Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) How Much Metal on MagHyTec Dip Stick

[kscheffler]

I installed the MagHyTec (sp??) rear diff. cover at 4K miles. I know have 23K miles. After a recent 3. 5K trip I checked the magnetic dip stick and I continue to have a 3/4 inch of black metallic, very fine, debris on the dip stick. I have not changed to synthetic oil yet, concerned about warranty. Therefore still using the OEM oil and anti slip. My metallic debris appears to accumulate at the same rate. My question is are others experiencing the same build up and does it continue or will it taper off or hopefully stop? Any feed back would be appreciated... thanks kts

 

[y-knot]

I think what you are finding could be classified as normal wear. I don't think I would be worried about any warranty problems by switching to synthetic. You also have a LS and they wear with every turn.

 

[Texas Diesel]

What Y-not said. You will have lower wear if you used synthetic. Read your owners manual, synthetics are allowed even recommended for towing.

 

[YOOPERVIC]

Per your owner's manual, you shud be using a synthetic lube

anyway if you are towing a heavy load. (As I am - a 14,000

lbs 5th wheel). I've had great luck with Redline. Doesn't even

need the non-slip differential additive. And yes, I do get some

of the "stuff" you were talking about, but at my second

change at 50,000, there was much less.

 

[kscheffler]

Does synthetic reduce amount of residue

Did any of you guys with the mag. dip sticks notice a difference when you went to synthetic oil; i. e. the amount of build up on the stick. I do not haul with my truck so that is why I think it is strange that I keep getting this build up. But you guys bring up a good point I think I will try synthetic and continue to monitor. These mag. dip sticks will be great indicators. I guess if I have problems I can always go back to the OEM oil before I make a claim... kts

 

[kscheffler]

Do the LSD clutch wear out eventually?

I am going to change to synthetic and see if the "dust" production decreases. My next question is: if this is normal and continues we are wearing the LDS clutch. Do these LSD clutches eventually wear out, like everything mechanical, what is the expected life of the LSD clutches and how expensive if the replacement?

 

[JFinke]

Yes the LSD will eventually wear out. The amount of time is relative to how often you spin your tires, and how many corners you go around. The only time the clutches slip is when the two rear tires turn at a differant speed. That is why you are not supposed to ever run differant sized rear tires.