2011-2014 Ford 6.7L Powerstroke Axle & Driveline Parts

Axles and driveline on the 2011-2014 Ford 6.7L Powerstroke

These trucks put a lot of torque through the rear end. The 6.7L Powerstroke launched at 390 hp and 735 lb-ft, and after Ford's recalibration, with a free PCM reflash for early trucks, it made 400 hp and 800 lb-ft in pickups. All of it goes through the 6R140 TorqShift six-speed, the only transmission offered with this engine, and lands on one of two rear axles. F-250 and single-rear-wheel F-350 trucks use a Sterling 10.5-inch, 35-spline rear with a conventional, limited-slip or electronic locking differential. F-350 duallies and 2011-2014 F-450 pickups use a Dana 80. Four-wheel-drive trucks add a Dana Super 60 front axle with unitized hubs, hublocks and a 10-bolt cover. The electronic locker was a new option for 2011 on F-250 and SRW F-350 4x4 trucks with the Sterling axle.

Gearing matters if you tow. Diesel trucks came with 3.31, 3.55, 3.73 or 4.30 ratios. Ford's 2014 towing guide pairs 3.31 and 3.55 with a 23,500 lb GCWR on SRW trucks, 3.73 with 30,500 lb on duallies, and 4.30 with 33,000 lb on the F-450.

What wears out and why

Old gear oil is the main thing that wears out a Sterling 10.5 on a truck that tows. Service data puts the rear differential fluid change at 100,000 miles under normal use and 50,000 miles under severe service. Trucks that skip it start to whine, and limited-slip axles can develop clutch chatter.

Up front on 4x4 trucks, the unitized hub and wheel bearings and the axle u-joints wear. Many owners report it past 100,000 miles. Listen for a hum or growl that changes with load, feel for play at the wheel, and watch for ABS codes. Hub assemblies are not part of this collection, and any Super 60 service kit you buy should be matched to the BOM number on the front diff-cover tag.

Stock replacement vs. upgrade

If the factory cover is sound, a fresh MAHLE gasket and the correct gear oil make a complete service. Choose an aftermarket cover when the factory one is damaged or when you would rather run a heavy-duty cast aluminum piece. Gear oil is grade first and brand second: published service data lists 75W-140 synthetic for the rear and 80W-90 for the front, so start there. If you want more traction than the factory setup gives you, the SPE Motorsport Full Lock Differential Kit is listed for 2011-2019 6.7L trucks.

What we carry

• Rear covers: PPE Sterling 10.25/10.5 12-bolt cast aluminum, Mag-Hytec F12-10.25 and 10.5 plus a Dana 80 cover for the F-350, SPE Motorsport Sterling 10.25/10.5 for SRW trucks, BD Diesel 1061830 for SRW Super Duty, and the AFE 46-70022 Street Series cover.
• Front covers: PPE Dana 50/60 10-bolt, Mag-Hytec 60-FF and SPE Motorsport Dana 60 covers for 4x4 trucks.
• Gaskets and hardware: MAHLE differential cover gaskets (P32716, P18562, P38163TC and P38155TC) and an ATS Diesel Performance drain plug that fits ATS pans and covers.
• Gear oil and additives: Lucas Oil synthetic and heavy-duty grades, Hot Shot's Secret ADRENALINE and Blue Diamond synthetics, Royal Purple Max-Gear 75W-140 and Motorcraft XL-3 Additive Friction Modifier.
• Traction: the SPE Motorsport Full Lock Differential Kit.

Fitment notes

Match the part to the axle, not just the model name. Sterling covers belong on F-250 and SRW F-350 trucks. Dana 80 covers belong on F-350 duallies and 2011-2014 F-450 pickups; the F-450 pickup moved to a Dana S110 for 2015, and F-450 chassis cabs used the S110 the whole time. Front covers only apply to 4x4 trucks, because 4x2 trucks ride on Twin-I-Beam front suspension. To confirm a Super 60, look for the BOM tag on the 10-bolt cover (roughly 12 in by 11-1/16 in), a white decal on the right axle tube, and a BOM number that starts with 2. When in doubt, verify by VIN before you order.

Frequently asked questions

Which rear axle is under my 2011-2014 F-250 or F-350?

F-250 and single-rear-wheel F-350 trucks use the Sterling 10.5-inch, 35-spline rear. F-350 duallies use a Dana 80, and so do 2011-2014 F-450 pickups. Your VIN build data will confirm it before you buy a cover.

What gear oil does the rear differential take?

Published service data lists 75W-140 synthetic for the rear, about 3.3 to 3.6 quarts, though capacity varies by axle. The Super 60 front takes 80W-90, about 2.7 to 2.9 quarts. The Lucas Oil and Royal Purple 75W-140 synthetics here match the rear spec.

How often should the differential fluid be changed?

The rear is on a 100,000-mile normal and 50,000-mile severe schedule. Neglected fluid is the main cause of Sterling 10.5 wear on trucks that tow. If your truck pulls a trailer and you have no record of a fluid change, it is worth doing now.

Did my truck come with the electronic locking rear differential?

Maybe. It was an option, new for 2011, on F-250 and SRW F-350 4x4 trucks with the Sterling 10.5. It was not standard, so check your build data by VIN. If you want full lock on a truck without it, look at the SPE Motorsport Full Lock Differential Kit.

My front end hums at highway speed. Is that the differential?

On a 4x4 it may be the unitized hub bearings or the axle u-joints, which many owners report wearing past 100,000 miles. A hum or growl that changes with load, play at the wheel and ABS codes all point that way. Check the hubs before you open the front diff.

Not sure what fits? Call the shop at the number in the header, or use the fitment checker on any product page. We install everything we sell.