Differential break-in
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
From: Warren, PA
Pretty interesting data/opinions. After going through the Break-in debate for a new motorcycle engines it was amazing that there is the same debate for new trucks.
Just for curiosity I looked up "Differential Break-in" on google and got some info, again several different versions but it seems like most Gear Manufactures do give some guidance. Three sites that provide some data:
https://www.ringpinion.com/Technical...r_break-in.inc
New Gear Break-In Procedure
https://ls1tech.com/forums/gears-axl...procedure.html
While there is some disparity in their data, all three have the same basic guidance for the first couple hundred miles, and first time towing.
Ford's Break-in mileage is about double what the above posts recommend so as mentioned earlier in the posts, it may also include brakes, engine, CYA, etc.
Not disputing anyone's posts, just thought it is some interesting data.
Just for curiosity I looked up "Differential Break-in" on google and got some info, again several different versions but it seems like most Gear Manufactures do give some guidance. Three sites that provide some data:
https://www.ringpinion.com/Technical...r_break-in.inc
New Gear Break-In Procedure
https://ls1tech.com/forums/gears-axl...procedure.html
While there is some disparity in their data, all three have the same basic guidance for the first couple hundred miles, and first time towing.
Ford's Break-in mileage is about double what the above posts recommend so as mentioned earlier in the posts, it may also include brakes, engine, CYA, etc.
Not disputing anyone's posts, just thought it is some interesting data.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 642
Likes: 14
Pretty interesting data/opinions. After going through the Break-in debate for a new motorcycle engines it was amazing that there is the same debate for new trucks.
Just for curiosity I looked up "Differential Break-in" on google and got some info, again several different versions but it seems like most Gear Manufactures do give some guidance. Three sites that provide some data:
https://www.ringpinion.com/Technical...r_break-in.inc
New Gear Break-In Procedure
https://ls1tech.com/forums/gears-axl...procedure.html
While there is some disparity in their data, all three have the same basic guidance for the first couple hundred miles, and first time towing.
Ford's Break-in mileage is about double what the above posts recommend so as mentioned earlier in the posts, it may also include brakes, engine, CYA, etc.
Not disputing anyone's posts, just thought it is some interesting data.
Just for curiosity I looked up "Differential Break-in" on google and got some info, again several different versions but it seems like most Gear Manufactures do give some guidance. Three sites that provide some data:
https://www.ringpinion.com/Technical...r_break-in.inc
New Gear Break-In Procedure
https://ls1tech.com/forums/gears-axl...procedure.html
While there is some disparity in their data, all three have the same basic guidance for the first couple hundred miles, and first time towing.
Ford's Break-in mileage is about double what the above posts recommend so as mentioned earlier in the posts, it may also include brakes, engine, CYA, etc.
Not disputing anyone's posts, just thought it is some interesting data.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
From: Warren, PA
I don't know the actual validity of their recommendation, but I followed it and the bike runs like a top and doesn't burn an ounce of oil.
As far as my new truck break-in (when I get it) I plan on following the differential break-in links I posted above then normal use with only light towing if needed until 750 - 1000 miles. Then complete fluid change before normal full capacity use.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 241
Likes: 1
forgot example
Pontiac transmissions...
Started with 1999 Bonneville SSEi (supercharged) transmissions, 40-60k with super charger, aluminum in transmission.
Same drive train in later Grand Prix with super charger, same trans same issue. Aluminum in the system. Claim was that a steel part was replaced with a aluminum part and in that mileage range issues occurred.
I had actually told the dealership when we bought it, between 40-60k I would be back for the replacement trans. 46k later... We were waiting 3 weeks for GM to look at the trans to figure out what went wrong.
Do not think the engineers signed off on that one, if that was the case.
Pontiac transmissions...
Started with 1999 Bonneville SSEi (supercharged) transmissions, 40-60k with super charger, aluminum in transmission.
Same drive train in later Grand Prix with super charger, same trans same issue. Aluminum in the system. Claim was that a steel part was replaced with a aluminum part and in that mileage range issues occurred.
I had actually told the dealership when we bought it, between 40-60k I would be back for the replacement trans. 46k later... We were waiting 3 weeks for GM to look at the trans to figure out what went wrong.
Do not think the engineers signed off on that one, if that was the case.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 415
Likes: 1
I worked for a large multi-national oil company for 40 years in the corporate offices and saw this kind of thing every day😜
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 764
Likes: 30
The break-in period for a differential is extremely important and should be heeded wisely. This is because the ring/pinion need to wear in together and heavy loads should be avoided. Damage can be caused if excess stress occurs prior to this melding relationship.
This info comes from Jim Allen; a renowned auto writer and author of this book:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/....Differentials
I'm not putting it up here so you'll buy it; although it's a great read and I do have a signed copy from Jim (a friend).
I only link this to show his credentials, and how his opinion is probably a lot more factual than any bench racer here. If you google his name, he's written articles on drive-trains (mostly diff) for all manner of auto mags, often focusing on 4x4 applications and off-roading. He also dabble in filters a bit, but his penchant is diffs. He collaborates with Randy Lyman of Randy's Ring and Pinion fame.
That being said, I don't know that the OP ruined his diff with the light loads he towed. But it's generally to be avoided, per people with great insight into the topic.
This info comes from Jim Allen; a renowned auto writer and author of this book:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/....Differentials
I'm not putting it up here so you'll buy it; although it's a great read and I do have a signed copy from Jim (a friend).
I only link this to show his credentials, and how his opinion is probably a lot more factual than any bench racer here. If you google his name, he's written articles on drive-trains (mostly diff) for all manner of auto mags, often focusing on 4x4 applications and off-roading. He also dabble in filters a bit, but his penchant is diffs. He collaborates with Randy Lyman of Randy's Ring and Pinion fame.
That being said, I don't know that the OP ruined his diff with the light loads he towed. But it's generally to be avoided, per people with great insight into the topic.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 522
Likes: 21
From: Minnesota
The warranty terms for commercial applications is different than retail consumers. Ford's liability isn't as high. The biggest difference is that those commercial application vehicles generally have fleet managers that do maintenance a lot more regularly and preventatively than your average consumer. Therefore you can be sure differential fluid is going to be changed out quite often so there isn't any harm in heating it up right out of the factory.
Your average off-the-street buyer is going to expect that fluid to last "lifetime," so Ford is trying its best to set up an ideal situation to get them past the warranty period.
Your average off-the-street buyer is going to expect that fluid to last "lifetime," so Ford is trying its best to set up an ideal situation to get them past the warranty period.
The pickups get the oil changed when we have time or when the guys remember. I would say that some of the trucks get the oil changed a couple times a year at best and they get driven upwards of a thousand miles a week. As for the rest of the fluids they will never get changed over the life of the truck. We have had a few pickups with well over 300,000 miles of construction abuse. I can tell that we have never had a differential fail in any of our pickups, a few transmissions have failed and a few engine problems but mostly minor problems. Most if not all of our trucks are pulling heavy trailers with a full load of tools in the bed of the truck within a few days of delivery. My boss even pulled a trailer with a skidloader on it to the dealership with his old truck, unhooked the trailer, hooked it to his new truck and drove away. If we can't break these trucks you guys are fine! We probably haul more weight in the boxes of our trucks than some of you guys tow. I know what the owners manual says but in the real wold this is what happens. Drive it like you stole it!
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 523
Likes: 0
From: Eagan, MN
I am always amazed at this too. And not just on trucks and cars. And not just salespeople, sometimes it's people who know even less.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10,188
Likes: 8,071
From: Texas
I'm not trying to slam you here but... I work for a large excavating and grading company with a fleet of trucks and all of the equipment and large trucks (dump trucks and semi's) are maintained on a schedule based on engine hours. But the pickups on the other hand.
The pickups get the oil changed when we have time or when the guys remember. I would say that some of the trucks get the oil changed a couple times a year at best and they get driven upwards of a thousand miles a week. As for the rest of the fluids they will never get changed over the life of the truck. We have had a few pickups with well over 300,000 miles of construction abuse. I can tell that we have never had a differential fail in any of our pickups, a few transmissions have failed and a few engine problems but mostly minor problems. Most if not all of our trucks are pulling heavy trailers with a full load of tools in the bed of the truck within a few days of delivery. My boss even pulled a trailer with a skidloader on it to the dealership with his old truck, unhooked the trailer, hooked it to his new truck and drove away. If we can't break these trucks you guys are fine! We probably haul more weight in the boxes of our trucks than some of you guys tow. I know what the owners manual says but in the real wold this is what happens. Drive it like you stole it!
The pickups get the oil changed when we have time or when the guys remember. I would say that some of the trucks get the oil changed a couple times a year at best and they get driven upwards of a thousand miles a week. As for the rest of the fluids they will never get changed over the life of the truck. We have had a few pickups with well over 300,000 miles of construction abuse. I can tell that we have never had a differential fail in any of our pickups, a few transmissions have failed and a few engine problems but mostly minor problems. Most if not all of our trucks are pulling heavy trailers with a full load of tools in the bed of the truck within a few days of delivery. My boss even pulled a trailer with a skidloader on it to the dealership with his old truck, unhooked the trailer, hooked it to his new truck and drove away. If we can't break these trucks you guys are fine! We probably haul more weight in the boxes of our trucks than some of you guys tow. I know what the owners manual says but in the real wold this is what happens. Drive it like you stole it!
What about all the commercial/industrial applications??? The rigs are purchased to WORK!!!! Not sit around and get babied!!!!
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,133
Likes: 665
From: NH
If diff break-in is so critical, why not have the manufacturer break them in on the assembly line before shipping? And then change the fluid?
I don't think diff failure is very common. Maybe among the rock crawling set installing 44" tires on a Wrangler with stock axles, but not in the realm of heavy duty pickups.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,133
Likes: 665
From: NH
...This info comes from Jim Allen; a renowned auto writer and author of this book:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/....Differentials
I'm not putting it up here so you'll buy it; although it's a great read and I do have a signed copy from Jim (a friend).
I only link this to show his credentials, and how his opinion is probably a lot more factual than any bench racer here. If you google his name, he's written articles on drive-trains (mostly diff) for all manner of auto mags, often focusing on 4x4 applications and off-roading. He also dabble in filters a bit, but his penchant is diffs...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/....Differentials
I'm not putting it up here so you'll buy it; although it's a great read and I do have a signed copy from Jim (a friend).
I only link this to show his credentials, and how his opinion is probably a lot more factual than any bench racer here. If you google his name, he's written articles on drive-trains (mostly diff) for all manner of auto mags, often focusing on 4x4 applications and off-roading. He also dabble in filters a bit, but his penchant is diffs...