Shaeffer's gear oil for '99 Durango diffs...

[Scott_dup1]

Hello,

I have a '99 Durango SLT+ 4x4 with a LSD that has ~53K miles on it. The first time I had the diff oil changed was at 30K miles and it made a large difference in the noise levels coming from the differentials (both front and rear). We have all of our work done at the dealer to avoid hassles with warranty. The diff oil used was the standard dealer oil with the Mopar LSD additive.

Lately, the diffs have begun to make noise again. Because of this, I took the Durango to the dealer to have them check the diffs (and the balljoints). They confirmed that the diffs were making noise and that they thought changing the diff oil would resolve most of it. Not a problem.

I have used Schaeffer's 7000 10w30 in the engine for years and thought that using an appropriate Schaeffer's SYNTHETIC gear oil would be a good idea to extend the time between changes and keep the diffs a bit quieter (gas milage help would be a bonus). The owner's manual states that the factory fill is "SAE 80W-90 Multipurpose Type, GL-5 Gear Lubricant..."

Does anyone have any suggestions which Schaeffer's gear oil would be appropriate? I'd like to use a Schaeffer's gear oil that is synthetic and has moly in it. I was thinking maybe their #267 as it appears to qualify, but don't know if there is anything they have that is better. I don't mind spending a bit more to get a better product.

Thanks for your help!

Scott

 

[Ken2]

The 267 will work very well, and it's the only one available in quarts...everything else is a 40# pail or larger.


Ken

 

[Scott_dup1]

Ken2,

Thanks for the quick reply!

Do you know if the 267 is compatible with the Mopar LSD friction additive? I have read elsewhere that there are sometimes compatibility issues, though I do not understand how/why if the gear oil meets specs.

Thanks!

Scott

 

[MolaKule]

Scott,

The 267 is one heavy duty gear oil and will mix with anything.

Howver, I doubt you will need the FM.

 

[dkcase]

quote:

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Originally posted by MolaKule:
I doubt you will need the FM.

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Is this the 8 1/4 Chrysler Trac-Lok ? I have the 267 in that axle on my Jeep.

I didn't add any additional FM, and it doing just fine..

I have LubeGard FM on hand, but it is still on the shelf.

 

[Scott_dup1]

Hi,

Just an update. I decided to put the FM in anyway. Don't want to take a chance as I have an extended warranty and don't want to give them an opportunity to deny coverage if something goes wrong in the future.

I just hope that the FM doesn't cause the gear oil to foam. I'm getting kind of paranoid putting additive into good oils after seeing the gear oil demo on the home page.

BTW, does anyone know what the FM is and what it is supposed to do?

Thanks for all of your help!

Scott

PS. FYI, if I remember correctly, the service rep. at the dealer said the LSD was a 9" or 9/25" clutch type. I have the 5.9L engine which puts out 245hp/335ft-lb.

[ March 30, 2004, 03:19 PM: Message edited by: Scott ]