I've read the break in on various threads but can't seem to find it now.
Thanks....
Thanks....
re-gearing, what's the recommended break in (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter Blasst
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500 miles on fresh gears. First take it for a short drive, around twenty minutes or so to let the system warm up then shut it down and let it cool off. My shop said they did this twice. Then No towing, or drag racing. Just take it easy and try to stay in the slow lane if you take the interstate to work. my shop advised staying @ 55 mph or under for the first 500 miles. Once you hit the 500 mile mark take it back to the shop that did the install, they'll change your diff fluids, check the fluid for metal particulates and either give you a clean bill of health or try to figure out whats going wrong. I took it easy for another 400-500 miles after my initial 500 mile mark just because. PM @Taco2Cruiser for a more in-depth technical explanation. I should add my daily commute is around 25 miles collectively.
Last edited:
Cruiserdrew
On the way there
My conservative break in procedure: (AutoZone 80W-90 in 5 gallon pail-cheap and suitable)
Drive under 5 miles of normal city low speed traffic and park.
Then normal city traffic, short trips and no freeway for 100 miles. On (light)and off throttle as much as possible
At 100 miles, drain and fill diff oil-looking for problems-metal, dark oil etc.
Drive another 400 miles of mixed traffic, with no long freeway over 20 miles.
After 500 total, swap to the good gear oil and consider the break in done.
Drive under 5 miles of normal city low speed traffic and park.
Then normal city traffic, short trips and no freeway for 100 miles. On (light)and off throttle as much as possible
At 100 miles, drain and fill diff oil-looking for problems-metal, dark oil etc.
Drive another 400 miles of mixed traffic, with no long freeway over 20 miles.
After 500 total, swap to the good gear oil and consider the break in done.
I did basically what @willybeamin described with my new LC, though that isn't Mr. T's reccomended approach. All short trips for 500 miles then changed front and rear diff fluids. Probably being overly cautious, but the only thing that gets hurt is my wallet.
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Ok.....thanks guys. I vaguely remembered all that but couldn't remember how many miles till it is good to go. ( if the fluid change looks ok)
That's cool. 500 miles isn't too bad.
That's cool. 500 miles isn't too bad.
It seems as though it takes 4eva to hit 500 miles
How would one manage a proper break in if the shop doing the install is a couple hours away via interstate?
turbo8
Supporting Vendor
Look into having the gears REM processed. Then you won't need to break them in.
I think I’m too late for that, I have new diffs already built and ready for installation.
I drive mine home yesterday, 80 miles from where I had them done. I took back roads. And drove as per normal break in procedures, stopping every bit to let the diff cool. Just try not to grt over 50-55 mph. There are a few good articles on it online. It took me 4 hours to get 80 miles...
I had my gears treated and cryo'd. My infrared temp gun did not show anything over 225F on either diff in the pinion area
I gotta make it from one side of Atlanta to the other and then another 60 miles north… this is going to be an interesting drive. Honestly, I may have it trailered just to be safe and protect that investment in gears.
If you're able to navigate home off the main roads, it might be a nice drive. Theu need to be broken in anyway.
Not sure what the landscape and access are like down in that area.Camotubebender
SILVER Star
It would be a nightmare of stop and go red light infested divided highways through both street walker trap areas and bougie country club areas, neither of which are things I care to partake of.If you're able to navigate home off the main roads, it might be a nice drive. Theu need to be broken in anyway.
thanks for sharing, this seems to be the consensus of what I’ve been reading. Easily doable once I am near my home… transport is looking like the best move here.
For anyone looking for this information in the future, these are the exact break‑in instructions I received from Cruiser Outfitters when I ordered my lockers.
Cruiser Outfitters sold me these diffs so this is exactly the instructions I want to follow. This will be easy once I get the thing home. We live in the county and I can drive it in the morning and after lunch and get the perfect break in.
I might as well drop some eye candy while we’re discussing these things.
