Need help with Dana 70

[KBalzuweit]

Just joined TDR!! Its great!! Maybe somebody can help with this. I have a Dana 70 with limited slip and 3. 54 gears. After I drive for about 15 miles and come to a stop, then make a turn it seems like it binds up. Once you finish the turn and get straight no problem. Any ideas?? If anybody has a rear end for sale I would be interested, dually or single. Thanks!!

 

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

Will it bind on every sharp turn? If so it may be the limited slip. Maybe somebody more qualified could answer, I may be wrong.







Steve

 

[KBalzuweit]

Yes it binds on almost every turn. Its got to get warm, 15 or so miles of driving or 3 or 4 if towing.

 

[Philip]

Do a fluid change and be sure to add the DC limited slip additive to it. It sounds like you might not have any in it now.

 

[Paul Herioux]

Sounds like it needs a bottle of limited slip additive. All the manufacturers use the same stuff basically. GM dealers have the beat deal price wise and a single bottle is enough for one axle.

 

[KBalzuweit]

I just changed it and put 85w-140w synthetic blend valvoline that said limited slip on the bottle. There was some paste like stuff on the magnet, but no metal shavings to speak off. Should I still add something else??

 

[Paul Herioux]

You may have to. Before you do find a parking lot with plenty of open space and do 10-15 tight figure 8's. This will help work the new lube into the clutches of the LSD. If the problem still exists add one bottle of additive and do the figure 8's again. If this does't cure it you may need to install new clutches in the axle.

Good Luck,

Paul

 

[RSchwarzli]

Limited slip shutter

I may suggest that you use the Mopar brand additive, because not all limited slip systems are the same. Some use a cone type system, while others may use the clutch type. I am not sure which system GM uses in their axles and for that reason I would hesitate using their additive. Perhaps if you can find out if both brands use the clutch type, you may be alright using the GM brand. From my memory, I believe that Chrysler has always used the clutch system up until this year when they switched to American Axle Corp. It's been Dana and Chrysler Corp. all the previous years. I'm not familiar with the AAC product. Your shuttering on turns is quite common on limited slip axles. If you change the lube, add the additive.



Bernie

 

[cerberusiam]

I second the advice to use Mopar limited slip additive. Tried 2 different brands that were supposed to be rated for the dana 70 and replacement for Mopar additive. Both lasted about a month and the pop and chatter started on turns. Put in 2 bottles of mopar additive per DC reccomendations and no problems since.

 

[hdm48]

I just tried something new in mine this service. The guys at NAPA talked me into trying Royal Purple gear lube. I hate change, but I figured I could drain it if I didn't like it.

Well, after doing the 1-2 waatoosie in the local school parking lot it didn't make a sound or shudder. I thought, uh oh, it's too slipery. So I did a burn-out. (always wanted to do that in a school lot). Both tires laid down a good pattern.

Humm, so far, so good.



Oh, and I didn't put in any additive because the NAPA dudes said I didn't need it.



Dave

 

[paccool]

I don't think any 2 rear ends are the same. Some will get by without the additive, some will need it. I had mine rebuilt including new clutches in the limited slip. Ran conventional lube for about 2500 miles then switched to Royal Purple. The RP was not supposed to need any additive so I didn't put any in. The thing shuddered like crazy! I put in one bottle of the Dodge additive and it settled right down. Some of the guys have had similar luck with Amsoil - some need additive, some don't.



In the future I will put it in whenever replacing the lube just to be sure.

 

[KBalzuweit]

Thanks for all the help!! I am going down to the local dodge dealer and will put some in and let you guys know what the results are. Also how much lube is everbody using, I have looked in a couple books and called a couple of parts stores and been told anything from 3-4 quarts. Thanks Again Everybody!!

 

[paccool]

With a stock cover it will take 7 pints (3. 5 quarts). You can get a little more than that in there by overfilling slightly.



Stan

 

[bgilbert]

85 140???

What about his choice of gear lube weight? Seems like 85 140W is a little heavy to me. Unless your doing serious towing in hot climates I'd go with 70-90, 80-90, or 80, 90W. As far a the additive goes whats a little $5 dollar extra insurance compared to rebuilt LSD? I put additive in front and rear diff's, didnt even know if my 8 1/4 rear end on my D100 was LSD, but put additive in it anyways. Bill

 

[KBalzuweit]

As far as the weight, the dealer had all listed as ok. I went with the heavy stuff because in my mind with 227,000 miles the thicker the better. I am in IL and the cold is now gone and my plans were to go back lighter in the fall. I do tow very often and some are HEAVY loads. I am going to put in the additive tomm when I do the rear brakes. See if it helps. If I am wrong about the weight I would change it. The problem was there before I changed the lube.

 

[Paul Herioux]

GM and Dodge additives are the same

The Gm and Dodge additives are produced by the same company. We use the GM stuff at my shop in all plate clutch applications because it is half the price of the Mopar stuff. We have yet to find an aftermarket additive that works as well with the same quantity. As for the cone style clutches the GM additive is the one recommended by Auburn Gear.

If you want to pay almost twice as much to get the Mopar name on the bottle go ahead.

JM2C's

Paul

 

[Power Wagon]

Not sure why, but the GM stuff had absolutely NO EFFECT on my Dana 70's chattering clutches.



The Mopar stuff did.



Go figger.

 

[KBalzuweit]

Put in the Dodge additive did some fig 8's and drove for about 20 min no more problem!! I am going to put a load on it tomm (tow a 30 ft trailer 50 miles) and see what happens. Will let you guys know what happens. Thanks for all your help!!!!

 

[KBalzuweit]

50 miles of towing 50 miles back and no more problem!!!!!!!!



Thanks Again Everybody!!



PS I used the dodge additive. It was actually $2 cheaper than the GM.





Karl