traction lok lube

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May 2, 2005 | 09:10 PM

ACRR

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traction lok lube

Looking for opinions on gear lube for these units. I have had a couple of axle shops tell me to used minerial lube and not synthetic to make the clutches work like they should. They say that the synthetic makes the clutches too slippery and will not work very well.

Also does anyone sell rebuild kit's with 8 clutch's instead of 6 like the factory ones?
Thanks

May 3, 2005 | 09:08 AM

jimandmandy

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From: Running Springs CA

Just like with ATF, the base oil, dino or synthetic, has nothing to do with the friction requirements of clutch plates. Both need friction modifer additives.

I use Redline differential fluid because it already contains friction modifier to prevent chatter.

Jim

May 3, 2005 | 07:16 PM

phatpony

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From: New Bern, NC

Mustangs come from the factory with synthetic lube. The axel shops are wrong. When I did a gear swap in my 03 GT, we put in Mobil 1 and some friction modifier, and I don't have any problems at all with my rear end.

May 3, 2005 | 07:29 PM

ACRR

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The trucks call for syn. also and many of the complants I have heard of poor working diffs. come from the trucks. Is it possible that the factory adds too much modifier to keep the rear end quiet?

May 3, 2005 | 09:45 PM

whowey

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I will have to see if I can find it, but the owner's manual from a Detroit Limited Slip, I put in, specifically said NOT to use synthetic.. It suprised me so I kept it, just so I wouldn't forget.

May 4, 2005 | 05:19 AM

ACRR

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"whowey" Auburn also calls for no synthetic, but they have cone type not plate clutch's like the traction lok.

May 4, 2005 | 09:54 AM

MrBSS

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This just reinforces the principal that one should follow the manufacturer's recommendation, and not try to "improve" it. If Ford calls for synthetic, use it. If Detroit or Auburn say no, then don't use it!

Also, it is possible to use too much additive (friction modifier), and thus reduce the anti-slip action, so it is usually best to use the minimum amount that prevents chattering around corners.

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May 11, 2005 | 09:55 PM

ACRR

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I called the tech line at Ford Motorsports and they say NOT to use syn. lube in a traction lok, it will reduce grip in the clutch's. Looks like they (also Detroit and Auburn) have no concerns with mineral oil with regards to gears, bearings etc.

May 12, 2005 | 11:29 AM

#10

jimandmandy

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From: Running Springs CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACRR

According to the 1993 factory service manual, Synthetic axle lube was mandatory for "Severe Use" Dana axles in the Super Duty models and was allowed as service refill in all Ford axles, including limited slip. The amount of friction modifier for Dana (60 or 70?)axles was half as much as for the Ford 10.25. Refill capacities were not stated, so maybe the Dana housing holds less fluid.

GM had similar recommendations in the mid '90s and now synthetic is factory fill in all axles. I think it is for both gas mileage and durability when towing.

Just like camshaft manufacturers that tell you not to use synthetic engine oil, these aftermarket differential companies sometimes dont have a clue about oil chemistry. Synthetic oil is not more "slippery" than dino, that is just a widely held myth. It is the additives that matter as far as frictinal properites are concerned.

Jim