LSD Diff - Issues?

[Heimkehr]

I'm curious about the type of gear oil. I have a 2-door Sport with 345 and LSD rear diff, so I suspect I should be using a different weight oil, correct?

Unfortunately, there's no gear oil specification in the owner's manual, so appreciate any recommendations.

The data is indeed there. By way of example, it's on p. 442 of the 2021 Owner's Manual.

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[flyer92]

The data is indeed there. By way of example, it's on p. 442 of the 2021 Owner's Manual.

LOL...I am usually the manual nazi, but I totally missed this! Interestingly, there are so many versions of our manuals, mine is only 392 pages long but I still found the oil spec.

Been addressing the manual discrepancy lately as well. If interested, check out this thread:

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/the-real-owners-manual.109853/page-5#post-2282508

Thanks and happy Jeepin'!

 

[Heimkehr]

Been addressing the manual discrepancy lately as well. If interested, check out this thread:

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/the-real-owners-manual.109853/page-5#post-2282508

I have, good Sir.

 

[flyer92]

Just curious...I've always used teflon tape on differential, transfer case, and transmission drain plugs over the years, but wanted to see what everyone else does. Teflon paste seems like it might be more secure, but I have no experience with it. Any recommendations?

While were on the topic, the torque specs listed here in the forums don't specify which differential they pertain to. I've got the 345 with LSD on my 2-door Sport, but still can't find a definitive reference for front and rear in this trim level.

 

[Heimkehr]

Just curious...I've always used teflon tape on differential, transfer case, and transmission drain plugs over the years, but wanted to see what everyone else does. Teflon paste seems like it might be more secure, but I have no experience with it. Any recommendations?

I use yellow gas line tape. It's a bit more robust than regular plumber's thread tape.

Arguably, the use of tape or sealant on the drain plug is redundant, but that's precisely what I want here.

 

[flyer92]

I use yellow gas line tape. It's a bit more robust than regular plumber's thread tape.

Arguably, the use of tape or sealant on the drain plug is redundant, but that's precisely what I want here.

Agree...I use the yellow gas-compatible tape too. Looks like you may have also replaced the drain/fill plugs too, no? That seems like a good idea, although I'm sure most folks don't do it.

 

[five9dak]

Mine lasted almost to 30k. We owned it since 19k. I don't think the PO used it offroad, and we haven't either yet.

Didn't even make it to it's first diff oil change interval, and I didnt bother since it was already diagnosed and scheduled to be rebuilt.

When it gets to 60k I guess I'll get a locker and gears. I doubt the new parts are any better and now its turning 33s.

 

[Rock Hopper]

Mine lasted almost to 30k. We owned it since 19k. I don't think the PO used it offroad, and we haven't either yet.

Didn't even make it to it's first diff oil change interval, and I didnt bother since it was already diagnosed and scheduled to be rebuilt.

When it gets to 60k I guess I'll get a locker and gears. I doubt the new parts are any better and now its turning 33s.

Wow...that doesn't seem right. It's not like Limited Slip Diffs are something new. They should not be failing at 30k or even 100k! I have 3 jeeps (Grand Cherokee/Cherokee/Wrangler) all with Limited Slip and they are all working perfectly. "*One has 95k miles, one with 45k and one with 8k.

I wonder if these issues are just limited to the JL Wranglers? It does seem a little odd.

Then again we are not hearing from the thousands and thousands of owners that aren't having issues and who likely have never changed their differential fluid.

Maybe it is just luck of the draw.

 

[Heimkehr]

Looks like you may have also replaced the drain/fill plugs too, no?

?
No, still OEM on both axles. Nothing wrong with them.

The only tangential change I've done was to replace the engine oil drain plug with a Fumoto valve.

 

[five9dak]

Wow...that doesn't seem right. It's not like Limited Slip Diffs are something new. They should not be failing at 30k or even 100k! I have 3 jeeps (Grand Cherokee/Cherokee/Wrangler) all with Limited Slip and they are all working perfectly. "*One has 95k miles, one with 45k and one with 8k.

I wonder if these issues are just limited to the JL Wranglers? It does seem a little odd.

Then again we are not hearing from the thousands and thousands of owners that aren't having issues and who likely have never changed their differential fluid.

Maybe it is just luck of the draw.

The failure symptom is so subtle only gearheads notice it. There are probably more in the field failed than in good condition. It took months to get the repair parts due to high demand.

Friction type LSDs have been breaking springs and wearing out plates for decades, they were always a built to a price compromise, and still are. Most people just don't notice it doesn't work. Or in the case of the JL don't notice the knock from the spider gear lash the failure creates.

If you want a LSD get a torsen. The plate style ones are just for marketing wank. I searched for an LSD optioned jeep to get the 44 housing, knowing the LSD would be junk, and it was.

 

[Stlrfan152]

Mine went at 24k miles

 

[Rock Hopper]

The failure symptom is so subtle only gearheads notice it. There are probably more in the field failed than in good condition. It took months to get the repair parts due to high demand.

Friction type LSDs have been breaking springs and wearing out plates for decades, they were always a built to a price compromise, and still are. Most people just don't notice it doesn't work. Or in the case of the JL don't notice the knock from the spider gear lash the failure creates.

If you want a LSD get a torsen. The plate style ones are just for marketing wank. I searched for an LSD optioned jeep to get the 44 housing, knowing the LSD would be junk, and it was.

Makes sense. I am like you, and prefer an LSD for my specific use (which is why I got a MOAB and not a Rubicon).

With so many LSD's out there, it sounds like we need a thread for repair-replacement cost options....or better yet how the replaced or repaired LSDs are actually holding up.

Thanks for the info.

 

[flyer92]

FWIW, I recently asked a highly experienced Jeep tech why the LSDs have such a high failure rate. He stated that it is mostly due to drivers spinning the rear wheels for extended periods. I have no idea if that really makes sense, but just thought I'd share.

 

[five9dak]

If I want to do a burnout I have other cars for that. I don't think my jeep has ever turned a tire over more than maybe a quarter rev.

 

[Traveller128]

I use yellow gas line tape. It's a bit more robust than regular plumber's thread tape.

Arguably, the use of tape or sealant on the drain plug is redundant, but that's precisely what I want here.

Been a tech for a lot of years, and I'm sold on the gear oil pouches. I love that if the access is poor, you can bend them around the obstacles and still fill without making a mess.

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