How much oil does a F250 rear differential take?
Most Ford F-250 Super Duty rear differentials take about 4 quarts of gear oil for a standard drain-and-fill, with some axle configurations capable of holding around 5 quarts. The exact amount depends on the specific axle model and any locker or limited-slip setup.
The Ford F-250 has used several rear-axle configurations over the years, including variants of Dana/Spicer and Sterling axles. Because capacity can vary by model year, axle code, and whether you’re topping up after a full drain or performing a partial fill, it’s important to verify the exact specification for your vehicle. When in doubt, consult the owner's manual, the axle tag, or a Ford dealer for the precise capacity.
Common rear-axle configurations and their rough capacity ranges
Before listing, note that the capacity cited here represents typical values used during standard drain-and-fill services. Exact figures for your truck should be confirmed using its axle code or official documentation.
- Sterling 10.5-inch rear axle (a common setup on many 3/4- and 1-ton F-250s): roughly 4 to 5 quarts for a full drain-and-fill, depending on locker and lubrication needs.
- Dana/Spicer 60 or similar heavy-duty rear axle (found on various generations and configurations): about 3.5 to 4.5 quarts for a typical drain-and-fill.
- Other smaller or less common rear-axle variants (older or specialty builds): commonly around 3.0 to 4.0 quarts, varying with the exact gear setup.
Conclusion: While 4 quarts is a solid baseline for many F-250 rear differentials, some configurations can require closer to 5 quarts or slightly less. Always verify against your specific axle code to avoid under- or overfilling.
How to determine the exact capacity for your specific F-250
To ensure you use the correct fill volume for your truck, follow these steps to identify the exact capacity and perform a proper fill.
- Find your axle code or identify the axle model from the build sheet, door sticker, or differential tag. This tells you which axle you have (e.g., Sterling, Dana/Spicer, etc.).
- Consult the official manual or Ford’s technical resources for the precise oil-capacity specification tied to that axle code.
- During a service, drain the differential completely, then refill until gear oil begins to seep from the fill hole, or until it reaches the level specified by the manufacturer. Do not overfill.
Following these steps will ensure you use the correct amount for your exact axle configuration and avoid under- or overfilling, which can affect lubrication quality and differential performance.
Summary
The F-250’s rear differential oil capacity varies by axle type and year. A practical range is about 3.0 to 5.0 quarts, with 4 quarts serving as a reliable baseline for many models and up to about 5 quarts for certain Sterling or LSD configurations. Always verify with your vehicle’s axle code and official documentation to ensure a precise fill.
