Loading

How much fluid does a 2016 Ford f250 rear differential hold?

The rear differential on a 2016 Ford F-250 typically holds about 3 quarts of gear oil when drained and refilled, though the exact amount depends on the specific rear axle installed (9.75-inch vs. 10.5-inch Sterling) and the differential configuration such as a locking or limited-slip unit.


Axle variations and capacity ranges


The following figures reflect common drain-and-fill capacities for the 2016 F-250, but your exact total depends on the axle code. Before performing a service, verify which rear axle your truck uses to ensure an accurate fill.


Before listing the capacities, note that these figures are for a standard drain-and-fill. Always fill until the fluid starts to seep from the fill hole and consult your manual for the precise specification.



  • 9.75-inch rear axle: approximately 2.5–3.0 quarts of gear oil, depending on differential type (open versus limited-slip) and whether you replace the fill plug gasket.

  • 10.5-inch rear axle (Sterling): roughly 3.0–3.25 quarts for a standard drain-and-fill, with slight variations if the axle includes a locking differential or other factory options.


Concluding note: To ensure accuracy, check the axle code on the differential housing or the vehicle’s build sheet and refer to Ford’s service information for your exact capacity. Use the gear oil grade specified in your manual and follow proper safety procedures when servicing the differential.


How to identify which axle your truck uses


Locate the axle code stamped on the differential housing or consult the VIN/build sheet to determine whether your F-250 uses the 9.75-inch or the 10.5-inch Sterling rear axle. Your local Ford dealer or a service manual can confirm the exact specification for your vehicle.


Summary


For most 2016 Ford F-250 models, plan on approximately 3 quarts of gear oil for a drain-and-fill, with the exact amount dependent on the rear axle type (9.75-inch or 10.5-inch Sterling) and differential configuration. Always verify your axle type and follow the recommended procedure in your owner's manual.

What kind of gear oil does a 2015 f250 take?


3 Qt. Penzoil 80W90 conventional gear Oil.



What kind of fluid does a 2016 Ford f350 rear differential take?


The 2016 Ford F-350 rear differential fluid type depends on the axle installed. If it has the Sterling 10.50-inch axle, the recommendation is SAE 75W-140 synthetic gear oil. If it has the Dana 80 axle, the correct fluid is SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil. 
You can watch this video to learn how to change the rear differential fluid on a 2016 Ford F-350 with a Sterling 10.50-inch axle: 57sTreasure State ToolbagsYouTube · Jan 14, 2024

Axle Type Fluid Type
Sterling 10.50-inch SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Oil
Dana 80 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil
(function(){
(this||self).Wufxzb=function(c,e,f,l,k){var d=document.getElementById(c);if(d&&(d.offsetWidth!==0||d.offsetHeight!==0)){c=d.querySelector("div");var g=c.scrollWidth-c.offsetWidth,h=Math.min(e?g:0,g);c.scrollLeft=e&&(l||f)?0:h;var a=d.getElementsByTagName("g-left-button")[0],b=d.getElementsByTagName("g-right-button")[0];a&&b&&(e=RegExp("\\btHT0l\\b"),f=RegExp("\\bpQXcHc\\b"),a.className=a.className.replace(e,""),b.className=b.className.replace(e,""),h===0?a.className="pQXcHc "+a.className:(a.className=
a.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("pA30Ne")),h===g?b.className="pQXcHc "+b.className:(b.className=b.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("FpCCub")),setTimeout(function(){a.className+=" tHT0l";b.className+=" tHT0l"},50))}};}).call(this);(function(){var id='_2tslaaa5EuH1i-gPmZ7B2AY_136';var rtl=false;var gecko=false;var edge=false;var soh=false;
(this||self).Wufxzb(id,rtl,gecko,edge,soh);})();
This video explains how to identify your axle and change the rear differential fluid: 1mPowerStroke Tech Talk w/ARodYouTube · Sep 7, 2021
  • Identify your axle: Check the axle tag for a code or consult your VIN to determine which rear axle your truck has. 
  • For Sterling 10.50-inch axles: Use a SAE 75W-140 synthetic gear oil. Using this heavier weight oil is recommended for heavy-duty use like towing, notes this YouTube video and this YouTube video. 
  • For Dana 80 axles: Use a SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil, according to this YouTube video and this Ford service content page. 
  • Check the owner's manual: Always confirm the exact specifications in your truck's owner's manual to ensure you use the correct fluid and additives, as recommended by Ford. 



How many quarts to fill rear differential fluid?


Take. So it's typically be about 3.3 to 3.6 quarts uh depending on whether or not it's electronic or not electronic. If it is electronic would be on the lower side your 3.3 to 3.4.



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.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.