What is the opinion on this board regarding Exxon Superflo gear lube? Particularly, 80W-90. Are there any "good" mineral gear lubes? Also, would overfilling a differential cause any problems? I recently put in 3 qts of Exxon Superflo 80W-90 in the differential of my '95 F-150 (calls for 5.5 pts). Should I dump it, and refill with the appropriate ammount/different brand?
Exxon Superflo gear lube
- Thread starter Russ
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Maybe a stupid question. But what does the owner's manual call for. I know most 1997 and up F-150's require a synthetic 75W-140 rear diff fluid. I think the older models used a 80W-90 mineral fluid, not sure though. If you don't tow any "serious" weight you should be fine. You'll just have to change it more often if it's a dino/mineral diff fluid. Again check with the owner's manual. The only other real downside to using a 80w90 conventional/mineral diff fluid is if it get's real cold where you are. A synthetic or semi-syntehtic 80W-90 will flow easier in the cold. If you filled it on level ground then you can't over fill it. It will run out of the fill plug opening. If in doubt park on a level surface and open the fill plug opening. If it runs out let it until it stops. If it doesn't run out stick your finger in the opening and you should feel the fluid at the bottom of the opening if it's full.
Whimsey
[ August 17, 2004, 06:01 PM: Message edited by: Whimsey ]
Whimsey
[ August 17, 2004, 06:01 PM: Message edited by: Whimsey ]
Thank you for your response
The manual calls for 80W-90, does not specify whether it be dino, or synthetic. It's an open differential (Ford 8.8) (not a limited-slip), so it shouldn't need any friction modifier (nor does the manual mention any). Temperature below 25F is considered to be COLD in these parts (and doesn't happen all that often). The vehicle is used primarily for short trips around town, with occasional highway use. No towing whatsoever. I thought about going with Mobil 1 gear lube, but the pinion seal seems to have some seepage around it, and I don't want to make it worse with the use of synthetics.
As for the filling, nothing was overflowing, but when I stuck my finger in the fill opening at 6 pts, it seemed to be pretty much the same as at 5.5. I thing the actual spec is 1/8 of an inch below the hole (or maybe 1/4, I can't remember), but I started feeling the fluid after 4 pts. (I think this is due to the fact, that the lube was getting all over the ring gear, and that's what was getting on my finger). I don't know.
The manual calls for 80W-90, does not specify whether it be dino, or synthetic. It's an open differential (Ford 8.8) (not a limited-slip), so it shouldn't need any friction modifier (nor does the manual mention any). Temperature below 25F is considered to be COLD in these parts (and doesn't happen all that often). The vehicle is used primarily for short trips around town, with occasional highway use. No towing whatsoever. I thought about going with Mobil 1 gear lube, but the pinion seal seems to have some seepage around it, and I don't want to make it worse with the use of synthetics.
As for the filling, nothing was overflowing, but when I stuck my finger in the fill opening at 6 pts, it seemed to be pretty much the same as at 5.5. I thing the actual spec is 1/8 of an inch below the hole (or maybe 1/4, I can't remember), but I started feeling the fluid after 4 pts. (I think this is due to the fact, that the lube was getting all over the ring gear, and that's what was getting on my finger). I don't know.
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