What is acceptable temp for diff oil?

[RPolidora]

Ok, I just had the front pinion seal replaced and the leak is gone for now. I crawled under there today to feel for wetness and the front diff was pretty warm and much warmer right at the yoke. So I went to the rear and it was warm also, but not as warm. couple questions as I tend to worry about things.



1. is it normal for the front to run a little warmer unloaded because there is less fluid and its a smaller ring gear?



2. what are acceptable temps?



3. I am getting ready to visit the family for x-mas and I will be making a 600mile trip in the morn. I will have my infrared laser temp gun with me so I can check them when I stop. should that work good enough?



thanks guys

 

[barbwire]

Lets just say that , suppose the differential temps were to run as high as the eng. temp. Not really too much concern. My guess is though, if you are not pulling anything, it should run oh say maybe 75- 100*give or take. It would be interesting to see your readings from the infra gun. Please post them when you get around to it.

BTW, are you running your 4x4 on dry pavement?

 

[RPolidora]

No, no 4x4 on dry pavement. Like I said, it was just an observation when grabbing th diff around the pinion/yoke area looking for wetness. I have never touched it before so It could have always been that way. Just have a habit of really keeping an eye on things. I will post the results Monday night after I return.

thanks

 

[RM]

200 degrees at 75 mph on a 100 degree day with 8000 lbs trailer. 140 degrees most of the time just running 140 you can just barely keep youre hand on the diff for awhile

 

[RPolidora]

thanks, That gives me some kind of reference.

 

[Nate]

I normally see around 150-200*, depending on the vehicle.