Differential oil change

[roaniecowpony]

...

If I had the differential that was too hot to touch, I would first check the level. If that was OK, I would drain and refill with fresh oil. Probably a different brand. I'd also check the drained oil for evidence of excessive wear. While I was in there I would visually inspect the gears. If excessive heat persists, I would pull it apart and check bearings.

CarbonSteel instrumented his axles and found his ran oil temps comparable to engine oil temps. I don't recall the specific temps, but it was hot. Also, Jeff pointed out that there was a difference of ring n pinion ratios.

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[grimmjeeper]

CarbonSteel instrumented his axles and found his ran oil temps comparable to engine oil temps. I don't recall the specific temps, but it was hot. Also, Jeff pointed out that there was a difference of ring n pinion ratios.

Ratios shouldn't have any difference. If they're set up right with good lubrication you should see similar temps.

In this case, there were two Jeeps that did the same drive. They ended up with significantly different temperatures. The one running much hotter has something wrong.

 

[roaniecowpony]

Ratios shouldn't have any difference. If they're set up right with good lubrication you should see similar temps.

In this case, there were two Jeeps that did the same drive. They ended up with significantly different temperatures. The one running much hotter has something wrong.

Possibly. My original post was to point out that touching the surface can be misleading as to temperature inside and that cast iron isn't somehow eliminating more heat than the stamped cover, possibly quite the opposite due to the coating.

 

[grimmjeeper]

Possibly. My original post was to point out that touching the surface can be misleading as to temperature inside and that cast iron isn't somehow eliminating more heat than the stamped cover, possibly quite the opposite due to the coating.

That's possible. A coating on the cover could make it feel cooler. Though after a long drive, even a coated cover would heat soak.

 

[roaniecowpony]

That's possible. A coating on the cover could make it feel cooler. Though after a long drive, even a coated cover would heat soak.

Remember those Shuttle tiles...

 

[grimmjeeper]

Remember those Shuttle tiles...

I think they insulate just a hair more than powder coating...

 

[jadmt]

Ratios shouldn't have any difference. If they're set up right with good lubrication you should see similar temps.

In this case, there were two Jeeps that did the same drive. They ended up with significantly different temperatures. The one running much hotter has something wrong.

I dunno I would think traveling 75-80mph there would be a difference simply because the 4.56 will be spinning faster...might not be enough to matter but maybe not.

 

[grimmjeeper]

I dunno I would think traveling 75-80mph there would be a difference simply because the 4.56 will be spinning faster...might not be enough to matter but maybe not.

If the bearings are in good shape, the difference will be negligible.

But the reason to get the shorter (higher number) gears is because the taller tires rotate slower and all you're doing is putting the driveshaft back closer to the same rotation speed that it had with shorter tires and taller gears. It's not like you're going to be spinning the driveshaft super fast.

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