2018-2021 Ford F-150 3.0L Powerstroke Axle & Driveline Parts

Axle and driveline on the 2018-2021 Ford F-150 3.0L

The diesel F-150 rides on a solid rear axle hung on leaf springs, with an independent double-wishbone front suspension. Every 3.0L Power Stroke truck sends its power through the 10R80 10-speed automatic, the only transmission Ford ever paired with this engine. On 4x4 trucks, the 2018 spec sheet lists a two-speed automatic 4WD transfer case on Lariat and above and electronic shift-on-the-fly on XL and XLT. Ford said the 2018 truck got stronger axles to go with its fully boxed, high-strength steel frame. Rear axle ratios on the diesel include 3.31 and 3.55, and on 2019 Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum trucks the Max Trailer Tow package paired the 3.55 ratio with an electronic locking rear differential.

What fails and why

The driveline problems on record for this truck are recalls on the 2021 model and damage from water. The recalls belong to the new 14th-generation F-150:

• NHTSA 21V381: two-piece driveshafts on certain 2021 trucks may have been assembled wrong and can separate.
• NHTSA 21V986 and 22V623: underbody heat and noise shields can loosen, rub the aluminum driveshaft and fracture it.
• NHTSA 23V896: on 2021 trucks with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and the 9.75-inch heavy-duty 3/4-float rear axle, the rear hub bolts can fatigue and break.

Vibration, driveline noise or a sudden loss of drive point to the driveshaft issues. Clicking from the rear and damaged hub splines point to the hub bolts. Water is the other threat. If the differentials or transfer case go under, at a flooded road or a boat ramp, Ford's schedule says to service them right away. Milky gear oil or bearing noise after a dunking means water got in.

Stock replacement vs. upgrade

Ford's published schedule calls for SAE 75W-85 full-synthetic hypoid gear oil in the differentials, changed every 150,000 miles. The rear holds 2.25 to 2.7 quarts. On a 4x4, the front holds 1.7 to 1.9 quarts. That long interval assumes the axles stay dry; one submersion means a fluid change now, not at 150,000. If your truck has the electronic locking rear axle, the published schedule calls for no special additive. The gear oils on this page are different grades from the factory 75W-85, so line up the viscosity on each label against your owner's manual before you choose one.

What we carry

This collection holds differential gear oil from Lucas Oil and Royal Purple. The Lucas Oil 10043 is a heavy-duty 80W-90 gear oil. The Royal Purple 01301 Max-Gear is a 75W-140 synthetic gear oil. Buy enough to cover the rear differential and, on a 4x4, the front as well. For engine, fuel and other parts that fit this truck, start at our Power Stroke hub.

Fitment notes

• The 3.0L Power Stroke went into the F-150 only, 2018 through 2021. It was never offered in an F-250 or F-350 Super Duty.
• 2018-2020 diesels are 13th-generation F-150s. 2021 is the first year of the 14th generation, and the diesel carried over unchanged.
• The diesel was never sold in a Regular Cab. 2018 trucks came as SuperCab or SuperCrew, in 4x2 or 4x4.
• Ford does not publish the diesel's ring-gear size. Read the axle tag or the axle code on the door-jamb sticker before you order gears, covers or lockers.
• On a 2021 truck, run the VIN for open recalls before you chase a vibration or noise.

Frequently asked questions

What gear oil does the 2018-2021 F-150 diesel take from the factory?

Ford's published schedule lists SAE 75W-85 full-synthetic hypoid gear oil. The rear differential holds 2.25 to 2.7 quarts, and the front on a 4x4 holds 1.7 to 1.9 quarts. Check your owner's manual too, since axles vary by package.

How often should I change differential fluid on the 3.0L Power Stroke F-150?

The published interval is 150,000 miles. Water changes that: any time the differentials or transfer case have been submerged, service them right away. Milky gear oil is the tell.

Does the electronic locking rear axle need a friction modifier?

Per the published schedule, the electronic-locker axle takes no special additive. Fill it with the correct gear oil to the correct capacity. On 2019 Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum trucks, that locker came with the 3.55 ratio in the Max Trailer Tow package.

Is my diesel F-150 on the 8.8-inch or 9.75-inch rear axle?

Ford doesn't publish it by engine, and F-150s of this era ran both depending on package. The axle tag or the axle code on the door-jamb sticker tells you. Check it before you buy anything sized to the axle.

Do the 2021 driveshaft recalls affect a 2018-2020 diesel?

No. Recalls 21V381, 21V986 and 22V623 apply to the 14th-generation 2021 truck. The 2018-2020 diesels use the earlier driveshaft design. If you own a 2021, run the VIN through a recall lookup.

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.