2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Metal shavings on magnet inside rear differential cover

[tgrfan2]

Since my first post my Dana 70 went out again at 145K. This time I caught it early by checking the magnetic plug frequently. I had run Valvoline Synthetic and changed it every 15K which is probably less than 2K towing. The shop that did the repair this time is a small shop with the owner specializing in that repair for 35 years. He said he saw no sign of heat damage. He blames it on sorry bearings and said he has done some at 30K towing much lighter than I do. I wish I had found him earlier because he probably could have saved my housing. He says he has tried most fluids and has settled on Mystic 85-140 non synthetic. He also tows an enclosed race car trailer weekly with his Dmax. I am a little concerned about continuing with that fluid, but I haven't had much luck with Mopar or Valvoline. It is due for changing now. Have you had any experience with this oil?

 

[wtrenholm]

My 98 spun the left carrier bearing in the 70 at 65,000 miles, the truck has done some plowing but little towing. The housing was kinda sorry looking so I went looking for a used axle but I wasn't paying was everybody was asking. So I replaced pinion and side bearings and set preloads and backlash, then cleaned up the races and housing and applied copious amounts of red locktite, let it cure overnight and finished assembly. Truck now has 96,000 and plowed a heck of a lot of snow last winter.



The way I figured it the axle was already junk, so if it fails again it's just junker. So far so good.



Later,

Wayne