Changing the Differential Lube

[Alan Reagan]

You can tell when I get bored. Friday, I changed the differential lube in my 01
(25 Kmiles). The good news is..... there was very little metal residual on the magnetic plug. The reason I mention this is when I did it on my 98 at 40 K miles, there was metal filings standing up on the plug and piled up to the point where they were getting washed off. The bad news is that I smelled like rear end lube the rest of the afternoon. The lube was black as usual but everything cleaned up nicely. Refilled with synthetic. No leaks for two days now. I think the patient will live. Dang glad that's done.

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2001 HO 6 spd 2500, 4. 10 LSD, Towing Package, Electric Brakes, SPA EGT/Boost Gauges, Fog Lights, Real Backup Lights, Molded Running Boards

 

[DGFoster]

What is the most popular synthetic gear lube,I am going to do it to my 2000,3500.
Not sure what to use. .

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David Foster

 

[Turbo Terry]

Mobil 80-140w syn.

 

[Bob Cochran]

Terry, Alan, or both, did you use 100 % Moble or Valvoline? Did you have to use additives to get the LSD to work right without chatter, etc. ? The only thing except smelling like gear oil for awhile is playing around to get the additives right if the LSD chatters or such!!! #ad


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2001 RAM 3500 dually Quad Cab SLT, 4. 10 limited slip, HO 245 hp, 6-speed, dark garnet pearl coat, interior agate, All options except heated leather, added DeeZee brite diamond tool box, Linex spray-in bed liner, Lund hood deflector 3 piece smoke color, DeeZee brite diamond cab/bed running boards and TurboSaver (from Gino's) also Reese 5th wheel 15k hitch. No plans to bomb. This is my retirment vehicle currently pulling 21' 5er want to buy 30 to 35 for retirment.

 

[John Berger]

Amsoil Series 2000 75W90. Friction modifiers aren't necessary with this gear lube.



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1999 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab 5 spd; 4:10 LSD rear; Mag-Hytec diff. cover; US Gear EGT and Boost gauges. Amsoil foam air filter and synthetics from nose to tail.
Cummins Power, don't leave home without it

 

[ldg]

Okay, what about Mobil 1 Syn. 75W-90? or is the 80W-140 Syn. better?? Has anyone had any experience with the 75W-90? I was looking for a Amsoil distributer in this area but none was listed on the web site? Alan, I called our NAPA store here today on the Valvoline Syn. and was told it was not recommened for LSD. However I did not go and read the product label myself. The Mobil 1 has the GL-5 and Mack ratings also. Any further thoughts on this??

 

[klenger]

I've been trying to figure which synthetic lubes to use on my new truck. I am primarily looking at Amsoil and Mobil because of reputation and availablity. It seems that almost every product fails to meet Dodges specs in one way or another. I was attempting to put together a post to list all of my findings, but it was getting so complicated that the post would have been too long so I gave up. I may get back to it sometime and make a table and post it on my web site. I'm confused and will be looking for advise.

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Ken Lenger
On Order - 2001. 5 2500 QC 4X4 SWB SLT, ETC/DDX 5 Speed, 3. 55 (no antispin), camper group, trailer folding mirrors, RBR CD/Radio, LT265/75R16E AT OWL tires, trailer tow group, Patroit Blue / Agate,
Replaces 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 which is for sale.
Trailite 21' Travel Trailer, ~4000 lbs loaded.

 

[Alan Reagan]

I agree with Terry. However, this trip I used the new Valvoline synthetic cause of the GL-5 and Mack ratings. Also, the NAPA guys were pretty strong on the recommendation. They usually do me right. Believe it or not, it feels a little different. I can't usually tell a difference when I do something like this. The limited slip is working right. It's raining pretty hard here and I had to get on it to merge and it took both wheels pulling to keep me straight #ad
.

 

[Archive]

ldg, the owner's manual ('99) recommends 80w-140 synthetic for vehicles that do a lot of heavy towing in hot climates. I have used the Mobil-1 75w-90 in my truck since it was new. It has performed well, without a dose of posi-traction additive. Your posi might be set up tighter and need the extra lubrication. Regardless of which brand or weight you choose, do yourself a favor and pay the xtra money for a full synthetic.

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1999 White SLT Dually Auto 4:10 Posi. NOT BOMBED... ... ... ... (very much) 28,000 miles

 

[Alan Reagan]

http://www.valvoline.com/products/products. asp?cat=5&Product=20

This is Valvoline's site where they say it works with LSDs. It does. I forgot how it felt for the LSD to work properly.
Also, with the wet weather we've had for the last couple of days, I can tell it's working right. No chatter and engaging properly without "fish tailing". I used the friction modifier (6%). I think before, DC had too much in there and it didn't work quite right.

On the Amsoil, I realize that friction modifier is not required. However, one of my SETDR brethren told me this week that he did have to add some to stop the chattering after changing the lube. So you may have to, and then you may not have to. I couldn't find anyone that knew on the Valvoline so I did it and it works so I can't complain.

[This message has been edited by Alan Reagan (edited 03-13-2001). ]

 

[jponder]

Alan
I need to do this also. I love the way my Lim Slip locks up now so I dont want to lose that.

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2001 ETH/DEE ST 4X4 SPACE SHUTTLE

 

[Cooker]

ldg,

I'm running the Mobil 1 75w90. It does have a LSD additive in it already, but I don't have an LSD so I cannot comment on how well it works. If you are lookig for a heavier oil Mobil has Mobilube. The only difference is that it does not contail a LSD additive, it comes in a heavier weight, and the smallest container it is available in is a 5 gallon pail.

I think I'm going to switch to a 75w/80w-140 when summer rolls around. After reading some info here I think the heavier weight is better for our trucks, JMHO.

Ryan

BTW I bought the Mobil 1 at a local Mobil dist. for $5. 50 a quart, I thought that was pretty reasonable.

 

[klenger]

Alan:
How do you warm up differental lube without moving the vehicle, or did you mean to drive it slowly for a while to warm it up?

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Ken Lenger
On Order - 2001. 5 2500 QC 4X4 SWB SLT, ETC/DDX 5 Speed, 3. 55 (no antispin), camper group, trailer folding mirrors, RBR CD/Radio, LT265/75R16E AT OWL tires, trailer tow group, Patroit Blue / Agate,
Replaces 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 which is for sale.
Trailite 21' Travel Trailer, ~4000 lbs loaded.

 

[ldg]

Alan, I went in town today and looked for myself and I have no idea what the NAPA guy I talked to was looking at but it states right on the container recommended for LSD. I have very seldom been given bad information on the TDR (different opinions yes) and your post was the reason I called and tried to locate the Valvoline in the first place and why I questioned the information I was told. To the rest of you with all the information and opinions you provided, THANKS, as usual great help.

 

[rcl44@pacbell.net]

Hey Alan... . YA want to do mine next #ad
#ad
#ad
#ad


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2001' 2500 - QC/LB SLT, ISB w/Auto, 4X4, 3. 54 LSD,Tow package, 15k 5-er Hitch, Tow 31 ft 5-er 12K lbs. Jet Black with Gray belly.

 

[Alan Reagan]

Cooker, I agree, but the manual specifies the 75-90 with the GL-5 rating. I gotta say, it was cool out and the Valvoline went in easily and it was slick. I think if I went with the higher viscosity, I would give it some warmup time in the winter. The Valvoline is rated for the high temp just like the Mobil. The reason I wanted to try it this time is when I used the Mobil on my 98, it took me a while to get the friction modifier to the point where the chatter disappeared. I didn't have that problem with the Valvoline this time. One other thing that I liked about the Valvoline is that they did spend the money to get all of the rating approvals (Mack, GL-5 and others). That meant a lot of testing and verification. I originally went hunting for the Mobil but both parts stores were selling by order only wheras the Valvoline is stocked continuously. It was a convenience thing.

 

[Alan Reagan]

RCL44, You bet #ad
. How's that truck running? Bring it to the East Coast and we'll do anything you want . Hey, guys, I just wanted to let you know in this thread that I had found a new thing that I like with my truck. I like the Mobil and that's what I wanted but am pleasantly surprised with the smoothness of the rear end with the Valvoline synthetic. It seems to do allright with my LSD.

Klenger, yeah, I meant drive slow to get the heavier oil moving and warmed up. I've changed out the heavy lube on semi's and on a cold morning that stuff is like molasses.

 

[tom sweeney]

just curious... how much oil did you finally put in???... i couldn't find the capacity in the owners manual... thanks,. . tom

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2001QC 2500HD LB ETH/DEE 4x4 4:10's LSD, Pacbrake,Combo Gauge on A pillar,All options except cab lights,Xcelerator air filter,Forest Green/Light driftwood. Westin tubular black powder-coated side bars.
26'Holiday Rambler 5th wheel. Extra Class Amateur Radio Operator ke3Rx

 

[RobG]

I switched over to Redline 80W-140 when I put my Mag-Hytec cover on a few weeks ago. Nice bright amber-colored goo about as thick as Jell-O. #ad


Took forever to pump eight quarts of the stuff in with a hand pump.

Rob


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2001. 5 RAM 3500 QC 4x4 ETH/DEE Silver/Agate 4. 10 USGear OD, Rickson 19. 5 Wheels, Edge EZ, SPA Guages, Psychotty, Firestone Airbags, Hellwig Rear Swaybar, Torklift Superhitch & Camper Tiedowns, Mag-Hytec Diff Cover, DD 4" Exhaust, US Gear Exhaust Brake, etc.

 

[Alan Reagan]

Tom, I put in seven pints exactly. Guess what I know that's right cause I got to do it again last night and it took seven the second time. At least I only had to pick up three. Guess what? Permatex Gasket Maker don't make a lasting seal like the box says. It says that it will withstand oil, kerosene, water... ... Blah Blah Blah. Yesterday, I glanced under there to admire my handiwork and there was fluid on the bottom of the differential #ad
. PO'd don't describe what I was. So back to NAPA I went #ad
. Showed them the deal. Picked up some Ultra Copper which they said combines the Ultra Blue, Black and Grey qualities. Went home. When I took the last bolt out the cover fell off. Yeh, no prying or bumping. The sealant wiped off with a shop towel and cleaned up with brake cleaner. No scraping. Anyway, the five day old fluid looked clean. Put on the sealant and bolted her back up. About an hour job. Waited four hours and added the fluid late last night. No drips this morning. You can bet I'll keep an eye on it. The sealant was completely disolved. I'm taking the remainder back today. BTW. I didn't have any more friction modifier to add last night. So far, no chatter and it feels like the LSD is working right in the rain this morning. Maybe I won't have to add any.