Differential gear lube.
This may be like asking "which is the best brand of oil" but I need opinions. I'm due to change the differential gear lube in my 2005 Dodge 2500. Last time I used Mobil 1 synthetic 75W-90. I should...
Forum Discussion
Use Mobil 1 synthetic 75X90 - Any "good" GL-5 would be good. GM requires a synthetic GL-5 in the front and rear diff.
Put a PML on mine. Has a drain plug with a magnet and fill plug on the side. Pulled old cover off and installed PML. The PML does not require a gasket - use RTV on the cover. The cover does not interfere with the spare tire. I can change the fluid with the spare in place.
I changed the fluid after 600 miles of towing and again when I installed the new cover - now takes about 4.5 qts instead of 3.5 qts.
From Eaton:
A new axle can produce excessive temperatures (plus 350 degrees F) due to the ring & pinion breaking in that will break the lube additives down. Avoid high loads, trailer towing and high speed extended driving during the initial break in of the vehicle. After the break in period axle temps will level at a much lower figure. Gear Lube changes are a good idea because the additives are replenished and contaminates such as casting sand are eliminated.
Also found this:
The recommended procedure is to change lube after 500 miles of heavy towing, which would is considered a break in period. This breaking period generates high heat conditions in the axle which was found to degrade the synthetic beyond the point of mineral lube. After the 500 mile lube change, the axle is broke in and does not generate the high heat. After the break-in period fluid change, it can be considered "lube for life", although some say to change it at 40,000 - 50,000 mile intervals."
Heavy loads would be 12,000 lbs. or above - the 75W-90 will probably still be fine.
Put a PML on mine. Has a drain plug with a magnet and fill plug on the side. Pulled old cover off and installed PML. The PML does not require a gasket - use RTV on the cover. The cover does not interfere with the spare tire. I can change the fluid with the spare in place.
I changed the fluid after 600 miles of towing and again when I installed the new cover - now takes about 4.5 qts instead of 3.5 qts.
From Eaton:
A new axle can produce excessive temperatures (plus 350 degrees F) due to the ring & pinion breaking in that will break the lube additives down. Avoid high loads, trailer towing and high speed extended driving during the initial break in of the vehicle. After the break in period axle temps will level at a much lower figure. Gear Lube changes are a good idea because the additives are replenished and contaminates such as casting sand are eliminated.
Also found this:
The recommended procedure is to change lube after 500 miles of heavy towing, which would is considered a break in period. This breaking period generates high heat conditions in the axle which was found to degrade the synthetic beyond the point of mineral lube. After the 500 mile lube change, the axle is broke in and does not generate the high heat. After the break-in period fluid change, it can be considered "lube for life", although some say to change it at 40,000 - 50,000 mile intervals."
Heavy loads would be 12,000 lbs. or above - the 75W-90 will probably still be fine.
