Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) rear axle (Dana 80) maintenance

[theferalkid]

left side only axle seal is bad, (oil all over brakes). dodge guy tells me replace both sides, even if only one is problematic, most mechanics including Dan at Quad 4X4 says not necessary. I trust Dan and dont trust Dodge, but replacing new fouled brake shoes if the other side fails is not real good. Probabilities of other side failing? Anyone with experience in this dept. ? Also, Dodge says put SAE 90 in the rear (Dana 80, duals) but it cost $21 /qt. and takes six qts. !!! Nobody i can discern has SAE 90 cept Dodge. Classic usury methinks. Anybody know if multi-grade is tried and true i. e. 80W-90 in a Dana 80 limited slip?

 

[macdaddy]

Kid

I had a problem of blowing pinion seals on my 99 3500 DRW model 80 rear end. It turned out to be the axel vent line was pluged with all kinds of s***. Once I used compressed air to clean it out and another pinion seal I never had another problem for over 70K miles which I believe is the normal life for most seals. The vent line on both the Dana 60 and 80 I believe share this problem. I now include cleaning the vent lines using the method mentioned above each oil change. This is one of the most overlooked preventative maint items there is.

If you plan on keeping the truck I would replace both outboard seals aswell as the pinion seal and make sure the vent line is clear and unobstructed. as for which oil to use I used Lucas 85/140 with two bottles of GM friction modifier due to the volume needed with the Mag Hi Tec rear diff cover only one if you are running the stock diff cover.

Mac

 

[K5IP]

Kid,

My Dodge manual (95) calls for a 90/140. A synthetic is recommended for towing applications.

My Dana 80 requires 4qt for a complete fill. If you are putting in 6, perhaps that is one reason your seals are leaking.

Rog

 

[pwknapp]

I've still got all the original seals with no leaks at over 450k. I ran Royal Purple 85-140 and friction modifier changed every 100k running heavy. I now run 75-90 with modifier in this cold climate and no loads.

 

[dodge cummins]

mine used to leak also in the front and back. i was told to go with mobil 1 75w140 and that stopped it right away. make sure not to overfill though.

 

[BTighe]

hey kid, i live here in medford and had my rear seal leak. you might as well replace them both. they arent much money and it can save you some down time. i took in to les shwab and they charged me 210 parts and labor.



have you checked out the nw bombers. there the north west regional chapter for the tdr. huge bomb party up in washington this weekend. gonna be a blast.