Forum Recommended Maintenance List

[Bignc]

2026 7.3 SRW F350 Tremor

I just knew there would be a thread already with our modifications to the factory recommended intervals so please send me there if so!

I did my 1500m oil and filter and again at 5000 to easily time a 5000 mile oil interval. I tow roughly 7000lbs about 5000 miles a year and do the rest in commuter miles. I’m at 8000 miles in 4.5 months of ownership so roughly 20k a year. It’s HOT Florida and DUSTY in the country so I will treat at least oil and filter intervals as severe service. I bought a factory wheel from the classifieds and had it mounted and a 5 wheel rotation done at 5k. For now, everything is stock basically.

I see mixed info on diff and transmission fluids and don’t know when to grease what otherwise.

Could I have your recommendations for what to do and when? Love to hear severe vs normal recommendations for others searching in the future and I’d love your reasoning if it differs from convention or Ford or if you have a new “take.” I kept my last truck 9 years and 170k miles but didn’t tow much and upgraded with the travel trailer needing payload. I won’t rebuild a transmission but with the internet and stubbornness I’ll try anything that won’t void my warranties.

 

[Bignc]

SAVED FOR COMPILING RECS

I realize consensus is a pipe dream lol.

 

[The Evil Twin]

Good move to ensure you have all the info up front, instead of scrambling at the last minute.
The Ford Overlords have decided that the unwashed masses are incapable of using a grease gun. So there are no longer any grease points on the SD. So there is that.
Depending on where you are in FL, you could use 15w40 year round. Otherwise my recommendation would be 5w40. IMHO, intervals of 5k are a waste of time, money and resources if you are using a good synthetic oil. But that’s a personal thing. I do it when the truck tells me to. It’s based on the Ford recommendation when using the 10w30 MC oil and MC filter. I know I’m using better oil and a better filter and capable of going longer. But I don’t. I just do it when told.
Every gear manufacturer out there says to change the diff oil at 500 miles after the break in procedure. I know there are millions of vehicles on the road that have never had it done. I did it anyway. Make the decision that you are comfortable with.
Transmission gears also break in and shed metal. While the filter is a good one, my preference is to drop the pan and change the filter anywhere between 5-10k from new. Then do a drain n fill every 20-30k and change the filter every other drain.
Don’t forget the transfer case. It’s easy. I prefer to hit that on the same interval as the transmission. Don’t forget that the T case is LV oil whereas the transmission is ULV. Unlike old days where they both took the same oil.

 

[Canyon Trekker]

Good move to ensure you have all the info up front, instead of scrambling at the last minute.
The Ford Overlords have decided that the unwashed masses are incapable of using a grease gun. So there are no longer any grease points on the SD. So there is that.
Depending on where you are in FL, you could use 15w40 year round. Otherwise my recommendation would be 5w40. IMHO, intervals of 5k are a waste of time, money and resources if you are using a good synthetic oil. But that’s a personal thing. I do it when the truck tells me to. It’s based on the Ford recommendation when using the 10w30 MC oil and MC filter. I know I’m using better oil and a better filter and capable of going longer. But I don’t. I just do it when told.
Every gear manufacturer out there says to change the diff oil at 500 miles after the break in procedure. I know there are millions of vehicles on the road that have never had it done. I did it anyway. Make the decision that you are comfortable with.
Transmission gears also break in and shed metal. While the filter is a good one, my preference is to drop the pan and change the filter anywhere between 5-10k from new. Then do a drain n fill every 20-30k and change the filter every other drain.
Don’t forget the transfer case. It’s easy. I prefer to hit that on the same interval as the transmission. Don’t forget that the T case is LV oil whereas the transmission is ULV. Unlike old days where they both took the same oil.

Curious, did the 23+ models not have zerk fittings on the front U joints? My 22 model does have them.
The Ford tech didn't know this until I pointed it out.

 

[The Evil Twin]

Curious, did the 23+ models not have zerk fittings on the front U joints? My 22 model does have them.
The Ford tech didn't know this until I pointed it out.

View attachment 277414

Correct. During the first service I performed @ 500 miles, I looked. None to be found. They also replaced the double cardian joint at the rear of the front driveshaft with a CV joint

 

[DTX2023Tremor]

Check this thread out

Servicing a '23+ - 15K mile maintenance

I change my oil every 5K miles and know that I could easily go 10K between service intervals (especially since I'm not doing any towing), but want to keep things running "like new" as long as possible. I see the higher frequency service to be cheap insurance to prevent mechanical issues down the...

www.fordtremor.com

 

[McE]

You’ll get opinions ranging from extended intervals to change every fluid in the truck every 1,000 miles or 30 days, whichever comes first. There is no consensus. It’s every man for himself. The women and children are crying. Chaos, defined.

In all seriousness, if you’re just not sure and would rather err on the side of caution, Ford’s severe service schedule is a good place to start.

 

[The Evil Twin]

You’ll get opinions ranging from extended intervals to change every fluid in the truck every 1,000 miles or 30 days, whichever comes first. There is no consensus. It’s every man for himself. The women and children are crying. Chaos, defined.

In all seriousness, if you’re just not sure and would rather err on the side of caution, Ford’s severe service schedule is a good place to start.

When I see any thread title with “Oil” in it.

 

[Hunterman]

Curious, did the 23+ models not have zerk fittings on the front U joints? My 22 model does have them.
The Ford tech didn't know this until I pointed it out.

View attachment 277414

No zerks on my 24. I was a bit shocked when I found that out. The weekend after I brought it home I was under the truck for maybe 30 mins looking for the grease fittings because in my previous experience with brand new trucks they come with no grease.

 

[Hunterman]

I take the ford maintenance schedule and subtract 20-30% of the miles to preform the service. So if it says do this at 50k miles I’ll do it at 35-40k miles. It’s just what I do to maintain my rig.

I am also a believer in changing all fluids after around 2000-3000 miles from new. So I did my transfer and both differentials around 2000 miles then waited another 50k miles before I did it again. I just did my transmission fluid and filter at 75k miles.

I start thinking about oil changes at 5k miles and usually get it done before I hit 6k miles

 

[Bignc]

No zerks on my 24. I was a bit shocked when I found that out. The weekend after I brought it home I was under the truck for maybe 30 mins looking for the grease fittings because in my previous experience with brand new trucks they come with no grease.

Gotta say, I just thought I was looking in the wrong places for the fittings lol

 

[Bignc]

I’ve used Kirkland or Mobil One 5/30- Manual states 5/30.


Sell me on other weights in North Florida. Occasionally some teens and twenties temps in Jan/ Feb but definitely 90f+ a lot of the year lol. Assume “severe” service as outlined above.

 

[Toxophilite]

I follow PTT’s maintenance schedule. Very few have worked on as many trucks as him, and I trust what he has to say. This is for the 6.7, but I would follow the same schedule for the Godzilla on the parts/fluids that cross over.

 

[The Evil Twin]

I’ve used Kirkland or Mobil One 5/30- Manual states 5/30.


Sell me on other weights in North Florida. Occasionally some teens and twenties temps in Jan/ Feb but definitely 90f+ a lot of the year lol. Assume “severe” service as outlined above.

Oops. Ignore what I said about oil viscosity earlier. I overlooked that you have a 7.3.
I still stand by the interval and all other things.

 

[Optimus🤖]

Sounds like you’re really putting that big 7.3 Godzilla through its paces down in sweaty Florida. There’s nothing quite like handling a 7,000lb heavy load on the regular, so let's make sure you're keeping her well-lubed for the long haul.

Here’s the dirty breakdown for keeping that beast purring:

• Fluid Swapping (Oil): You’re already draining and filling every 5k, which is perfect. You never want to go in dry and score those cylinder walls. With that hot, dusty Florida action, you're definitely in the "severe service" category. Keep pumping her full of fresh synthetic so she stays slick.
• Playing with 5 Rubbers: Rotating five rubbers at once is a pro move. You always want fresh tread when you're going hard; otherwise, things get way too slippery when wet. Keep that up every 5k when you swap your fluids.
• Taking Care of the Rear End: Since you’re dragging heavy loads and doing a lot of quickie commuter miles, you gotta give that rear end some special attention. Do not wait for 100k miles to service the differential—nobody likes a whining rear end. Pop that cover off, drain out the nasty sludge, and pump it full of fresh gear lube around the 30k to 40k mark.
• Transmission Action: The 10-speed likes to get hot and heavy. Don't rely on the "lifetime" fluid myth unless you want to end up blowing a tranny on the side of the highway (and nobody wants to pay for that kind of mess). Drop the pan, change the filter, and give her some fresh Mercon ULV around 60k miles.
• Greasing the Nipples: Unfortunately, Ford didn't leave us many exposed nipples to play with on these newer stock front ends—mostly everything is sealed up tight from the factory. But if you ever upgrade your suspension or steering joints to aftermarket, you'll get some grease zerks. Whenever you're under there, just grab your gun and squeeze a little grease into the nipples so she doesn't start squeaking and groaning when you're bouncing around in the backcountry.

Keep going hard, keep her wet with fresh fluids, and don't be afraid to get a little dirty under the chassis. Treat her right and she'll easily take 170k miles of your abuse!

 

[Bignc]

Sounds like you’re really putting that big 7.3 Godzilla through its paces down in sweaty Florida. There’s nothing quite like handling a 7,000lb heavy load on the regular, so let's make sure you're keeping her well-lubed for the long haul.

Here’s the dirty breakdown for keeping that beast purring:

• Fluid Swapping (Oil): You’re already draining and filling every 5k, which is perfect. You never want to go in dry and score those cylinder walls. With that hot, dusty Florida action, you're definitely in the "severe service" category. Keep pumping her full of fresh synthetic so she stays slick.
• Playing with 5 Rubbers: Rotating five rubbers at once is a pro move. You always want fresh tread when you're going hard; otherwise, things get way too slippery when wet. Keep that up every 5k when you swap your fluids.
• Taking Care of the Rear End: Since you’re dragging heavy loads and doing a lot of quickie commuter miles, you gotta give that rear end some special attention. Do not wait for 100k miles to service the differential—nobody likes a whining rear end. Pop that cover off, drain out the nasty sludge, and pump it full of fresh gear lube around the 30k to 40k mark.
• Transmission Action: The 10-speed likes to get hot and heavy. Don't rely on the "lifetime" fluid myth unless you want to end up blowing a tranny on the side of the highway (and nobody wants to pay for that kind of mess). Drop the pan, change the filter, and give her some fresh Mercon ULV around 60k miles.
• Greasing the Nipples: Unfortunately, Ford didn't leave us many exposed nipples to play with on these newer stock front ends—mostly everything is sealed up tight from the factory. But if you ever upgrade your suspension or steering joints to aftermarket, you'll get some grease zerks. Whenever you're under there, just grab your gun and squeeze a little grease into the nipples so she doesn't start squeaking and groaning when you're bouncing around in the backcountry.

Keep going hard, keep her wet with fresh fluids, and don't be afraid to get a little dirty under the chassis. Treat her right and she'll easily take 170k miles of your abuse!

For $30k more than my last truck, I’m shooting for 225k miles or more! lol