Acceptable Dif Temps.?

[Tempest]

I was just wondering what the guidlines are for what a dif should opperate at. I checked the dif cover (all stock) on my Jeep last night after a good day out (including on road mountain driving and freeway) and it was 150F according to an IR thermometer. This is with Amsoil 75w140.

I know the old reco for ATF is <200F. Is that a good guide for difs, too?

 

[SteveD2]

I can't answer your question, but I'll have a temp guage in mine soon...

steved

 

[INDYMAC]

On the tests I've seen it runs around 100degF above ambient road temperature under normal load. Increase the work load and it will rise another 10-20degF. If you do a search, you will find a post written by Jim Allen that evaluates several popular gear oils via temerature readings on his truck's differential. Some oils are better than others at maintaining lower temps.