Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Installed Mag-Low-tech differential covers

[Hohn]

That means I changed out the diff lube and put strong little magnets on the outside of the covers. It took some persuasion to get the stock diff covers off, but they came. I used Mobil 1 lube front and rear. In the back, I used Trans-x brand of friction modifier. The problem is, I used HALF of the modifer that it says to (it's a 7-oz tube), and I have NO shuddering at all. I am wondering if this thing has too much modifier in it, or maybe it just needs time to work in? Before I changed the lube, my truck acted like it didn't even have a LSD-- I could spin one tire all day. Seems to be more of the same so far, but I am not sure. I will have to wait for slick conditions to test it.



By the way-- the stock gear lube was HIDEOUS after only 5500 miles. Lots of grey streaks and the break-in wear metal. The magnets were covered. I CAN'T BELIEVE that they say this is "maintenance free" and doesn't need to be changed regularly! Next time, I will swap in a mag-hytec and go to Redline synlube. I can totally see how much easier the Mag-Hytec would make this job.



I also did an oil change. I tried Delo 400 this time instead of Rotella. They both seem to be just fine. One more drain until synthetic!

 

[RichB59]

I did mine

a couple days ago for the second time. The first time the factory fluid looked terrible. I refilled with valvoline 85-140 syn. This time after 20k the fluid looked great and very little fuzz on the magnet. Your right it's a ***** to get the cover off. I think I'll go for the mag hi tech cover next year it will make life easier. I'm getting to old to roll around under this truck (but I still love it) .







LOL RichB

 

[LSMITH]

I would not worry about the modifier. The transX stuff will not touch my LSD, I have tried 2 FULL tubes and it still chattered badly. The Mopar is the only one I get any relief with. It can be several weeks later (a couple thousand miles) before the chatter starts if the original lube was heavily treated with modifier. Go out and drive figure 8's on dry pavement slowly, do at least 10 of them 5 in each direction. That will give you a good start on seeing if you need more or less modifier.



I hope you jacked up one side, then the other and then refilled the diff to the bottom of the fill plug.



The Mobil 1 is darn good oil. I have used it for the last 75K miles or so, very very little metal on the magnets and the oil looks like I just dumped it in.

 

[Hohn]

update

I took the rig out last night to test the LSD and such. I think I got lucky right off the bat (for now). It used to be that if I launched hard on dry pavement, I got crazy wheelhop as one wheel spun like nuts. Now, I get just a little chirp and off I go. So far, no chatter. Maybe I got lucky??



Anyway, I am pretty sure that I have enogh lube in, even though i didn't jack up the sides. I read a post that said it made very little difference. The reason i think I have enough in is that the specs I had were 6. 2pt capacity up front, 6. 8 pts rear, and I squeezed WAY more than that in before i was up to the filler plug. I got a full 8pts in the front, and 8 plus the modifier in the back.



I agree that the trans-x stuff isn't the best, but the stealer's parts dept. was closed, and this was all I could get a hold on. So far, so good.



I will keep an eye on the fluid level, just in case. I also hope there aren't any leaks, since I didn't clean the mating surfaces as well as others might-- just till it was mostly smooth to the touch and no loose particles. That Permatiex Copper RTV is GREAT stuff... ... .



HOHN

 

[DNelson]

Re: update

Originally posted by Hohn

The reason i think I have enough in is that the specs I had were 6. 2pt capacity up front, 6. 8 pts rear, and I squeezed WAY more than that in before i was up to the filler plug. I got a full 8pts in the front, and 8 plus the modifier in the back.



HOHN

The service manual indicates the 6. 2/6. 8 pt capacities - overfilling may lead to lubricant foaming and over heating! You may want to drain some of that out???

 

[LSMITH]

Lots of us have been filling the diffs up well past the recommended fill with no problems, as long as the vent line is open you can't hurt anything. The guys that are filling to the recommended level will continue to have axle seals and wheel bearings burn up. Get out the wifes electric mixer and try to foam a good synthetic lube, if she does not find you and kill you part way through I think you will find that foaming is not going to be a problem. Just my opinions, but it works for me. 3 axle seals later I have learned, and my diff temps actually dropped by "overfilling".

 

[Hohn]

agreed

I agree. When I filled the diffs, I had the truck on a level lift, and just filled it to the bottom of the fill holes. It just HAPPENED to be 4 qts. Overfilling isn't quite the bogey IMHO that people think it is.



FWIW-- I over fill my oil too. I drop 3gal in and never have foaming, according to the frequently-checked dipstick.



In my limited experience racing, most racers run low oil levels trying to reduce windage and increase HP. The guys that break a lot of engines have come around to overfilling instead of underfilling.



My nickel,

Hohn

 

[DNelson]

Re: agreed

Originally posted by Hohn

I agree. When I filled the diffs, I had the truck on a level lift, and just filled it to the bottom of the fill holes. It just HAPPENED to be 4 qts. Overfilling isn't quite the bogey IMHO that people think it is.

That's good to know! Now I can stop worrying about overfilling the engine oil too!