I will be going on a 700 mile one way haul to the Paint Horse Congress in October and before I go I'm replacing all the drivetrain fluids and aftermarket diff and tranny cover. I need your help with suggestions.

Questions on covers:
1. What diff covers do you have and how do you like?
2. What tranny cover do you have and how do you like?

Questions on fluids:
3. What do you use in the tranny? ATF +4?
4. What do you use in the differentials? Syn what weight and make?
5. What do you use in the transfer case?

Thank you in advance. Srigs ???

 

I can help with a few of the items: For trans fluid, I just used atf+3. Have you checked the price of atf+4? Wow! If only a drain (instead of flush), then you will only be using about 4-quarts (not counting any extra capacity from new pan/cover). I am using the stock trans pan. The atf4 is better, but the atf3 suits me just fine for now.

For diff fluid, I have always like mobil 1. I am using in my limited slip diff right now. No friction modifier needed, but you need to treat that on an individual basis. Some need it, some don't. I am also running a stock diff cover, but will be adding a new one from 4x4cyberstore.com. I bought one from them for my GMC. Not as expensive as the mag hytec cover, and only increases the capacity by about 3/4 of a quart. But I have been checking my rear diff, and I never get it really hot, but then again, I only pull about 250 miles one way at a time.

Don't have a transfer case so can't help ya there. BTW what kind of weight will you be pulling? I would recomend at least a trans temp gauge, and some out there recomend a heavier diff fluid for long heavy hauls. You can even pick up an extra sending unit for the trans temp gauge, put one in the rear diff cover, and one on the line coming from the trans to the cooler. Add a switch, and you can now monitor both temps. I like the digital temp gauges, as they are easy to see, and show more subtle changes. Cyberdyne (jc whitney) has the best price for those. Hope this helps, Kevin

 

I have heard that Valvoline Synthetic Blend in 85W140(?) is real good in our diffs. I could only find it in 85W90 last week so I filled mine with that and will change it again in a couple of months (will be hauling more often then). Full synthetics may or may not affect the LSD. Don't have or really need an a/m diff cover but I would probably use Mag-Hytek if I ever go that route. There are a multitude of vendors with good extra-capacity covers and trans pans so the choice is up to your budget. Everybody I know with a Mag-Hytek swears by them, though.

Just my completely biased from personal experience $.02 worth ;D

Have fun with the horse(s)

 

I just changend my rear LS diff oil. I was able to find the [u]highly reccomended Valvoline Durablend 85W140 at a local Autozone of all places! Couldn't find it at any of the hard-core local auto parts stores I usually frequent.

Also changed the transfer case fluid. Dodge specs. Dextron II ATF for the transfer case believe it or not. Couldn't find dextron II only III (takes place of II).

Can't help with the tranny...mine uses 90W (5spd)!

John

 

I will be pulling about 7k lbs on the trip fully loaded. I don't have limited slip. But I'm looking for 75 or 85W 140 for the diffs, ATF +4 for the tranny and Dextron II or III for the transfer case.

Thanks for the responses keep them comming...

 

Yea the 85W140 was hard to find for me because the retailer has to order 25+ cases from Valvoline and small outfits can't afford to do that. Emjay told me he got his from Autozone (formerly Chiefs I think??) which is a large chain. Sure enough the first store I called had it! Anyway the nearest Autozone to your location should either have it or be able to get it for you from another store. Emajy also suggested Permatex Ultra Grey for sealing the diff cover...it worked great too! Don't forget to remove old sealer and clean with acetone or equiv before applying new sealer.

Good Luck!!

John

 

Hi

I'll try and answer all your questions:

1. I use the MAG-HYTEC cover on the rear (dana 80), it has been there for going on three years and has never leaked, or given me a reason to worry, I love it. I monitor the rear ends temperature, and this cover makes that a snap. I also like the added capacity and the ease on checking, and draining. Workmanship is top notch.

2. In the rear end, and front end I use AMSIOL series 2000 75w-140 gear lube. I have used it in a number of vehicals and it works. rear end stays arroud 150-160, even with a heavey load.

3.Transmission pan is also a MAG-HYTEC. The reasons are the same, workmanship, added capacity, ease of monitoring.

4. Transmission fluid is AMSOIL synthetic atf, as is the transfer case. Best thing I could tell you is my trans temps droped 30 degrees by just switching, that was enough prof for me. my temps stay in the 140-150 range, and the fluid stays red, doesn't get dark and smell burned.

I don't sell anything, I have learned the hard way, by trail and error. I have always been open to trying new things, if it works I stay with it till something else works better. If it doesn't work as planed, I don't get upset, just don't use it again.