NC_John
Full Access Member
I changed the gear oil in my 'hoe on Saturday and came to realize I didn't know how to identify which rear end I had. The service manual indicates there were three used in the 02 model year. An 9.5", a 9" and I think a 10" (IIRC). I ran the VIN but that only told me the gear ratio. I didn't pull off the rear cover as it wasn't leaking and didn't need it off to change the fluid (I used bottom drain plug). I remember measuring the ring gear back in the day as the way to usually measure rear end size... Unfortunately the different sized rear ends require different levels of fill as well so I couldn't just fill to one level regardless of whatever one I have.
I ended up measuring what I drained out (about 2 qts) and assumed it was the 8.5 and filled to that level. I have the small V-8 (4.8) in a 2WD so that made sense as well. The good news was the old gear oil looked excellent- good color and absolutely no metal or sludge after 185K miles (I am assuming that this wasn't done before by a previous owner).
I guess I did OK- I drove the truck here to Indy today (9 hr ride) and the rear end didn't fall out... Anybody know how to get the rear end size without pulling the rear cover???
I ended up measuring what I drained out (about 2 qts) and assumed it was the 8.5 and filled to that level. I have the small V-8 (4.8) in a 2WD so that made sense as well. The good news was the old gear oil looked excellent- good color and absolutely no metal or sludge after 185K miles (I am assuming that this wasn't done before by a previous owner).
I guess I did OK- I drove the truck here to Indy today (9 hr ride) and the rear end didn't fall out... Anybody know how to get the rear end size without pulling the rear cover???
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