Use the axle code or owner’s manual to confirm.
How to verify the exact capacity for your truck
To determine your precise differential fluid capacity, locate the axle code on the differential housing or refer to the door jamb sticker and the factory service manual. The manual will specify the correct oil viscosity and the exact fill quantity. When servicing, fill until the fluid reaches the level of the fill plug or until it begins to seep from the fill hole, then reinstall the plug securely.
Recommended fluid and additives
Ford typically specifies gear oil in the GL-5 category for these differentials, commonly 75W-90 or 80W-90. If your truck has a limited-slip differential, you may need to add a friction-modifying additive as directed by the owner’s manual or service dealer. Always confirm the exact spec for your axle before purchasing oil.
Summary
For most 2008 F-250 configurations, plan on roughly 2.0–3.0 quarts of fluid for the front differential and about 3.0–4.0 quarts for the rear differential. Exact values depend on the specific axles installed (front and rear) and whether a limited-slip differential is present. Check your axle code and the owner’s manual to confirm the precise capacity and fluid specification for your truck.
What kind of fluid does a f250 rear differential take?
The rear differential fluid type for an F-250 depends on the axle model, but commonly requires SAE 75W-140 synthetic gear oil for Sterling 10.5" axles, and sometimes a friction modifier additive for limited-slip differentials. For Dana 80 axles, SAE 75W-90 is typically needed, and Dana S110/S130 axles may use SAE 75W-140. Always check the owner's manual or the tag on the differential for the most accurate specification and consider a 100% synthetic formula for better performance.
You can watch this video to learn how to change the differential fluid in a Ford F-250: 40sBTR JustinYouTube · Aug 25, 2024
Common axle types
- Sterling 10.5" (most common for F-250): Use SAE 75W-140 synthetic gear oil.
- Dana 80 (F-350 DRW/F-450): Use SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
- Dana S110/S130 (F-450/F-550): Use SAE 75W-140 gear oil.
Important considerations
- Friction modifier: If you have a limited-slip differential, you will need to add a friction modifier additive to the gear oil unless the fluid you choose already contains it.
- Synthetic vs. conventional: Synthetic fluids are often recommended for their superior performance, especially at high temperatures.
- Check the tag: The most reliable way to know the correct fluid is to check the metal tag on the differential housing, which will specify the required oil weight and specification.
- Owner's manual: Always consult your owner's manual for the most accurate and detailed information regarding fluid type and capacity for your specific vehicle and axle.
How much oil does a 2007 Ford f350 rear differential take?
The fill capacity for the Ford F-350 Dana 80 rear differential is 4.0 liters or 4.25 quarts.
How much oil does a 2008 Ford f250 rear differential take?
The 2008 F-250 rear differential capacity is approximately 3.3 quarts (6.9 pints) for the Sterling 10.5 inch axle, which is the most common rear differential for this model year. The exact capacity can vary slightly based on whether it has an electronic locking differential.
You can also check out this video:52s2CarProsYouTube · Nov 13, 2013
- Capacity: Approximately 3.3 quarts or 6.9 pints.
- Axle type: This capacity is for the common Sterling 10.5 inch rear axle.
- Note: Some variations, like an electronic locking differential, may have a slightly different capacity, so it's always best to check the fluid level by filling it until it just starts to seep out of the fill plug.
How many quarts does a 2008 F250 take?
Engine Oil
Capacity: 7 quarts (with filter).
