Commatoze

I drained differential today and installed my new Mag-Hytec Dana 60 differential cover and filled it with Mobil1 gear oil. The problem I'm having is that I can't see the gear oil on the dip stick. It's too light in color. I'm wondering if there is a dye that I can add to the gear oil so I can see it on the stick? By the way, the newly revised vented cover works great.

hotdram

Commatoze,
No clue on the dye, so can't help you there, but had a question about the install on the Mag Hytec. Did you have to remove any of the front suspension/steering components to get the new Mag Hytec in there?

(What about shining a flashlight on the dipstick, that's what I do when I check my rear end).

~Rob

Geico266

.......And just how often do you check your rear end with a flashlight and...... what are you looking for? Monkees?

I just could not leave this one alone.
Sorry Rob!

Homestead

How has the cover been "revised"?

I've been waiting to see what was going to happen with this revision before I went ahead and picked up my covers.

Commatoze

Yes, you must drop the driver's side tie rod end. Just loosen the nut all the way, and wail on the stud a couple of times with a mallet and it drops free. To re-insert, I used the truck's little jack under the tie rod end to apply slight pressure to it to hold the taper in place and keep it from spinning while I tightened the lock nut up

They've added a baffle around the dipstick to prevent gear oil from splashing up on the vent hole in the stick and eventually burping out the vent. I went thru that 2 years ago, and what a mess that was! Drove 40 miles this morning, and no leaks. Also, it looks

hotdram

I only check it when it makes funny noises or binds up going around corners (I'm talking the Dana 80 in my truck, is that what you meant?).


I read this about 20 minutes after I posted it and realized what I had said and how wide open I left myself. I was going to change it, but I figured I deserved whatever I got.

Back on topic,
I am going to have to check on the new design Dana 60 cover, that sounds cool. I am waiting to see if anyone has any thoughts on the dye too. Wonder if food coloring would work?

~Rob

PistolWhipt

Oh my God .... I can't believe you went there !!! That was hilarious !!!

PISTOL

HappyGA

Dipstick on DIffs??

Is that something that the mag-hytechs have made into them or am i just blind when I crawl under?

hotdram

Yes, the Mag-Hytecs have dipsticks on them.
Mag-Hytec makes front and rear diff covers and tranny pans (for those that don't row their own )

~Rob

hotdram

I emailed Mag-Hytec about a dye, still waiting on their response.

~Rob

HappyGA

Why couldn't you add in some food coloring?

Flashdancr

That was toooooo funny!

Now back on topic. Why can't you put a piece of masking tape on the dip stick and then take it off after you check your fluid level.

Mopar1973man

I was going to say the same thing... Blue or red would be really good colors...

Geico266

Food coloring is water based and not a good thing to add to oil. Just tip the dipstick in the light. You'll see the mark.

Hayseed

You can rough up the dipstick w/ sandblaster or sandpaper(fine) and the oil will show up on the dull surface. Had to do this with my farm tractor hydraulic fluid, it is clear as well.