Ford F-350 Differential Fluid Capacity Chart: 2015-2026 Front & Rear Axle
Ford F350 differential fluid capacity depends on the model year, axle housing, and differential configuration. There is no single number that fits every F-350. For example, Ford’s 2015 specifications list approximately 3.45 US quarts for a 10.5-inch rear axle but 4.25 US quarts for the F-350 Dana M80 rear axle.
Newer Super Duty trucks use different axle families, and an electronic locker or limited-slip differential can change the specified fluid quantity. A four-wheel-drive F-350 also has a separate front differential. Use the chart below to identify a documented configuration, then confirm the axle actually fitted to your truck before buying or adding gear oil.
Ford F-350 / Maintenance reference
Differential Fluid Capacity by Axle
Ford manual entries. Match year, axle, and differential before filling.
Factory Capacity Quick Reference
| Position | Axle / Variant | Fluid amount | Oil grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 F-350 · Ford manual | |||
| Front | 4WD front axle | 2.9 qt 5.8 pints | 80W-90 |
| Rear | 10.5-inch | 3.45 qt 6.9 pints | 75W-140 |
| Rear | Dana M80 | 4.25 qt 8.5 pints | 75W-90 |
| 2017 Super Duty · Online diesel manual* | |||
| Front | Listed 6.7L diesel | 2.7 qt | 80W-90 |
| Rear | 10.5-inch · E-Locker | 3.3–3.5 qt | 75W-85 |
| Rear | 10.5-inch · No E-Locker | 3.5–3.6 qt | 75W-85 |
| Rear | Dana M275 | 3.61 qt | 75W-140 |
| Rear | Dana M300* | 3.78 qt Modifier included if applicable | Check manual* |
| 2026 Super Duty · Model / axle fitment must be confirmed | |||
| Front | 9.25-inch · 4WD | 2.20 qt Includes modifier if limited-slip | 80W-90 |
| Front | 10.08-inch · 4WD | 2.75 qt | 80W-90 |
| Rear | 10.5-inch · E-Locker | 3.3–3.5 qt | 75W-85 |
| Rear | 10.5-inch · No E-Locker | 3.5–3.6 qt | 75W-85 |
| Rear | 10.8-inch · Open | 3.68 qt | 75W-140 |
| Rear | 10.8-inch · Limited-slip | 3.46 qt + 7.06 fl oz modifier | 75W-140 |
| Rear | 11.6-inch · 4.30 ratio | 4.44–4.54 qt | 75W-140 |
| Rear | 11.6-inch · Other listed ratios | 4.33–4.44 qt | 75W-140 |
| Rear | 11.8-inch · SRW E-Locker | 4.05 qt | 75W-140 |
| Rear | 11.8-inch · Open | 4.21 qt | 75W-140 |
| Rear | 11.8-inch · Limited-slip | 3.95 qt + 8.07 fl oz modifier | 75W-140 |
| Rear | 12.4-inch · Limited-slip | 4.65 qt + 9.49 fl oz modifier | 75W-140 |
Match the axle, not just the badge. Super Duty manual entries are not universal F-350 fitment. Verify the axle.
*2017 caution: Printed editions may differ. Confirm Dana M300 oil with your truck’s manual.
Modifier: 9.25-inch front limited-slip includes 4.4 fl oz in 2.20 qt; rear rows list modifier separately.
Source: Ford 2015, 2017 online diesel and 2026 Super Duty manuals. Refill to the specified level.
Ford F350 Differential Fluid Capacity by Year
These figures apply to the specific model years and axle configurations shown, not every F-350 between those years. On 4WD trucks, front and rear differentials require separate service.
| Model Year | Axle and Differential | Fluid Capacity | Gear Oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Front axle, 4WD | 5.8 pt, about 2.9 qt (2.8 L) | SAE 80W-90 |
| 2015 | Rear 10.5-inch | 6.9 pt, about 3.45 qt (3.3 L) | SAE 75W-140 |
| 2015 | Rear Dana M80, F-350 | 8.5 pt, about 4.25 qt (4.0 L) | SAE 75W-90 |
| 2017 | Front axle, listed 6.7L diesel configuration | 2.7 qt (2.6 L) | SAE 80W-90 |
| 2017 | Rear 10.5-inch, E-Locker | 3.3–3.5 qt (3.1–3.3 L) | SAE 75W-85 |
| 2017 | Rear 10.5-inch, without E-Locker | 3.5–3.6 qt (3.3–3.4 L) | SAE 75W-85 |
| 2017 | Rear Dana M275, online manual | 3.61 qt (3.42 L) | SAE 75W-140 |
| 2017 | Rear Dana M300, online manual | 3.78 qt (3.58 L), including required modifier if limited-slip | SAE 80W-90 |
| 2026 | Front 9.25-inch, 4WD | 2.20 qt (2.08 L) | SAE 80W-90 |
| 2026 | Front 10.08-inch, 4WD | 2.75 qt (2.6 L) | SAE 80W-90 |
| 2026 | Rear 10.5-inch, E-Locker | 3.3–3.5 qt (3.1–3.3 L) | SAE 75W-85 |
| 2026 | Rear 10.5-inch, without E-Locker | 3.5–3.6 qt (3.3–3.4 L) | SAE 75W-85 |
| 2026 | Rear 10.8-inch, open | 3.68 qt (3.48 L) | SAE 75W-140 |
| 2026 | Rear 10.8-inch, limited-slip | 3.46 qt oil + 7.06 fl oz modifier | SAE 75W-140 |
| 2026 | Rear 11.6-inch, 4.30 ratio | 4.44–4.54 qt (4.2–4.3 L) | SAE 75W-140 |
| 2026 | Rear 11.6-inch, 3.31/3.55/3.73 ratios | 4.33–4.44 qt (4.1–4.2 L) | SAE 75W-140 |
| 2026 | Rear 11.8-inch, SRW E-Locker | 4.05 qt (3.83 L) | SAE 75W-140 |
| 2026 | Rear 11.8-inch, open | 4.21 qt (3.98 L) | SAE 75W-140 |
| 2026 | Rear 11.8-inch, limited-slip | 3.95 qt oil + 8.07 fl oz modifier | SAE 75W-140 |
| 2026 | Rear 12.4-inch, limited-slip | 4.65 qt oil + 9.49 fl oz modifier | SAE 75W-140 |
How to use this chart: Treat each row as an axle-specific factory reference, not as proof that the axle is installed on your F-350. Ford’s Super Duty manual also covers other trucks and chassis-cab variants. Identify your actual axle, model year, pickup or chassis-cab configuration, and differential type first. The 2017 values above reflect the Ford online manual; earlier printed editions give different Dana M275/M300 figures, making the manual supplied with your truck especially important.
For a quick comparison across the Super Duty lineup, our F250 differential fluid capacity guide covers related axle specifications. Do not assume an F-250 and F-350 have the same rear axle simply because they share a model year.
How to Identify Your F350 Differential Before Refilling
The axle code on the driver’s door certification label is the best starting point for identifying the original rear differential. A code alone may not establish the housing fitted today, especially if a previous owner swapped the axle.
- Find the AXLE field. Open the driver’s door and locate the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the door-latch pillar. Record the code beside
AXLE. - Decode it for the correct year. Match the code against your truck’s year and model in the Ford axle code chart. Codes can be reused, so a code from a different generation is not a reliable match.
- Check the physical housing. Look for an axle identification tag or assembly markings. Confirm rear-wheel configuration, electronic locking or limited-slip equipment, and whether the cover or complete axle has been replaced.
Find the Factory Axle Code
Photograph the label to reference the factory ratio and differential equipment.
Confirm the Installed Axle Housing
SRW means one rear wheel per side; DRW means two. Wheel count does not identify axle size. Confirm the housing.
Match the Correct Ford Manual
Look up the exact model year, engine, and pickup or chassis-cab manual. 3.55 or 4.30 is a gear ratio, not an oil capacity. Our F350 gear ratio chart explains the year-specific ratio options.
What 2015 F350 Axles Need From Ford
Older Super Duty trucks cannot be covered by a single 1999–2016 capacity figure. The examples below are verified 2015 specifications. For a 1999, 2003, 2008, or other year, check that year’s manual rather than extending the 2015 figures backward.
Sterling 10.5 Rear Axle
For the 2015 10.5-inch rear axle, Ford lists 6.9 pints, equivalent to about 3.45 US quarts, and specifies SAE 75W-140 synthetic rear axle lubricant meeting WSL-M2C192-A. This entry applies to the listed F-250/F-350 rear axle configuration, not every older F-350.
Dana M80 Rear Axle
The 2015 F-350 Dana M80 takes 8.5 pints, or about 4.25 US quarts, of SAE 75W-90 synthetic rear axle lubricant meeting WSS-M2C918-A. That is roughly 0.8 quart more than the 2015 10.5-inch axle. Identify the axle before selecting oil.
Older Front Axle Specifications
The same 2015 manual lists 5.8 pints, approximately 2.9 US quarts, for the front axle, using SAE 80W-90 meeting WSP-M2C197-A. This quantity applies only to trucks equipped with the applicable front driven axle.
These quantities and Ford specification numbers are documented in the 2015 Super Duty technical specifications.
How 2017 to 2026 F350 Rear Axles Differ
Ford’s newer Super Duty lineup includes several rear axle families. The 2017 and 2026 examples are particularly useful because they show why the same F-350 name can be associated with different fluid capacities.
2017 Super Duty Axle Options
The Ford online 2017 diesel specifications list the 10.5-inch E-Locker at 3.3–3.5 quarts and the non-E-Locker at 3.5–3.6 quarts. The same online version lists a Dana M275 at 3.61 quarts and Dana M300 at 3.78 quarts.
An important source difference exists for 2017: early printed Ford manual editions show higher Dana M275 and M300 quantities than the later online display. If you own a 2017 truck, verify the manual edition and current Ford service information for its specific axle before filling. The 2017 Super Duty diesel capacity reference provides the online figures used above.
Modern 10.5 and 10.8 Axles
In Ford’s 2026 specifications, the 10.5-inch axle still has separate E-Locker and non-E-Locker quantity ranges. The 10.8-inch open differential has a published 3.68-quart oil capacity. A 10.8-inch limited-slip entry instead calls for 3.46 quarts of gear oil plus 7.06 fluid ounces of modifier for a complete refill.
The modifier occupies space; it is not another full quart.
Heavy Duty Rear Axle Configurations
Ford’s 2026 Super Duty specifications also list 11.6-inch, 11.8-inch, and 12.4-inch rear axles. For example, the 11.6-inch rear axle takes 4.44–4.54 quarts with a 4.30 final-drive ratio, compared with 4.33–4.44 quarts for its other listed ratios.
The 11.8-inch SRW electronic-locking configuration is listed at 4.05 quarts. These figures do not apply to every dually or chassis cab. Check the axle and Ford’s 2026 rear axle fluid specifications for the complete configuration-specific list.
How F350 Front Differential Capacity Changes by Axle
A 4WD F-350 requires a separate front axle oil check. Rear axle capacity says nothing about the quantity needed at the front, and two front axle sizes can appear in the same Super Duty manual.
Ford’s 2026 specifications list a 9.25-inch front axle at 2.20 quarts and a 10.08-inch front axle at 2.75 quarts. Both use SAE 80W-90 gear oil meeting WSP-M2C197-A. The front 9.25-inch limited-slip version also has a specific friction-modifier requirement.
For that limited-slip 9.25-inch axle, Ford specifies 4.4 fluid ounces of XL-3 modifier included within the total 2.20-quart volume. It is not 2.20 quarts of oil plus another 4.4 ounces. Check the 2026 front axle fluid specifications against the installed front axle.
Which Gear Oil Specification Fits Your F350 Axle
Ford specifies different viscosities and material standards across axle families.
| Documented Example | Gear Oil | Ford Material Specification |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 front axle | SAE 80W-90 | WSP-M2C197-A |
| 2015 rear 10.5-inch | SAE 75W-140 | WSL-M2C192-A |
| 2015 rear Dana M80 | SAE 75W-90 | WSS-M2C918-A |
| 2017 rear 10.5-inch | SAE 75W-85 | WSS-M2C942-A |
| 2017 rear Dana M275 | SAE 75W-140 | WSL-M2C192-A |
| 2026 rear 10.5-inch | SAE 75W-85 | WSS-M2C942-A |
| 2026 rear 10.8-, 11.6-, 11.8- or 12.4-inch | SAE 75W-140 | WSL-M2C192-A |
The year matters. A 2015 rear 10.5-inch axle and a 2026 rear 10.5-inch axle do not carry the same listed viscosity. Likewise, 75W-140 is not a universal substitute for 75W-85 or 80W-90.
Check both the SAE grade and the Ford material specification on any replacement product. An oil bottle with a familiar viscosity number does not, by itself, confirm that it meets the required Ford specification.
When Ford F350 Limited Slip Axles Need Modifier
Open, limited-slip, and electronic-locking axles have different lubrication requirements. Do not automatically add friction modifier.
In the 2017 online diesel reference, a limited-slip Dana M300 complete refill calls for 7.1 fluid ounces of XL-3 or equivalent, included in the stated 3.78-quart total volume. For 2026, Ford lists 7.06 fluid ounces with the 10.8-inch limited-slip rear axle, and 8.07 fluid ounces with the 11.8-inch limited-slip rear axle. The specified modifier meets EST-M2C118-A.
Distinguish between entries that state an overall volume including additive and entries that state gear oil plus a separate modifier amount. Additive instructions differ, so read the exact footnote rather than using one formula for every axle.
How to Check F350 Differential Fluid Fill Level
Published capacity helps plan the purchase, but the actual refill must follow the axle-specific level procedure.
- Park securely on level ground. Set the parking brake, prevent the truck from rolling, and use properly rated support equipment if additional clearance is necessary. Never rely on a jack alone.
- Locate and loosen the fill plug first. Confirm you can open the housing for refilling before draining it. Our rear differential fill plug location guide explains typical positions and access considerations.
- Drain using the correct procedure. Some axle assemblies have a drain plug; others require another approved method. Follow the service instructions for your model year and axle.
- Add the specified lubricant gradually. Include friction modifier only where required. Keep the vehicle level and observe the manufacturer-specified fill reference, which may be at or below the fill-hole edge depending on the axle.
- Close and inspect. Install plugs or covers with the correct axle-specific sealing method and torque specifications from Ford service information. Check for leaks after servicing.
Do not force in the published capacity after the axle reaches its specified level. If the housing has an aftermarket deep cover or replacement axle, confirm the modified assembly’s fill instructions rather than assuming its capacity equals the factory number.
4 F350 Differential Fluid Capacity Mistakes to Avoid
- Copying an F-250 number. Some F-250 and F-350 configurations share axle specifications, but the installed axle still decides the correct quantity.
- Treating every dually alike. DRW is a wheel arrangement, not a differential part number. Verify the axle housing and ratio.
- Using the wrong year’s oil grade. The 2015 and 2026 examples show different gear-oil requirements for a 10.5-inch axle.
- Ignoring modifier volume. Certain Ford figures include modifier in the total fill, while other rows list oil and modifier separately. Always read the footnote.
Check these before servicing.
Which F350 Differential Capacity Should You Use
The correct Ford F350 differential fluid capacity is specified for your model year and installed axle. The 2015 Dana M80, 2017 Dana M275, and 2026 11.8-inch E-Locker are not interchangeable references.
Start with the driver’s door AXLE code, then confirm the actual housing, differential type, and SRW or DRW configuration. Use the matching Ford manual to check the fluid quantity, SAE viscosity, Ford material specification, and any limited-slip modifier footnote.
Before draining the old oil, make sure the fill plug opens. During refilling, follow the specified fluid level instead of pouring in a fixed amount simply because that is what the chart shows.
Ford F350 Differential Fluid Capacity Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Quarts of Differential Fluid Does a Ford F350 Take?
There is no single F-350 capacity. For example, Ford’s 2015 specifications give about 3.45 quarts for the 10.5-inch rear axle and about 4.25 quarts for the Dana M80. Newer axle configurations have different quantities, so identify the year and housing first.
How Much Fluid Does an F350 Dually Rear Differential Hold?
An F-350 dually does not have one standard rear differential fluid capacity. For 2026, Ford lists several heavy-duty rear axle configurations, including 11.6-inch and 11.8-inch units with different fills. Decode the truck’s axle and consult the exact configuration before purchasing fluid.
What Fluid Goes in a Ford F350 Front Differential?
It depends on the year and front axle. Ford specifies SAE 80W-90 meeting WSP-M2C197-A for the listed 2015 and 2026 front axles. The 2026 9.25-inch axle holds 2.20 quarts; the 10.08-inch axle holds 2.75 quarts.
Does a Ford F350 Limited Slip Differential Need Friction Modifier?
Some do. Ford specifies XL-3 friction modifier for particular limited-slip axles, including the 2026 9.25-inch limited-slip front and 10.8-inch limited-slip rear configurations. The required amount and whether it is included in the total capacity depend on that axle’s official footnote.
Can I Use 75W-140 in Every Ford F350 Differential?
No. Ford specifies SAE 75W-85 for the listed 2026 rear 10.5-inch axle and SAE 80W-90 for its listed front axles. Use the oil that meets the exact year- and axle-specific Ford standard, not a substitute selected only by viscosity.
