Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Rear axle oil choice

[Crowhurst]

The shop manual gives the correct lubricant for my truck's rear axle, a Dana 70, as SAE 90 to API GL5. I am unable to find this, other than at the dealer's for about $70 a gallon. All my local NAPA, Salvo, and Wal-Mart stores stock SAE 80W-90 to API GL5 at prices from about $6 a gallon, but this is listed in the shop manual as correct for the front axle, a Dana 60, but not for the Dana 70. Should I keep trying locally for the SAE90, or is the 80W90 generally used for both axles? Nick.

 

[budctdca]

Nick,

I used 75w90 synthetic in my axles, it is a little more expensive, but worth it.

Don't bother getting gaskets, use grey silicone, and make sure to get limited slip additives or you can risk burning up the clutches. I used to work at NAPA, they have a valvoline synthetic which is good, or you can use Mobil 1, which is available at kragen.

 

[Crowhurst]

Thanks for the reply. I've just seen at page 150 of the glove box Owner's Manual, that for towing one should use synthetic 75W-140 in the rear axle. I'll use that. Nick

 

[dodge cummins]

yes you can get mobil 1 75w140 at pepboys. you need 3 quarts along with limited slip additive. it is a gl-5 rating.

 

[Crowhurst]

Thanks, I got the synthetic and did the job this morning. Is there a better way for this shade tree mechanic to get that thick oil out of the bottle and into the housing? I used a flexible spot from Geno's, but the hard plastic bottles were very tough to squeeze. Is there a pressure oiler available in the USA? I have one in the UK where I fill a gun with a quart, and then push a handle for a plunger that drives the oil down a flexible tube. It was the equivalent of about $20. Nick.

 

[PKemp]

I changed my rear end over to that synthetic a year ago. Do you have to put the non slip stuff in there? What brand/type/kind is it?

 

[Crowhurst]

Yes, 8 ounces for the Dana 70, but only if it is fitted with the limited slip differential. I bought mine from the local dealer for about $5 for each 4 ounce bottle. The label under the hood will tell you the original axle. If it says Spicer, that's the same as Dana, as the maker is Dana-Spicer. There should also be an aluminum tag on one of the differential bolts saying that limited slip additive is required. Nick.

 

[dodge cummins]

hey crowhurst sounds like you better do some forearm exercises. just kidding :-laf i always just squeezed it in. it is alittle time consuming and tedious.

 

[Crowhurst]

FANZDSLPWR, 40 years ago I had no trouble squeezing those bottles. Do you think the bottles have got tougher, or, just maybe... ... .....

 

[Jschafer]

I have a pump that fits in the bottle that I got from the marine store for filling my boat outdrive, but it will tire out your finger instead of forearm :-laf