Frequent diff fluid changes

[jlandry287]

I’ve got 45,xxx miles on my ecodiesel. I’ve changed the fluid in the differentials 2x already, it smelled burnt both times.

I’m running 37s with stock gears and use amsoil for the changes. Front gets 75w-90 and the rear gets 75w-140 since I do occasionally tow.

I’ve had the rear locker position sensor replaced under warranty, it failed driving from Louisiana to Washington while hauling my ATV.

Occasionally when I’m towing the sensor will start to act up, showing the rear locker is engaged but it’s not. After letting the jeep sit for a while, this error goes away.

Anybody have any clue why I’m burning through diff fluid, or am I just overthinking it?

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[Kracka]

37's and the ...W-140 runs too hot. Step it down to 75W-110 and add an aluminum rear differential cover.

I run Amsoil SG 75W-85 in my Grand Cherokee and have had zero issues towing at max capacity.

We have the aFe cast aluminum cover on the JL and have been all over the country without issue; run Redline 75W-85 in it.

 

[UTME]

That’s weird. Just replaced front and rear for the first time. Currently have 42,000 miles. Everything looked good.

 

[zouch]

i'd guess running stock gears with 37s puts more strain on the gears than if you'd re-geared to match the 37s.

 

[flick2614]

It seems to me that towing and rear lockers are often a combo that creates a ton of heat and causes issues, not isolated to just Jeep. Full sizes see it too but there are a million options for housings that increase the volume of oil and provide some cooling in the form of finned covers in the full-size category. I haven’t seen any covers for the JL that advertise increased capacity. If there are any out there that may be the solution.

 

[flick2614]

i'd guess running stock gears with 37s puts more strain on the gears than if you'd re-geared to match the 37s.

Diesel don’t care

 

[Kracka]

It seems to me that towing and rear lockers are often a combo that creates a ton of heat and causes issues, not isolated to just Jeep. Full sizes see it too but there are a million options for housings that increase the volume of oil and provide some cooling in the form of finned covers in the full-size category. I haven’t seen any covers for the JL that advertise increased capacity. If there are any out there that may be the solution.

 

[zouch]

Diesel or anything else; doesn't make a difference to the strain on the gears.

Diesel don’t care

 

[jlandry287]

i'd guess running stock gears with 37s puts more strain on the gears than if you'd re-geared to match the 37s.

It's an ecodiesel so I personally think the gearing is fine (could be wrong) and others that run a similar setup are not reporting the same issue.

 

[jlandry287]

also worth mentioning I'm running aftermarket diff covers in the front and rear

 

[zouch]

sorry if my point wasn't clear enough; we're not talking about gear ratios being suitable (or not). the point is the gears are under more pressure now that you've put larger tires on it.

your comment here made me think "so what is he doing different?", which you answered in your next post.
i'm always suspicious of the oil flow in most aftermarket diff covers.

It's an ecodiesel so I personally think the gearing is fine (could be wrong) and others that run a similar setup are not reporting the same issue.

 

[Badunit]

Interesting video on diff covers. It is a Banks marketing video but probably truthful. Mostly it is about flat backed ones. The one you posted a picture isn't one of those but still an interesting video.

 

[WillysMeow]

Wow, great video on diff covers and oiling, thanks!

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