This is a quick maintenance guide for the 1988-1996 Ford F-150, and 1988-98 F-250, and F-350 (not including new style 1997-98 F-250) pickup trucks, which is taken directly from Haynes manual 36058.
Most of these recommended routine maintenance tasks you can do yourself at home for practically no money, as long as you have a few simple tools and the time to invest. If you need more guidance, or even step by step instructions and a video demonstration, get the online manual, or our traditional printed manual.
Oil Change
| Oil type | API “certified for gasoline engines” |
| Oil viscosity | SAE 5w-30 all temperatures |
| SAE 10w-30 temperatures above 0 degrees F | |
| Oil capacity(including filter) | 6.0 quarts |
| Recommended fastener torque | |
| Engine oil drain plug | 15-20 ft-lbs |
Transmission Fluid Change
| Automatic transmission fluid type | |
| C4, C6, AOD | |
| 1981 on | MERCON |
| C5 | Type H |
| E4OD and 4R7OW | MERCON |
| Manual transmission lubricant | |
| 1988-1992 4-speed | SAE 80W gear lube |
| 1993 on 4-speed and 5-speed | MERCON |
| Automatic transmission (total capacity with toque convertor) | |
| C4 | 9.6 to 10.0 qts |
| C5 | 11.0 qts |
| C6 | 11.7 to 13.5 qts |
| AOD | 12.0 qts |
| E4OD | 16.2 to 17.7 qts |
| 4R7OW | Up to 14 qts |
| Note: This is a dry-fill specification so the amount for a routine fluid change will be substantially less. Determine the amount of fluid to add by measuring the amount drained, initially add 1/3 of that amount. Then, with the engine running, add 1/2-pint at a time (shifting through each gear position between additions) until the level is correct. It is important to not overfill the transmission. | |
| Manual transmission | |
| Ford 3-speed | 3.5 pints |
| Ford 4-speed overdrive and single-rail overdrive | 4.5 pints |
| New Process 435 4-speed with extension | 7.0 pints |
| New Process 435 4-speed without extension | 6.5 pints |
| Warner T-18, T18B and T19B 4-speed | 7.0 pints |
| Mazda M5 OD 5-speed | 7.6 pints |
| ZF S5-42 and ZF S5-47 5-speeds | 6.8 pints |
| Note: All capacities approximate. Add as necessary to bring to appropriate level. | |
| Recommended fastener torque | |
| Automatic transmission pan bolts | 120 to 168 in-lbs |
| Automatic transmission converter drain plug | |
| C4 | 15 to 26 ft-lbs |
| C5 | 12 to 17 ft-lbs |
| AOD and C6 | 8 to 28 ft-lbs |
| E4OD | 18 to 20 ft-lbs |
| Automatic transmission filter screen-to-main body bolts | |
| C4 and C6 | 40 to 55 in-lbs |
| C5 | 25 to 40 in-lbs |
| AOD | 80 to 100 in-lbs |
| Manual transmission drain and fill plugs | |
| New Process 435 | 25 to 35 ft-lbs |
| Borg-Warner 4-speed (all) | 25 to 40 ft-lbs |
| Mazda M5 OD 5-speed | 29 to 43 ft-lbs |
| ZF S5-42 5-speed | 37 ft-lbs |
| ZF S5-47 5-speed | 44 ft-lbs |
| All others | 10 to 20 ft-lbs |
Transfer Case and Differential Fluid Change
| Transfer case lube type | MERCON |
| Differential lubricant type* | |
| Ford rear axles (conventional and limited slip) | Hypoid gear lubricant |
| Dana rear axles (conventional and limited slip) | Hypoid gear lubricant |
| Dana front axles | Gear oil |
| *Add friction modifier to limited slip differentials - four ounces for 8.8 inch and Dana limited slip differentials, eight ounces for 10.5 inch differentials. | |
| Transfer case capacity | |
| New Process 2-speed part-time | 6.0 to 6.5 pints |
| Warner 13-45 full-time | 6.0 to 6.5 pints |
| Borg Warner 13-56 manual and electronic shift | 2.0 U.S. pints |
| Borg Warner 13-56 with PTO | 6.1 U.S. pints |
| Borg Warner 44-07 | 2 US pints |
| Differential capacity | |
| Ford 8.8 and 9.0 | 5.5 U.S. pints |
| Ford 10.25 | |
| 1989 and earlier | 7.5 U.S. pints |
| 1990 and later w/Limited Slip Differential** | 6.5 U.S. pints |
| Dana 44 IFS, IFS HD and 50 IFS - front | 3.6 to 4.0 U.S. pints |
| Dana 60 - front | 6.0 U.S. pints |
| Dana 60, 60-5, 61-1, 61-2 and 62 | 6.0 U.S. pints |
| Dana 70 | 6.5 U.S. pints |
| Dana 70 HD | 6.0 to 7.5 U.S. pints |
| Note: Capacity includes any friction additives as noted for Ford Traction-Lok and Dana limited slip axles. Capacities given in the chart are approximate dry capacities, the fill plug level height should be used to determine actual fluid requirements. | |
| Recommended fastener torque | |
| Transfer case drain and fill plugs | |
| New Process 208 | 30 to 40 ft-lbs |
| Borg-Warner 13-45 | 14 to 22 ft-lbs |
| Borg-Warner 13-56 | 14 to 22 ft-lbs |
| Borg Warner 44-07 | 7 to 17 ft-lbs |
| Differential fill plug | |
| Conventional | 15 to 30 ft-lbs |
| Dana | 20 to 30 ft-lbs |
Cooling System Flush and Fill
| Engine coolant type | 50/50 mixture of Ethylene-glycol based antifreeze and water |
| Cooling system capacity | |
| Inline six-cylinder engines | 14 qts |
| 232 cu in V6 engines | 12 qts |
| 255 and 302 cu in engines | 14 qts |
| 351 and 400 cu in engines | 16 qts |
| 460 cu in engines | 17.5 qts |
| ** Cooling system capacities vary depending on engine/transmission package, radiator and A/C system type. Add coolant as necessary to bring to appropriate level. | |
Other Miscellaneous Fluid Types
| Brake fluid type | DOT 3 brake fluid |
| Clutch fluid type | DOT 3 brake fluid |
| Power steering fluid | |
| 1988-1995 | Type F ATF |
| 1996 and on | MERCON |
Other Miscellaneous Torque Specs
| Spark plug | |
| 4.9L engine | 17 to 22 ft-lbs |
| 7.5L engine | 72 to 120 in-lbs |
| All others | 10 to 15 ft-lbs |
| Wheel lug nuts | |
| 1/2-inch nut | 100 ft-lbs |
| 9/16-inch nut (single rear wheels) | 145 ft-lbs |
| 9/16-inch nut (dual rear wheels, standard lug nut) | 220 ft-lbs |
| 9/16-inch nut (dual rear wheels, swivel lug nut) | 145 ft-lbs |
| Brakes | |
| Key retaining bolt (light duty) | 12 to 20 ft-lbs |
| Key retaining bolt (heavy duty) | 14 to 22 ft-lbs |
| Anchor plate-to-spindle | 74 to 102 ft-lbs |
| Caliper anchor bracket bolts (pin slider type) | 141 to 191 ft-lbs |
| Caliper mounting bolts (pin slider type) | 22 to 26 ft-lbs |
Maintenance Schedule
The following intervals are based on the assumption that you will be doing the service work yourself, as opposed to paying to have the work done. These are our recommended minimum maintenance intervals for vehicles that are driven daily, and in many cases are shorter than the factory’s recommendations. Because frequent maintenance enhances the efficiency, performance and resale value of your Jeep, we encourage you to follow our schedule. If you drive in dusty areas, tow a trailer, idle or drive at low speeds for extended periods, or drive for short periods (less than four miles at a time) in below freezing temperatures, even smaller intervals are recommended.
When the vehicle is new, follow the maintenance schedule to the letter, record it in your owner’s manual and keep all receipts to protect the warranty and resale value. In many cases the initial maintenance check is done by the dealer at no cost (check with the service department when you buy the truck for more information).
Normal driving conditions
Every 250 miles or weekly, whichever comes first
- Fluid level checks
- Tire and tire pressure checks
Every 3000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first
All items listed above plus . . .
- Check the power steering fluid level
- Check the automatic transmission fluid level
- Change the engine oil and oil filter
7500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first
All items listed above plus . . .
- Wheel inspection and lug nut torque check
- Battery check, maintenance and charging
- Underhood hose check and replacement
- Drivebelt check, adjustment and replacement
- Lubrication - driveline, steering and chassis
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first
All items listed above plus . . .
- Fuel system check
- Cooling system check
- Wheel removal and tire rotation
- Windshield wipers - inspection and blade replacement
- Brake check
- Suspension and steering - inspection
- Exhaust system check
- Clutch hydraulic linkage check
- Driveline fluid level checks
- Replace fuel filter
- Clutch linkage adjustment - early models
- Automatic transmission - band adjustment
Every 30,000 miles or 30 months, whichever comes first
All items listed above plus . . .
- Spark plug replacement
- Spark plug wire, distributor cap and rotor check and replacement
- Cooling system servicing, draining, flushing and refilling
- Air filter - inspection and replacement
- PCV valve and filter - inspection and replacement
- Wheel bearings - check, repack and adjustment
- Front spindle/knuckle needle bearing (4x4) - check and repack
- Front locking hubs (4X4) - lubricant check and repack
Every 60,000 miles
- Manual transmission - oil change
- Transfer case - oil change
- Automatic transmission - fluid change
- Evaporative emissions system - inspection
Every 100,000 miles
- Differential(s) - lubricant change
Severe driving conditions
Every 1000 miles
- Lubrication - driveline, steering and chassis
- Brake check
- Check axle lube for contamination (if submerged in water)
- Wheel bearings - check, repack and adjustment
Every 3000 miles or 3 months
- Change the engine oil and filter
- Replace air filter (dusty conditions only)
- Change rear axle lubricant (heavy duty axles only
Every 30,000 miles or 30 months
- Manual transmission - oil change
- Transfer case - oil change
- Automatic transmission - fluid change
Severe conditions include the following. If your vehicle is operated mostly under severe conditions, perform these maintenance tasks at the more frequent intervals specified:
- Operating in dusty areas (dirt roads, or off-road)
- Idling for extended periods and/or low speed operation
- Mostly short trips (less than 4 miles) when outside temperatures remain below freezing
- In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature is regularly above 90-degrees F (32-degrees C)
- In hilly or mountainous terrain
- Frequent trailer towing
- Frequent off road use or if the vehicle is driven through water