How much oil does a 2011 Ford F150 rear differential take?
In most 2011 F-150s, the rear differential holds roughly 2 quarts of gear oil if it uses the common 8.8-inch axle; the heavier 9.75-inch axle variant takes closer to 3 quarts. Verify your exact axle type and fill to the proper level using the vehicle’s guidelines.
Know which axle you have
Axle capacity varies by the rear axle model, and the 2011 F-150 can be equipped with either the 8.8-inch or the larger 9.75-inch rear axle. Correctly identifying the axle is essential to use the right amount of oil and the proper lubricant. Use your door jamb sticker, build sheet, VIN decoding, or a dealer manual to confirm which axle is installed.
- Check the driver’s door jamb sticker for an axle code or look up the build sheet to determine whether the truck has the 8.8" or 9.75" rear axle.
- Visually inspect the differential housing: the 9.75" unit is larger and heavier than the 8.8" unit.
- If in doubt, reference the VIN or consult Ford's official documentation for your exact vehicle configuration.
Knowing your axle type will help ensure you use the correct oil quantity and avoid over- or under-filling.
Oil capacity and a proper fill procedure
Once you’ve identified the axle, follow the standard gear-oil fill process and use the recommended lubricant for the axle type. The 8.8" rear axle generally requires about 2.0 quarts of gear oil, while the 9.75" rear axle requires about 3.0 quarts. For many Ford applications, 75W-140 gear oil with a friction modifier is appropriate, especially if the differential has a limited-slip design; always confirm the exact specification for your axle in the owner's manual or with a dealer. Fill through the designated fill hole until oil begins to flow out, then reinstall the fill plug and wipe away any spills. If your differential uses a gasket, replace it as needed and check for leaks after a test drive.
- Drain the old oil completely and replace the drain plug with a new washer if applicable.
- Fill slowly through the fill hole until oil begins to run out of the fill port; this indicates the differential is full.
- Run the vehicle briefly and recheck the level once the differential has warmed up to operating temperature.
Following these steps helps ensure long-term differential health and minimizes the risk of oil-related wear.
Summary: For most 2011 Ford F-150s, the rear differential oil capacity is about 2 quarts for the 8.8" axle and about 3 quarts for the 9.75" axle. Confirm your axle type, use the recommended gear oil, and fill to the indicated level to maintain proper lubrication.
