IRS center section from Ford (FFR)

[stevant]

Just want to confirm that the center section for the IRS comes filled with fluid. Mine had the blue plugs in the drive shaft holes, it never tipped or anything so I have never seen fluid. I’ve been told by FFR it does but before I kart, just want to see if anybody knows that to be different. I could remove the fill plug and check but did not want to disturb any seal at the moment.

Thanks,

Steve

[Railroad]

Mine did NOT. No reason to take a chance, pull a plug or cap and tip it over. You might want to buy 1 bottle to top it off anyway, so no big expense.

[Jim1855]

I really doubt that it's shipped full. The blue caps over the axle holes won't contain fluid, they just stop crud from getting in.
Jim

[Olli]

My IRS diff that came new from Ford Racing was shipped empty. Remove the fill plug and check yours.

Olli

[edwardb]

I've heard both. Some filled. Some not. 100% agree. Don't assume anything. Check it carefully. Not hurting anything, seal or otherwise, removing the fill plug to check the level. That's what it's for.

[cv2065]

I would doubt that they are shipped with any kind of fluid in them. Mine had the blue plugs in it as well to keep debris and protect the gearing inside.

[edwardb]

I would doubt that they are shipped with any kind of fluid in them...

Actually, the NIB 3.73 Torsen diff I installed in the Gen 3 Coupe came still in the Ford Performance box. Had the blue plugs and was filled. That's my experience. But then I've heard of others that weren't. That's why I answered previously that it's hit or miss.

[jrcuz]

Mine came empty. FYI I mademthe mistake of buying the lubricant at the dealer could have gotten it a lot cheaper from Summit or other. Also did yours come with the stub for the vent installed. Mine was just taped to the inside of the box. It sems some builders discard the box and the stub with it. I just installed it with a small deep socket and a few light taps with a hammer.
JR

[BadAsp427]

Mine that actually shipped 3 years ago is bone dry inside.

[stevant]

Opened my plugs and I actually had 1 1/2 quarts in there. Shy of full but it had fluid in it. I drained it all and refilled along with the additive. It did come with oil but not enough.

All good now!!!

[slpro1207]

My build last year came full. This years came empty. I didn’t know what fluid came in the first one so I drained it and replaced with the recommended fluid and additive. Better safe than sorry.

[stevant]

I replaced it with 75w140 along with the additive vs the 75w85 that they call for currently. When I drained it the oil was green. It took a little over two quarts and the additive to get it to come out of the fill hole showing it was full. They changed over to the lighter oil due to fuel economy but from talking to the service people at Ford and the research I've done the higher horsepower cars will benefit from the heavier oil. In fact the dealer gave me the 75x140 right away when I told him which rear I had. I spoke with Forte and he agreed to remove the lighter oil and go with the 140 as fuel economy is not my concern. I'm sure both are fine and any true difference debatable. Main thing is I now have oil in my rear……..time to prep for go-karting!

[stevant]

Mine came empty. FYI I mademthe mistake of buying the lubricant at the dealer could have gotten it a lot cheaper from Summit or other. Also did yours come with the stub for the vent installed. Mine was just taped to the inside of the box. It sems some builders discard the box and the stub with it. I just installed it with a small deep socket and a few light taps with a hammer.
JR
For the first time I wanted to use Fords oil especially for the break in. Mine did come with the vent taped to the box also. A few light taps to install does the trick like you said.

[cv2065]

Anyone know what the part number is for the vent stub? I don’t have one.

[rich grsc]

There is no break-in on differential, and you gain 0 benefits from running heavy weight oil in such a light vehicle. Just threw away 2 qts of good oil.

[stevant]

Like I said, it was not even full and to not know exactly what’s in it I’d rather replace it so I know it’s all the same product. As for any new mechanical parts, even though there may not be a break in period, I’ve put rears in cars before and after 1000 miles I’ll drain the oil and put new oil in. That’s my thing I guess. Considering the expense of the overall project I feel more comfortable doing it this way whether opinion feels it’s not necessary.

[jrcuz]

I should have been clearer on where to buy the lubricant. You can get the Ford brand at Summit a lot cheaper than I paid at the dealer.
JR

[stevant]

I should have been clearer on where to buy the lubricant. You can get the Ford brand at Summit a lot cheaper than I paid at the dealer.
JR

That’s good to know!