Differential Break In Procedure
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4wd Low
Joined: Mar 2023
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Differential Break In Procedure
I ordered a set of 5.13 gears for my excursion and have been reviewing the recommended break in procedure by Nitro Gears. They recommend 10 miles of driving, 20 minutes of cool down, and repeat this process 5 times. After this, light driving for 500 miles.
My question is, should I have the vehicle in 4wd during this to break in the front diff as well? I just have concerns running in 4wd on dry pavement
My question is, should I have the vehicle in 4wd during this to break in the front diff as well? I just have concerns running in 4wd on dry pavement
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,099
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From: Southern California
If you have traction lock diff's then I would only engage the RWD side and then look for a "soft" are to break-in the front. If that's not possible, you are going to be driving slow anyway so as long as you are not making sharp turns you should be ok. I'm sure if you check with NG they will say the same thing.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,799
Likes: 1,016
I suspect you will get all kinds of ideas to break things in. I know, all new cars do not have break in procedure. Make the car, Sell the car, Drive the car.
When I rebuilt mine, [Sterling 10.25] I swapped just about everything and drove it for a week or so. Took off the cover, drained the oil, and installed a Banks cover. Topped up with synthetic oil. Drove it for the summer towing my 5th wheel. No problems what so ever.
That was my procedure.
When I rebuilt mine, [Sterling 10.25] I swapped just about everything and drove it for a week or so. Took off the cover, drained the oil, and installed a Banks cover. Topped up with synthetic oil. Drove it for the summer towing my 5th wheel. No problems what so ever.
That was my procedure.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,436
Likes: 117
From: Virginia
Butcher, it is not the same to compare a rebuilt diff & one that comes in a new vehicle.
The tolerances used & precision equipment used at the factory is far superior to what is used in a shop.
Some brands load test all drivetrain components before they get installed.
The tolerances used & precision equipment used at the factory is far superior to what is used in a shop.
Some brands load test all drivetrain components before they get installed.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,799
Likes: 1,016
We just have a different opinion I guess. With the right builder, I bet that someone that is passionate with what they do is way better than a robot or even a person that has no clue where the part is going.
With today's oils/technology/materials, break in is a thing of the past.
I used to work at a German car dealership where we changed the engine oil/filter every 3,750 miles. When that manufacture elected to go for extended oil services and 2 years/10k miles, I laughed and knew were were going to be busy with engine work for some time. That time never occurred. No matter what I thought, longer services did work and engines never had abnormal wear. Matter of fact, they needed less repairs. I would have lost a lot of money if I bet the engineers were wrong.
Sometimes, old thinking should be put to rest.
With today's oils/technology/materials, break in is a thing of the past.
I used to work at a German car dealership where we changed the engine oil/filter every 3,750 miles. When that manufacture elected to go for extended oil services and 2 years/10k miles, I laughed and knew were were going to be busy with engine work for some time. That time never occurred. No matter what I thought, longer services did work and engines never had abnormal wear. Matter of fact, they needed less repairs. I would have lost a lot of money if I bet the engineers were wrong.
Sometimes, old thinking should be put to rest.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,463
Likes: 954
From: Tri Cities, TN
We just have a different opinion I guess. With the right builder, I bet that someone that is passionate with what they do is way better than a robot or even a person that has no clue where the part is going.
With today's oils/technology/materials, break in is a thing of the past.
I used to work at a German car dealership where we changed the engine oil/filter every 3,750 miles. When that manufacture elected to go for extended oil services and 2 years/10k miles, I laughed and knew were were going to be busy with engine work for some time. That time never occurred. No matter what I thought, longer services did work and engines never had abnormal wear. Matter of fact, they needed less repairs. I would have lost a lot of money if I bet the engineers were wrong.
Sometimes, old thinking should be put to rest.
With today's oils/technology/materials, break in is a thing of the past.
I used to work at a German car dealership where we changed the engine oil/filter every 3,750 miles. When that manufacture elected to go for extended oil services and 2 years/10k miles, I laughed and knew were were going to be busy with engine work for some time. That time never occurred. No matter what I thought, longer services did work and engines never had abnormal wear. Matter of fact, they needed less repairs. I would have lost a lot of money if I bet the engineers were wrong.
Sometimes, old thinking should be put to rest.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,799
Likes: 1,016
In life, research, research, research. Make a decision and be happy that you made a good decision that makes you feel happy.
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Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,099
Likes: 380
From: Southern California
We just have a different opinion I guess. With the right builder, I bet that someone that is passionate with what they do is way better than a robot or even a person that has no clue where the part is going.
With today's oils/technology/materials, break in is a thing of the past.
.
With today's oils/technology/materials, break in is a thing of the past.
.
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