gear lube
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 267
Likes: 28
From: Coon Rapids
the idiot in me wants to use the thickest lube,but I know most folks will recommend 90 wt lube ,like the manual recommends .I don't plan on long road trips,just a drive in the country . can I use conventional lube ,or would synthetic be much better ? the truck has 9500 miles on it
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,013
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From: SoCal
The thicker lube will take more energy to turn, and generate more heat. If that's your choice, then definitely get the synthetic version. I assume this is for you differential?
I was once advised to use synthetic gear lube in place of the ATF in a front differential, and it heated up so much that it was constantly puking out of the vent tube.
If it's for a manual transmission that uses gear lube, I would not use anything thicker than recommended, as it will make shifting difficult, particularly in cold weather. Also, the newer GL5 lubes are not compatible with the materials of the synchronizers of the older transmissions; eg, Ford Toploaders. I used a synthetic GL5 in mine, and every once in a while it would grind going into 2nd, no matter how far I pushed the clutch release. I changed the stuff out with Valvoline's manual transmission lube, and it's been quiet ever since.
I was once advised to use synthetic gear lube in place of the ATF in a front differential, and it heated up so much that it was constantly puking out of the vent tube.
If it's for a manual transmission that uses gear lube, I would not use anything thicker than recommended, as it will make shifting difficult, particularly in cold weather. Also, the newer GL5 lubes are not compatible with the materials of the synchronizers of the older transmissions; eg, Ford Toploaders. I used a synthetic GL5 in mine, and every once in a while it would grind going into 2nd, no matter how far I pushed the clutch release. I changed the stuff out with Valvoline's manual transmission lube, and it's been quiet ever since.
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,506
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From: Sioux Falls Area
Straight 90w is a GL-1 and that is what I would use.
anything above a GL-1 may damage the brass components inside. If I were a betting man, I’d guess that was the reason for the straight 90w recommendation.
even the cheapest 80w90 GL-4 may be too corrosive.
get a GL-1 rated oil. That is what I would do (and did do when I ran across this for my antique tractor). NAPA is a good source.
anything above a GL-1 may damage the brass components inside. If I were a betting man, I’d guess that was the reason for the straight 90w recommendation.
even the cheapest 80w90 GL-4 may be too corrosive.
get a GL-1 rated oil. That is what I would do (and did do when I ran across this for my antique tractor). NAPA is a good source.
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