02' Silverado 5.3L Differential oil (G80 Locker)

[Gito]

Own a 2002 Chevy Silverado 5.3L (G80 Locker) with 360k miles and need to replace the differential oil.

Previously used Amzoil's Severe Gear 75w-90 but this time around I would like to try a different fluid and mainly because I don't want to pay the price Amzoil is asking for.

Prefer that the fluid/oil is available at a store and not thru special ordering.

Any recommendation is greatly appreciated

 

[UNC151]

How many miles did you put on the Amsoil? This should factor into your "cost equation" before dismissing Amsoil based on cost. Otherwise, there are plenty of 75W-90 synthetic gear oils (which seems to be specified for your axle) out there. Castrol, Supertech, Mobil 1, and Valvoline to name a few--any of these will work well in your axle. If memory serves the Mobil 1 oil has the proper additives for the locker already in the oil. Most auto parts stores will have most if not all of these.

 

[4wd]

Originally Posted By: Gito
Own a 2002 Chevy Silverado 5.3L (G80 Locker) with 360k miles and need to replace the differential oil.

Previously used Amzoil's Severe Gear 75w-90 but this time around I would like to try a different fluid and mainly because I don't want to pay the price Amzoil is asking for.

Prefer that the fluid/oil is available at a store and not thru special ordering.

Any recommendation is greatly appreciated


I ran Mobil 1 in G80’s for many years … smooth as silk … couple years back I switched to Delvac 1 when I found a good price on a gallon …

 

[Gito]

Originally Posted By: 2015_PSD
How many miles did you put on the Amsoil? This should factor into your "cost equation" before dismissing Amsoil based on cost. Otherwise, there are plenty of 75W-90 synthetic gear oils (which seems to be specified for your axle) out there. Castrol, Supertech, Mobil 1, and Valvoline to name a few--any of these will work well in your axle. If memory serves the Mobil 1 oil has the proper additives for the locker already in the oil. Most auto parts stores will have most if not all of these.


Last time I changed the differential oil was at 130k and that was in July of 2010.

 

[spasm3]

Just had my 03 avalanche rear rebuilt. The shop told me to use 85-140 non synthetic. I just changed it yesterday at the 500 mile mark. I used Valvoline conventional.

 

[UNC151]

Originally Posted By: Gito
Originally Posted By: 2015_PSD
How many miles did you put on the Amsoil? This should factor into your "cost equation" before dismissing Amsoil based on cost. Otherwise, there are plenty of 75W-90 synthetic gear oils (which seems to be specified for your axle) out there. Castrol, Supertech, Mobil 1, and Valvoline to name a few--any of these will work well in your axle. If memory serves the Mobil 1 oil has the proper additives for the locker already in the oil. Most auto parts stores will have most if not all of these.
Last time I changed the differential oil was at 130k and that was in July of 2010.
So you put 230K miles on the Amsoil and you are thinking it is too expensive? Most other gear oils would have had to be changed before then so you would have spent the same amount of money in the end. If it were mine, I would PM Pablo and order more of the Amsoil (he will give you a good price).

 

[4wd]

Originally Posted By: Gito
Originally Posted By: 2015_PSD
How many miles did you put on the Amsoil? This should factor into your "cost equation" before dismissing Amsoil based on cost. Otherwise, there are plenty of 75W-90 synthetic gear oils (which seems to be specified for your axle) out there. Castrol, Supertech, Mobil 1, and Valvoline to name a few--any of these will work well in your axle. If memory serves the Mobil 1 oil has the proper additives for the locker already in the oil. Most auto parts stores will have most if not all of these.


Last time I changed the differential oil was at 130k and that was in July of 2010.


Send pictures of what gets drained …

 

[barkingspider]

I have delo syn gear 75w90 in my Caddy and GMC and it’s nice, smooth and about $6 / qt from Autozone

 

[379KITTY]

Kudos to you for the maintenance. My neighbor has two GM trucks and a Yukon, all with over 200K and WILL NOT change the diff oil or transmission fluid in any of them. Thinks it will cause them to fail sooner (transmissions mostly). SMH.

 

[Gito]

I refuse to think that Amsoil is 100 percent the reason why I have no issues with the differential. I have used Supertech, Costco Chevron, Valvoline and Castrol 5w30 and my truck has 360k on the original engine. Just want to know what else is out there. For oil filters I have used Supertech, AC delco, Wix, Baldwin and for a period of time used Fram.

 

[UNC151]

Originally Posted By: Gito
I refuse to think that Amsoil is 100 percent the reason why I have no issues with the differential. I have used Supertech, Costco Chevron, Valvoline and Castrol 5w30 and my truck has 360k on the original engine. Just want to know what else is out there. For oil filters I have used Supertech, AC delco, Wix, Baldwin and for a period of time used Fram.
You have answered your own question as to what is out there and you sound like you have made up your mind about Amsoil. All of that not withstanding, Amsoil gear oil is arguably the best on the market and since you ran it for 230K, it more than paid for itself--especially at 2010 prices. Throw some SuperTech in it and carry on...

 

[4wd]

Originally Posted By: Gito
I refuse to think that Amsoil is 100 percent the reason why I have no issues with the differential. I have used Supertech, Costco Chevron, Valvoline and Castrol 5w30 and my truck has 360k on the original engine. Just want to know what else is out there. For oil filters I have used Supertech, AC delco, Wix, Baldwin and for a period of time used Fram.


Fortunately I needed iridium plugs to get free shipping … but Delvac 1 gear oil is a great buy at $32/gallon from Summit …
Long list of (long range) credentials …

 

[Gito]

Will be replacing the differential oil and the gasket.

Is RTV needed on the gasket or can I install the gasket dry?

What is recommended?

 

[wtd]

When I had to have the G80 rear end rebuilt on my 98 K1500 at around 76,000 miles, the shop told me to not use synthetic in it. I had been using Mobil 1 gear lube in it.