Differential fluid for Dana 30,35c, and 44?

[jbotelho15]

I got 2 jeeps as you can see in my sig. I want to change the differential fluid in them but not sure what to use. Manual recommends a couple of different things I'm thinking if using 80w90 in all of them? I also want to use some reusable gaskets ive seen as they have good reviews and i want to avoid the mess of silicone.

Should an additive be used? Ive seen some mopar stuff thats overpriced but was thinking if they make it.. is it needed? I personally like Lucas Transmission Fix as it seemed to make things smoother in my wranglers transmission (nothing was wrong i just felt like it was lighter after but maybe its cause the new oil not the lucas) anyway if I should use an additive is Lucas Transmission Fix acceptable for differentials too or no?

Thanks in advance guys!

 

[JHZR2]

amsoil svg. no additives. Fel-pro gaskets.

 

[4D-56]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
amsoil svg. no additives. Fel-pro gaskets.


+1

 

[jbotelho15]

I have fel-pro on my engines oil pan and its awesome but for differentials i think I want to go with lubelocker they're expensive but seems like the way to go.

 

[95busa]

Atf+4 only in that transmission. Word to the wise.

 

[Zaedock]

IMO, there's no need for expensive oils in those diffs. Supertech 80W90 from Walmart is what I use and no one in this forum beats on their Jeeps like I do.

Edit: I do not use gaskets, I use RTV and have had 0 leaks on mine and customers Jeep axles.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Good luck finding a front dana 30 gasket! I have never been able to find one in a store.

 

[147_Grain]

Amsoil Severe Gear Oil 75W-90.

 

[Zaedock]

Spending $15 a quart on these axles is absolutely silly.

 

[gomes512]

Agree with Zaedock, regular 'ol 80w-90 works great in these. If you want to get fancy you can spring for a synthetic 75w-90 but I don't really see any reason for it in the 30, 35c, or 44.

Been pounding the ZJ on the trails the last few years and the diffs look dandy inside, except for the spun axle tube on the 35c...

I do not understand why you would want to use a transmission product in a diff. If your diffs have clutches and need a LSD additive then buy and use that.

 

[jbotelho15]

thinking of valvoline 80w90 its just $7 a quart or plain 80w90 like you guys said. The WJ never sees any offroad and even the TJ is rarely off pavement plus I know people who never change them so I think changing them every 15k (manual says 12k but that seems too often) should do me good regardless of the type of oil (im assuming)

 

[Bg2pres]

Originally Posted By: jbotelho15
I have fel-pro on my engines oil pan and its awesome but for differentials i think I want to go with lubelocker they're expensive but seems like the way to go.


Lubelocker is the top of the top +1

 

[barkingspider]

80w90 and felpro gasket. Change the diff every 20 - 25k miles. This should be fine for your use

 

[artificialist]

Originally Posted By: jbotelho15
thinking of valvoline 80w90 its just $7 a quart or plain 80w90 like you guys said. The WJ never sees any offroad and even the TJ is rarely off pavement plus I know people who never change them so I think changing them every 15k (manual says 12k but that seems too often) should do me good regardless of the type of oil (im assuming)

You can pay even less for gear oil when you buy 1 gallon containers of it. Usually only non-synthetic is sold that way in local stores, but someone might sell full synthetic by the gallon.

 

[dlundblad]

Never heard of anyone using gaskets on Dana 30 and Dana 35/44 axles.. I've always used RTV with no issues.

Which reminds me I'm about due to change out my rear fluid. Maybe just cheat for now and drain it with a vacuum pump and refill it with ST fluid. Then drain and remove cover, clean magnet etc this summer.

 

[RMBC73]

I actually have 3 Jeeps in the family, 2 TJ's and 1 JK. On the Jeep forums there's been a lot of discussion on this topic and it turns out that unless you drive under the severe conditions listed dino is the best choice. The differential manufacturers have made some strong statements to that fact. I use a pump to get out 90% of the oil and then refill it with Supertech 80-90. As long as you change it as required you'll be good to go.

 

[dlundblad]

I broke down about bought some Valvoline gear oil today from Meijer. It was about a dollar more a quart compared to the ST. Only bought it because it was easier to get.

I noticed it has a limited slip additive in it.. I wonder how well that additive would play with the required few ounces of Mopar fluid with Vari-lok equipped axles.

 

[ac_tc]

It seems like the vari lok is a simple clutch brake so..
I would just pour the oil in and only add supplement if
it chatters or gives other strange side to side behaviours.
I´ll bet that its ok from start.

 

[SOHCman]

Was it the gallon bottle of valvoline conventional 80w-90? Its the cheapest name brand gear oil you can get around here at $20 a gallon, but it meets the strictest new military spec requirement so use it with confidence.