Front differential break-in?

[JRihani]

I plan on following the differential break-in procedure when I get my truck that has been mentioned (I believe there was a link to a website, printed it for my reference) several times on this forum.



My question is about the front differential in a 3G 4x4. If I understand correctly, the front axle is never disconnected from the driveline. Does this mean that the differential gears are "working"? Or do I have to have 4x4 engaged to put it under load and "break in" the front differential?



I plan on changing rear diff fluid at 500 miles as the article I referenced suggests. Has the front differntial seen the same kind of break-in at 500 or should I wait until after I've logged some 4x4 miles?



Thanks in advance for any information.

 

[Diesel Nut]

Your gears are always engaged, they just aren't under a load. . . no more than the load the driveshaft puts on it to freespool. I think you should be fine breaking it in in 2wd, it's just going to take the front end alot longer to catch up with the rear end. Unless you plan on living in 4wd, I think you should be fine.

 

[JRihani]

Thanks, that really clears it up for me. I'm in the Indianapolis area, so I could either be in 4x4 for 2 months of the year or 2 days... you never know.

 

[sbrennan007]

Why would you want to change your diff fluid at 500 miles?

 

[Prairie Dog]

When I changed my front diff fluid at 15k, the teeth still had the white set-up goop on them! So apparently there's very little load on it. BTW, the pattern was perfect.

 

[JRihani]

I have the article printed off at home, but it suggested changing the differential fluid at 500 miles due to the fact that the fluid has a good chance at getting "cooked" during this period. The article talks about the work-hardening of the gears during this period and that this generates a lot of heat, not to mention a larger concentration of metal particles.



I have no doubt it is overkill, but overkill will be part of the enjoyment for me when I own my truck