Differential Fluid: Syn. or Conventional

[Clark White]

I notice no one is useing Lucas? Thats what I use for everything except the engine, I use Mobile 1 for that. Any thoughts one way or the other on Lucas?

Clark

 

[Jacket]

An observation on synthetics, or at least Redline synthetics.
I bought a used W-56 from a friend who had Redline in it. It had sat with the drain plugs out of it for more than a year before I got it. I got it home and it sat for 8-9 months, weeping reddish-pink stuff onto the garage floor the whole time. I used the transfer case off of it to be part of my Marlin doubler, so now the W-56 is sitting on the floor open at the rear. For the next 6 months it continued to weep reddish-pink stuff onto the floor. After being open for coming up on 3 years there is STILL oil in the nooks and crannies of the trans!
The oil does not appear to be some uber high viscosity stuff. It just does not like to let go of metal.

I'm sold! Don't really care if it increases my mileage or not. If it does that will be gravy, if it just makes wear parts last longer I'll be happy.

Good story! Unfortunately, that same Redline also likes to weep through the gaskets on my diffs. It seems to be exceptionally slithery....

That said, I've been running Redline in my diffs and Tcase since I bought the truck and I like the extra piece of mind that comes with a superior product. But given the increased frequency at which the typical off-road driver changes (or should change) their fluids, it may make sense just to save your money and use cheaper options. I'm torn....

 

[ntsqd]

[drift]

Good story! Unfortunately, that same Redline also likes to weep through the gaskets on my diffs. It seems to be exceptionally slithery....

That said, I've been running Redline in my diffs and Tcase since I bought the truck and I like the extra piece of mind that comes with a superior product. But given the increased frequency at which the typical off-road driver changes (or should change) their fluids, it may make sense just to save your money and use cheaper options. I'm torn....

That is why they make the "Right Stuff" silicone gasket maker. After something else recommended for the application not working on sealing the NP241 in the Sub I got to do that part of the re-seal again. In Central Oregon while visiting my dying grandfather. I used the Right Stuff the second time around and it has been drip-free ever since.[/drift]

 

[Cackalak Han]

I used to be an avid Mobil1 user (engine oil), but since few years ago, stay far far away. Not trying to start an oil war, but just search on that stuff. I don't know about the diff fluids, but the engine oil is NOT the best. It was bested by even the Valvoline offering. In my opinion, if the engine oil is subpar (among synthetics), how much different can diff fluids be? Also, the engine oil is VERY thin compared to similar weights in other brands.

I switched my diff fluids from OEM to Amsoil last year (diff and x-fer case). No leaks and working thus far. I did not, however, see an increase of MPG (was always at ~20MPG).

 

[ryguy]

I switched my diff fluids from OEM to Amsoil last year (diff and x-fer case). No leaks and working thus far. I did not, however, see an increase of MPG (was always at ~20MPG).

I didn't show an increase in mpg with my syn swap either

 

[CA-RJ]

They do a lot of stuff in racing. I've always thought they were good. I bought Mobil 1 the last time because it's what I could get at the parts store.

I notice no one is useing Lucas? Thats what I use for everything except the engine, I use Mobile 1 for that. Any thoughts one way or the other on Lucas?

Clark

 

[washington taco]

I have been using Mobil 1 since I first changed the the factory oil at 3000 miles. Ten years and 230,000 miles later I have no complaints and no oil useage between 5000 mile oil changes. I have been in aviation since I was 18 (now 43) and all turbine engines use senthetic (high heat,drastic climate changes,ECT). When I first swithed too Mobil 1 I noticed about a one mpg increase in fuel milage. Newer engines do require very thin oil due to tighter tolerances. I was at the Honda dealer the other day and the newer cars run 5W30. My .02

 

[Cackalak Han]

Newer engines do require very thin oil due to tighter tolerances. I was at the Honda dealer the other day and the newer cars run 5W30. My .02

If you were referring to my post, I will clarify. Mobil1's 5w-30 is MUCH MUCH thinner than any other synthetic's in the same weight. I was burning about 1/4 to 1/2 quart every 3,000 miles with M1. Changed to Valv. Syn., RP, and Amsoil--no more burning problems. This was on a car with 40k miles. Same with another car with 28k miles. Others have reported the same. Lots of speculation that Mobil1 has changed their formula from the old days. (READ: Watered down). I have seen a few UOA's come back very poor, as well. I won't be using Mobil1 again.

 

[deadbeat son]

If you were referring to my post, I will clarify. Mobil1's 5w-30 is MUCH MUCH thinner than any other synthetic's in the same weight. I was burning about 1/4 to 1/2 quart every 3,000 miles with M1. Changed to Valv. Syn., RP, and Amsoil--no more burning problems. This was on a car with 40k miles. Same with another car with 28k miles. Others have reported the same. Lots of speculation that Mobil1 has changed their formula from the old days. (READ: Watered down). I have seen a few UOA's come back very poor, as well. I won't be using Mobil1 again.

Mobil 1 5w-30 was the oil of choice in a countless number of WRX 2.0L rod bearing failures. It doesn't seem to do well with the horizontally opposed engines.

 

[Just Me]

If you were referring to my post, I will clarify. Mobil1's 5w-30 is MUCH MUCH thinner than any other synthetic's in the same weight. .

Not True, Straight from the manufacture.

Mobil One 5-30 ............Temp: 100c 11.3 cSt.......Temp: 40c...64.8
AMSOIL (ASL) 5-30.................100c 10.8......................40c...60.7
Valvoline SynPower 5-30..........100c 10.5......................40c...59.0

I use Mobil one engine oil and M1 or AMSOil for gears. Going on 16 years with my old Toyota with out any issues, switching to sys in my 09 very soon.

 

[Co-opski]

Time (overdue) to change the diff fluids in my '00 4runner.
Is there a need to pay 2x as much for synthetic? Are the lubricity demands of the diffs. equivalent to that of an engine?

Reading into the OP post; I would go synthetic just because of the fact that "overdue" was used. I think for average driving and fluid change intervals conventional lubes are ok, but for more extreme use: towing, off road use, racing or extended intervals (i.e. forgetfulness) synthetics are the route to take.

My $ .02 on brands, I've used Red Line & Amsoil in the M5 (1985/200k miles), Molbil 1 & Amsoil in the D22 (2000/+120k miles with heavy towing & off road use) and Castrol & Amsoil in the Type 2 (1974/ 60k miles) all with success.

 

[Cackalak Han]

Not True, Straight from the manufacture.

Mobil One 5-30 ............Temp: 100c 11.3 cSt.......Temp: 40c...64.8
AMSOIL (ASL) 5-30.................100c 10.8......................40c...60.7
Valvoline SynPower 5-30..........100c 10.5......................40c...59.0

I use Mobil one engine oil and M1 or AMSOil for gears. Going on 16 years with my old Toyota with out any issues, switching to sys in my 09 very soon.

Ford also states that they're the toughest trucks on the planet. <-- Straight from the manufacturer.

 

[Whitey]

What weight do you guys recommend? My truck is 2000 miles away at the moment so i dont have my manual. Gonna have everything waiting for me when I fly home friday.

 

[Ludedude]

I have been using Mobil 1 since I first changed the the factory oil at 3000 miles. Ten years and 230,000 miles later I have no complaints and no oil useage between 5000 mile oil changes. I have been in aviation since I was 18 (now 43) and all turbine engines use senthetic (high heat,drastic climate changes,ECT). When I first swithed too Mobil 1 I noticed about a one mpg increase in fuel milage. Newer engines do require very thin oil due to tighter tolerances. I was at the Honda dealer the other day and the newer cars run 5W30. My .02

That's all about the CAFE gas mileage and emissions laws (the thinner weight oils). In EU, those very same new engines from those very same manufacturers require heavier weight oils. Things that make you go hmm.

Oh and to stay on topic, I've been using nothing but Redline syn in all my motors and drivetrains for the last decade or so. Daily drivers, race cars, 4x4s.

 

[Cackalak Han]

I run 75w-90.