Gear oils again- mass market ?

[UncleS2]

The local source for Mystik gear oil is no more. O'Reillys offers it, but by special order only, and nothing but the 80w90 conventional-

and I'd really hoped to get their syn blend 75w90. Oh well, time marches on.

I've decided that instead of spending lots of time & effort trying to come up w/that, or paying $hipping on Amsoil, Redline, etc, I'll just go with some 75w90 from the (semi)local sources- O'Reillys, ABC, Autozone, or just as likely if they have something decent, WalMart. Major brand like Castrol, Pennzoil, Valvoline, etc, maybe a syn blend or possibly even full synthetic.

Any bang-for buck winners out there? I'll drain with a suction gun only, no rear plate removal, & probably need only 2 qts, maybe a bit out of a 3rd qt. Here's your chance to stump for your favorite easily-available big brand gear oil!

 

[oilboy123]

My bang for the buck is Amsoil. But store shelf brand I would pick up Mobil 1.

Longer intervals = more bang for the buck. Less time laying under the car as well. To each their own.

I used to rationalize using cheaper decent quality and changing more often. Now that I'm closing in on 50 and maintaining a small fleet I'm glad I don't need to change as often. Also more time to fudge one way or the other on intervals. When they are longer I have a little more flexibility.

I think any of the major brands you mention will do you fine.

 

[SuperDave456]

Ive use Valvoline, Rotella, Mobil and Amsoil gear oils in a number of vehicles.
My suggestion would be to stick with what the owners manual says viscosity wise and a name brand. I haven't had an issue with any of the name brands, and if you think you may need a bottle of some type of slip lock for your limited slip differential go ahead and add a bottle.
It isn't worth going for a test drive, then realizing you need a bottle of the slip lock, having to get under there and drain a few ounces then adding it. Just start out with the slip lock, and top off with what you have on hand.

Also, dropping the pan and cleaning it all out, if this is your first time to do so, is highly recommended in my book. There is all kinds of nasty metallic stuff left behind if all you do is use a suction.

 

[UncleS2]

Vehicle is a 2002 Dodge Dakota, 3.9 V6, ATx, Mopar 8.25" open diff- no limited slip. 89,000 miles, no heavy trailer pulling ever, diff currently tight & silent(on the factory fill!

). I just want to keep it that way.

Thanks, I'll see what's available locally.