Gauges on Differential?

[LandShark]

Anyone running a temp gauge on their differential. What temperatures are you getting loaded and unloaded, in what ambient temperature? Just wondering what the 'normal' range should be.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

I've got a temp on the rear diff. Normal running unloaded runs between 100-150 degrees anywhere between 60-100 degrees outside temp. When it's raining it'll get down to around 25-50 degrees. When I pull my 5th wheel (around 17000 lbs) 55-70 mph on flat ground with outside air between 60- 100 degrees it'll run anywhere between 150-200 degrees. If I'm in the mountains sometimes it'll get to 225 degrees. I don't know if this is "NORMAL" but this is where I'm at. I check the fluid regularly and change as recommended. I've never found burned or discolored fluid. I've also never found any metal shavings, just the normal graphite looking shavings on the magnet. I run Amsoil in the diffs. Overall, I find the diff. gauge to be a very useful tool. Hope this helps, Mike

 

[RBrunson]

The numbers that Mike posted are fairly close to the temps that I get with mine also, although I have not seen 225 with mine yet. I am right at 20,000lbs total. I run 75-140 synthic oil. Seen 200 degrees in Az. in May pulling some of their small hills, and it was around 90-95 degrees outside.

 

[LandShark]

Thanks to RBrunson and Tramplineman. I was hoping to get a little more data from members to get a better idea of what the baseline should be. I guess differential gauges are rare. I just had my Dana 70 rebuilt and have been checking it with a handheld IR reader. Have been seeing about 135 degrees after a 30 minute drive at 50mph with outside temps of about 65 degrees.

 

[Mundgyver]

I just installed one on my truck by moving my engine oil temp sensor to the differential when I installed my Spinner II. What I have seen so far is about 125 after about 20 miles of freeway. Most I have seen is 150 degrees at 65 mph with about 75 deg outside temp. Just out of curosity, what gages (brand and resolution) are people running for differential temp gage

 

[piampietro]

my temps are similar unloaded, haven't towed hard since installing gauge. bottom end of my gauge is 140°F (Isspro 140-320°F Trans Oil Temp gauge) & needle doesn't get up off the peg until about 15-20 min @ freeway speeds, then climbs to 150-160 or so. i have a Mag-Hytec & run Royal Purple.

 

[Turboman]

Westach gauge, Amsoil 75w-140, Maghytech cover, Empty about 100-150*, loaded about 150-225* about like everyone else.

 

[rweis]

Just put my diff gauge in. Towing 13k 5er through Chattanooga mtns, 200* after an hour or so of towing.



Bob Weis

 

[Cummins Pilot]

Wonder what my temps hit when I tow at -40f?

 

[johncameron]

Wonder what my temps hit when I tow at -40f?

It probably heats all the way to 0 or so

 

[y-knot]

I have had a gauge on the rear end for the last four years, the tmps always stay in the 130-155 range empty, and have climbed up to 185 as my highest rear gear tmperature so far. That was pulling 17,000Lbs in the summer. I do use Amsoil and I measure temps with AutoMeter.

 

[I Buck]

Rear temps;

At about 65,000 miles, droped $2200 for a Dana 80 overhaul, metal bigtime, from side gears & axel shaft. I don't run my rig hard, or over load it, just bad luck. Had every part replaced, plus added limited slip to help at boat ramps. Installed Mag Hi Tec, and Pennsoil 75-140 to bottom line on dip-stick, 7 qts.

Di-pricol trans temp gauge for rear temps. Gauge is 100* to 280* Empty truck around town summer, 120* Pulling 22 ft. boat freeway @ 65mph, as high as 210* on 95* day. Man, I wonder how hot it got when I lived in Az. , and towed the boat with a small camper on the back out of Phoenix to Lake Powell in July when it was 115* , pulling those big hills!

 

[Cummins Pilot]

It probably heats all the way to 0 or so

This is why I don't run a maghytec cover, I need it to not loose heat in the winter.

 

[BILLUA]

I wanted to bring this thread back from the dead with my observations. .



Towing 6500lbs through the mountains in NEV/CAL with OAT around 100 degrees F, I was around 225 degrees in the rear diff oil... so, the question is, what oil drain interval should I run if I reach that temp every once in a while??? 10,000 miles?



Rear is Mag-hytec with Royal Purple 75w90... . I do think I may switch to Amsoil sever gear and see if that helps temps any. .



Cheers, Bill

 

[Turbo Thom]

I seem to run a little hotter than most. Empty I stay around 180, coming back from Daytona towing 15,000, I ran around 200 degrees at 67 MPH. Amsoil 75W-90 with the 3. 54 rear gear.



. . PrestonL. .

 

[Nate]

I change the diff oil every 15000 miles, same as the T Case and transmission. That ususally equates to once a year.

 

[driverno8]

I've got a temp on the rear diff. Normal running unloaded runs between 100-150 degrees anywhere between 60-100 degrees outside temp. When it's raining it'll get down to around 25-50 degrees. When I pull my 5th wheel (around 17000 lbs) 55-70 mph on flat ground with outside air between 60- 100 degrees it'll run anywhere between 150-200 degrees. If I'm in the mountains sometimes it'll get to 225 degrees. I don't know if this is "NORMAL" but this is where I'm at. I check the fluid regularly and change as recommended. I've never found burned or discolored fluid. I've also never found any metal shavings, just the normal graphite looking shavings on the magnet. I run Amsoil in the diffs. Overall, I find the diff. gauge to be a very useful tool. Hope this helps, Mike

Couldn't have typed this up better. These temps match mine exactly when towing about the same weight.