2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Dana 80 tempature range

[Bart]

I weighed my tow setup and it's right at 19K (the GVW of my truck). With this information I'm wondering if the rear differential is running "HOT". I sure a MagTec cover is in my future. I talked to a company that says that if I'm running over 220* that I should go with a synthetic, even though their organic is better under the 220 mark. Has anyone used either a gauge or a thermo gun on the housing after towing this kind of load? Normal (towing) is around 55/60 mph and it worked it's ***** off coming out of Moab, Utah last week!!

Driving home from work today (40 miles) I got a temp of 102* This with only the truck and a camper shell and 55 mph.

 

[y-knot]

I run the MaghyTec cover for the rear and generally the temps run in the 140-150 range. While towing my trailer which is slightly over 16,000Lb's it runs in the 150-165 range. All these temps are summer temps, winter is really not a problem, after warming up they run 125-135.

I used a infer-red heat gun several times before the MAg cover and temperature probe, it is pretty acurate with temps about 10-15% off (lower).

The tipping point on the temps is 220, after that the rear gear lub starts to break down and form acids, which can actually pit the metal surfaces on the gears/housing that will lead to accelerated were and early failure. Not to mention the higher temps effect all seals and their ability to seal.

In my limited experiences, I have found that switching to quality synthetics can help reduce temps by 20-30 degrees.

 

[Bart]

Thanks for the information Y-knot. From your signature it looks like our rigs are just about the same. I'm going to order the MagTec this afternoon.

Could you do something for me. Please clarify the sentence you wrote. I put it here so you know what sentence I'm talking about. Thanks



I used a infer-red heat gun several times before the MAg cover and temperature probe, it is pretty accurate with temps about 10-15% off (lower).



I understand everything except the last part about the temps 10-15% off (lower). Does this mean that the reading of the infer red gun were inaccurate by 10 to 15%? If so, I understand that the gauge temp readings were 10- 15% higher than the infer red gun readings. Sorry for the questions but I want to be sure if I should go ahead with the synthetic or that super dupper organic from L-E Inc.

Thanks again for your input.