Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Dana 80 temperatures while towing

[Kirwin]

I recently installed a Cyberdyne digital temperature gauge in my Mag-Hytec rear differential cover and was suprised to find temperatures while towing in the 190-200 F range. Even empty they run over 160 F at 70 MPH. My towing temperatures were recorded on basically level (I-95 between the VA line and exit 181 in SC) with an ambient temperature of 75 F at 72 MPH. My truck is not overloaded (GCW of 14,500 lbs). My gauge monitors the transfer case and transmission also, these are more in order with what I was expecting. Tansmission runs around 180 F and the transfer case is about 10 F cooler. I tried swaping the temperature sender from one to another in case it was a calibration thing but temperatures were the same. I also ran a special ground wire to the differential to eliminate any extra resistance from the sending unit circuit. For the record I use the 75W-140 synthetic oil that it is recommended in the Owners Manual Dodge PN 04874469 and my truck has about 50K miles. Does anyone elce have any history on differential temperatures? What load were you towing? What was ambient temp? Too much information is a good thing!

 

[Deezul1]

Mine ran around those temps. it was higher that faster I ran and outside temps made more difference than I thought it would.

 

[baby.driver]

Those temps don't look bad to me.



Jay