Had a chance to use my friends truck shop today. Thought it would be a good idea to change the gear oils. So I started with the front end. Pulled the front cover and... Grey gear oil?! Slimy thick very stickey. Got it all cleaned out all metal surfaces are like brand new. Like its never been used before. Is this some kind of heavy duty detergent oil. There is signes of 2 different kinds of sealers on the cover red and black. When I got to the rear rear the oil was brownish color but no suprises.

 

You got water in it.

 

Isn't there a moly additive that turns the gear oil gray? Or maybe it's a detergent additive that makes any water mix with the oil so it won't cause damage. I have a marine grease for wheel bearings and such that is a light blue opaque color that's supposed to mix with any water to prevent damage to bearings and joints for those who like to go through mudholes.

Edwin

 

Gray should be water, fill it back up and do it again in a few days, trust me. This time of year, if it sat a couple days, they would seperate and you would have a block of ice in there.... heat lamp helps that situation... trust me.

 

There isnt a speck of rust anywere to be found. The carrier, gears inside of the housing everything was like brand new. the truck has 242380 miles on it . edwinsmith is probly right about the additves Thanks all for the thoughts John

 

No sawdust?

 

When wter gets in the gear oil it usually turns it more of a tan color like milk in coffee. Gray is odd. Are you sure it's not silver? as in bearing silver? Best to change it and keep your eye on it for a while.

 

Like I said before it is clean and tight as brand new inside/ I am not going to put the truck on the road untill spring. still to crappy out here in New Jerkey . thank you all for your thoughts I keep all posted/. John