Gear Oil

[Benji]

Several questions regarding gear oil: (I tried searching for results but could not find what I'm looking for).

1. What is the difference, or is there, in the gear oil used in the transmission/transfercase and the differentials?

2. What type of gear oil are you guys using (GL-4, GL-5 SAE 90?)

3. What brand do you recomend?

4. I want the 5 gallon bucket gear oil and pump for easy filling. Where do I find this set-up (keeping in mind specific brands)?

Thanks for the help. I'm sure this will clear a lot of things up for many people.

pall,
ben

 

[HZJ60 Guy]

SYNTHETIC SYNTHETIC SYNTHETIC!

You CANNOT over estimate the superiority of synthetic gear oils!


Amsoil 75-90 synthetic gear oil ROCKS!

Other than that Mobil one!



TB

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Much depends on the use you plan. I agree that synthetics are better in all circumstances, but if you off-road much and get any water in your gear oil it will hurt to pour out $50 worth of synthetic gear oil. I gave up on synthetics because I was frequently changing gear oils after every run that involved much water. You could make a strong argument to use cheap gear oil like Coastal. In the 5 gal bucket Coastal costs $1 per quart, so dumping your diffs, tranny and transfer doesn't cost much. I have chosen a middle ground and use Chevron Delo Gear ESi 80w-90. It is a conventional oil, but is the only conventional that qualifies for the Rockwell axle 1.5 MILLION mile warranty, which doubles the usual warranty in OTR trucks. It also uses a different chemistry and so doesn't have the strong sulfer smell of most gear oils. When purchased in 5 gallon buckets it costs about $3.50 per quart. Compare that to $7-$10 synthetics and you can see why I use it in all my Cruisers.

I will say the Delo 80w-90 improved the clunky shifting in my SM420 transmission just enough to notice. It has both GL4 and GL5 ratings.

In terms of the bucket pump-I got one at Pep Boys. It's the Lincoln brand of grease gun fame. I've had it 3 years and it works just fine.

 

[cruiser_guy]

Several questions regarding gear oil: (I tried searching for results but could not find what I'm looking for).

1. What is the difference, or is there, in the gear oil used in the transmission/transfercase and the differentials?

All use the same oil.

2. What type of gear oil are you guys using (GL-4, GL-5 SAE 90?)

GL-5 80w-90 synthetic if you're not flooding it with water (runs easier = better mileage but is more prone to leak through worn seals. I've had to replace a few myself but it is worth it.). Mineral base if you're flooding it with water or don't want to replace seals that start leaking.

3. What brand do you recomend?

I run Mobil 1 synthetic.

4. I want the 5 gallon bucket gear oil and pump for easy filling. Where do I find this set-up (keeping in mind specific brands)?

Thanks for the help. I'm sure this will clear a lot of things up for many people.

pall,
ben

The larger buckets are available at many truck stops if the local auto parts dealers don't carry it.

 

[patride71]

yeah same gear oil for all, but make sure you got that pump for it, or it will be an awful stinky and sticky experience....

 

[Matador98]

Since I go through water occasionally, I picked up the 5 gal bucket of 80-90 at walmart. I did some research and it turns out that the wal mar brand (supertech) oils are Pennzoil/Quakerstate so it i isn't completely unknown. 25 bucks, and a 3.99 pump did the whole truck (I also added some Lucas Tranny treatment, really smoothed it out). Seems to be just fine so far. I'll be checking it soon.

 

[lowtideride]

Much depends on the use you plan. I agree that synthetics are better in all circumstances, but if you off-road much and get any water in your gear oil it will hurt to pour out $50 worth of synthetic gear oil. I gave up on synthetics because I was frequently changing gear oils after every run that involved much water. You could make a strong argument to use cheap gear oil like Coastal. In the 5 gal bucket Coastal costs $1 per quart, so dumping your diffs, tranny and transfer doesn't cost much. I have chosen a middle ground and use Chevron Delo Gear ESi 80w-90. It is a conventional oil, but is the only conventional that qualifies for the Rockwell axle 1.5 MILLION mile warranty, which doubles the usual warranty in OTR trucks. It also uses a different chemistry and so doesn't have the strong sulfer smell of most gear oils. When purchased in 5 gallon buckets it costs about $3.50 per quart. Compare that to $7-$10 synthetics and you can see why I use it in all my Cruisers.

I will say the Delo 80w-90 improved the clunky shifting in my SM420 transmission just enough to notice. It has both GL4 and GL5 ratings.

In terms of the bucket pump-I got one at Pep Boys. It's the Lincoln brand of grease gun fame. I've had it 3 years and it works just fine.

What he said.

I've changed gear oil in my truck 6 times in the last 4 months. If you ride trails with water might as well get the 5 gallon of mid grade. Nothin like coming back from the trails to find out your axles look like pea soup.

 

[Benji]

Since I go through water occasionally, I picked up the 5 gal bucket of 80-90 at walmart. I did some research and it turns out that the wal mar brand (supertech) oils are Pennzoil/Quakerstate so it i isn't completely unknown. 25 bucks, and a 3.99 pump did the whole truck (I also added some Lucas Tranny treatment, really smoothed it out). Seems to be just fine so far. I'll be checking it soon.

I saw the Supertech stuff at wal-mart the other day. I might just go for the cheap stuff and change it more often as suggested by many of you.



Does anyone have a picture or link online of the pump for the five gal bucket? I want to make sure I'm buying the right pump.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Landpimp]

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/...tDisplay?storeId=6970&productId=13350&R=13350

pretty sure its the same one I have, got mine at the local commercial fuel/oil place.

 

[BigRed87]

What, nobody runs Royal Purple gear oil, it is supposed to be the only one that is impervious to water (doesn't screw it up). I just rebuilt the knuckles on mine, so I am going to change it a few times with the cheaper stuff to clean it out before I put in the Royal Purple.

There aren't too many water crossings in Lubbock, TX. Avg rainfall is about 20" per year.

Ironically as I am writing that it is raining and has been for the last three days.

 

[Benji]

Thanks for the picture Landpimp. That makes a lot of sense.

I know now I am going with the bucket pump.

Cheers.

ben

 

[HZJ60 Guy]

What, nobody runs Royal Purple gear oil, it is supposed to be the only one that is impervious to water (doesn't screw it up). I just rebuilt the knuckles on mine, so I am going to change it a few times with the cheaper stuff to clean it out before I put in the Royal Purple.

There aren't too many water crossings in Lubbock, TX. Avg rainfall is about 20" per year.

Ironically as I am writing that it is raining and has been for the last three days.

Ive used Royal Purple before. It definitely is good stuff. But let's face it, no gear oil is safe with water in it.

I became a preffered customer with Amsoil and get a better deal buying over the internet.



TB

 

[polarweasel]

25 bucks, and a 3.99 pump did the whole truck

And is this $3.99 pump similar to the one Landpimp posted, or is it something else entirely? I'm guessing for $4 vs $20-30, there's gotta be a difference...

 

[NocalFJ60]

Why not spend a couple of bucks and extend the breather lines for both diffs and run some good oil. I was planning on running Red Line in my rear with my ARB locker. I have heard nothing but good things about Red Line.

http://www.redlineoil.com/products_gearlubricants.asp?subcatID=20&prodID=60

Is the main source of water getting in the diffs, come through the breather vent line? I recently rebuilt both axles and with new oil seals, gaskets for 3rd member & cover, and extended lines it should not leak at all.

 

[Benji]

And is this $3.99 pump similar to the one Landpimp posted, or is it something else entirely? I'm guessing for $4 vs $20-30, there's gotta be a difference...

After looking and calling around I decided to order the Zee Line pump Landpimp posted. It was ~$40 after shipping. Napa wanted $65 for theirs and the northern tools brand wanted $10 less than the Zee Line. I called the tech people and they suggested spending the extra 10 bucks for the better quality Zee Line. Besides it was the only pump I could find with a one year warranty. The Napa pump had a 5ft hose instead of 4ft (zee line) but I didn't want to spend that much extra money.

I saw a lot of manual style pumps on the web today, but none seem as efficient and easy to use. I would rather buy something once and use it for a very long time and with satisfaction.

It's gonna save a lot of time and money for sure. Changing the diff, trans, and transf fluid at a lube place is rape!

 

[patride71]

Since I go through water occasionally, I picked up the 5 gal bucket of 80-90 at walmart. I did some research and it turns out that the wal mar brand (supertech) oils are Pennzoil/Quakerstate so it i isn't completely unknown. 25 bucks, and a 3.99 pump did the whole truck (I also added some Lucas Tranny treatment, really smoothed it out). Seems to be just fine so far. I'll be checking it soon.

i used the wal mart brand too and don't have any complaints.....yet.

 

[Zack1978]

Ive used Royal Purple before. It definitely is good stuff. But let's face it, no gear oil is safe with water in it.

I became a preffered customer with Amsoil and get a better deal buying over the internet.



TB

Well I had to change all the gear oils in my Honda ATV and I called the Amsoil tech line ,and they told me that since an ATV sees much in the way of water crossing, use their Marine Gear oil, which is the same as regular gear oil except that it can deal with up to 10% of water mixed in. So for a truck that sees water crossing, it might be worth a look.

Zack

 

[flowman]

Why not spend a couple of bucks and extend the breather lines for both diffs and run some good oil. I was planning on running Red Line in my rear with my ARB locker. I have heard nothing but good things about Red Line.

http://www.redlineoil.com/products_gearlubricants.asp?subcatID=20&prodID=60

Is the main source of water getting in the diffs, come through the breather vent line? I recently rebuilt both axles and with new oil seals, gaskets for 3rd member & cover, and extended lines it should not leak at all.

2x for red line, but I haven't had a chance to spend much time in water. (Haven't a chance to spend much time in the cruisers!) It's pricey!

 

[D'Animal]

I use GL-4 since that is what is recommended. Someone here on MUD said GL-5 was too slippery for the transmision.

I bought a 5 gallon bucket of it. The oil company I bought it at sent me to Wal Mart for the pump.

 

[Zack1978]

The GL5 V. GL4 debate is raging on the air-cooled VW forum at the moment. IIRC in our FJ60's use the GL4 in the transmission and transfer case, and the GL5 in both the front and rear diff's. The problem with GL5 in the trans+transfer is that it COULD destroy some "yellow metals" inside each box. For the diff's it is fine to go with GL5.

However some guys on the VW forum claim that all new GL5's also meet GL4 specs and any new GL5 will not destroy a trans, is that true? If the book tells me GL4, that what I will do!

The problem is that it is difficult to find any GL4 in an auto parts store, as usually all they have is GL5. To the best of my knowledge the only two comp that make a dedicated GL4 spec oil are Amsoil and Red Line. I run Amsoil in all of my junk, and I stick with the GL4 in the transmissions.

Zack