Only one fluid on the market!

[GMorg]

With my 15K OCI, I only do one change, but I am changing before the moan returns. My tires are lasting a lot longer now. I also do the circles just before changing.

 

[Stu_Rock]

I do wonder if there are some alternatives to Versatrak fluid in the industrial lubricant market. It's horrendously expensive. This issue has come up before; here's what I wrote once in a thread titled "Versatrac":
Originally Posted By: Stu_Rock, in another thread
The Versatrak supplier was Magna Steyr, which called it Geromatic. Has anyone looked into using fluids from other manufacturers that use Magna Steyr AWD systems? Kia Sportage, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mercedes 4matic show up in a quick search.

Another possibility might be fluids from vehicles with AWD/4WD systems of the same gerodisc design, like the 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the Quadra-Trac II (NV247) transfer case. The Jeep fluid is a special fluid: Mopar 05016796AC, $13/qt.

It looks like the Jeep NV247 fluid is Mobilfluid 424 tractor fluid. Amsoil lists ATH as a substitute.

Anyone with a "disposable" AWD GM U-van want to give it a try?

 

[The_Eric]

Just a thought for your quest of a suitable replacement: If lubes with friction modifiers made it worse, then what about going the other way? Maybe just some 10w-40 oil?

Of course I certainly wouldn't advise draining the GM liquid gold out before the RDM started groaning like Chewbacca...